Posted on 08/16/2008 11:59:35 AM PDT by XR7
LAKE FOREST, Calif. — When John McCain and Barack Obama appear on the same stage today, they will vividly demonstrate the reach that has made the Rev. Rick Warren among the most significant evangelists of his generation.
He's a megastar who leads the nation's fourth-largest church and reaches thousands of ministers through the Internet and crusades against poverty and AIDS. That globe-trotting work and his successful book — "The Purpose-Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?" — puts him at the vanguard of a movement that inspires young, socially conscious Christians.
But his willingness to soft-pedal political issues once central to U.S. evangelicals, such as opposition to abortion, has opened him to criticism that he has strayed from his calling to spread the Gospel.
Today's forum also is a sign of religion's importance in the 2008 presidential campaign, and the emergence of a new style of evangelical leadership on the national stage that is not tied to a single party and has broadened its social agenda beyond that of the religious right.
"This is absolutely a changing of the guard, and it suggests that the new guard of the evangelical movement is able to generate the attention and focus of both parties," said D. Michael Lindsay, a sociologist at Rice University and author of "Faith in the Halls of Power: How Evangelicals Joined the American Elite."
Warren personally invited the two candidates — "friends of mine" — via their cellphones. His event at the Saddleback Church will be broadcast live on CNN and Fox News Channel and streamed on the Web. It has among its aims "helping the church regain credibility and encouraging our society to return to civility," he said.
It's likely that fans and critics will be watching closely...
(Excerpt) Read more at seattletimes.nwsource.com ...
January 20, 2005...
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Washington rector to give invocation at Bush inauguration
The Rev. Dr. Luis León, rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., will deliver the invocation for the inauguration of President George W. Bush, which will begin at 12 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 20, at the U.S. Capitol.
As part of the day’s celebrations, a service will be held at St. John’s Church, Lafayette Square, from 9 - 10 a.m.
Well, he wasn’t memorable :)
Wimpy...
That may be good as the last thing I want to see are the showmen - shysters who dominate
I believe McCain’s handlers have led him into a crossfire that will have enormous consequences, in a negative way.
I will monitor this, and from what I am seeing, this will be a bullfight... with McCain being the bull.
Whoops, The Spirit Of Allegiance’s call for prayer for our nation.
McCain will do well, Obama..uh um I am not uh sure how he uh uh will do.
Actually cross your fingies toesies and hold on tight...
Good may come out of this...
Obama has to answer something...
And McCain might look good tonight...
:
McCain actually agreed to be a part of this ambush.
.
McCain has faced the difficult crowds, while Obama is too chicken to go on Fox News
McCain +3
Obama -1
Supposedly the candidates will not know what Rick Warren will ask in advance, YEAH RIIIIIGHT
I’d rather watch Michael Phelps.
Rick Warren has endorse Obamessiah. Rick Warren is somewhat pro-choice on abortion and for embryonic exploitation for stem cells. Rick Warren is about Rick Warren. While he’s promoting himself and his new age ‘religion’, he will take a momnet ot screwer McCain and conservatism in general. This whole charade is designed to give Obama a measure of ‘religious cred’ ... sickening how satan saunters about in AMerica now. Man-bear-pigwarren is doing Obama and the DNC a favor, and he will expect something in return.
I’m praying your right...
However, we know RW is in the bag with the obamanation. It’s pretty clear RW will make sure the messiah gets the questions long before the event.
I have no trust at all in the flim flam man (RW), and dang sure don’t trust the “O”!
Here’s hoping for the best.
Well, Warren is being exposed as a charlatan...
For Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (... and not unborn/born-alive infants).
Warren jumped on the torture bandwagon just in time for the '06 mid-term elections.
Turned on the TV and Andrea was pre-questioning Rick Warren...
When asked about his strong stand in 2004 against abortion and gay rights, he weaseled/waffled out of it saying 'it's not about me or my beliefs'....that these two candidates are his friends!
THAT SAYS IT ALL!
Sorry all....won't be able to stomach Warren's little soapbox afterall.
He's not going to hold their feet to the fire.
Warren's 15 minutes is waaay too long.
place mark
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