Agreed with your whole post.
It's a little strange because I can't recall ever running into a "praying pharisee" type of Christian (one would think I'd recognize the behavior if I had!). Perhaps I'm simply blessed to be part of such a sincere and loving church family.
I also don't see Warren as misguided. I'm really appreciating reading his book. Right now I'm working through the part that discusses service and missions, something I really need to be challenged with..
I've about gotten to the place but not totally
where lack of servant-hearted-sacrificial service
--especially to at least some who have no chance to repay--
is a glaring sign to me that maybe the Christianity is horribly weak and ineffectual if not nonexistent.
I've, sadly, ran into plenty of the praying pharisee types. Not that I was that touched by their prayers but they felt their prayers were lofty and wonderful. Doubtful God did. Kind of like the prayers of the whitewashed sepulchers of Jesus' earthly days.
Jackie Pullilnger--who went to Hong Kong as a 19 year old from Britain to minister to the Chinese in the Walled city--no-man's lawless place . . . without Mission support etc. ended up with an incredibly powerful ministry still going on . . . often is asked if folks can come and help her out.
She's about as inclined as not or even more so--to encourage folks to reach out to the poor and others needy in their own neighborhoods and sphere's of influence. Worthy advice, imho.
Some of us do feel called to foreign lands. But I am skeptical how much good many are going to be if they manage to get there--if they have no heart for those nearby.
A heart for God and a heart for the hurting and needy tends to reach out wherever such are.
Blessings for your wise comments.