Open Letter to Rick Warren- ie Islamic Speech

Worldview Times ^ | 7/6/2009 | Jan Markell

[TheBattman]

Has Rick decided to sacrifice Biblical Truth and to compromise the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the name of growing his popularity? Is he angling for some yet unidentified position? Could he really be looking towards supporting a one-world religion?

This man truly bothers me. Regardless of his position at Saddleback, if he is truly a Christian, then why does he so freely and willingly compromise the Gospel? He has had numerous opportunities to stand for Christ over the last few years in the media and in his own statements - and has chosen nearly every time to hide or water-down the truth of Jesus Christ.

[Magnum44]

Rick, nor you, nor I, are responsible for other peoples relationship with God.

I dont see anything in here that Rick said that is a compromise. I see the author interpreting it as such. This is the authors opinion.

This is just another hit piece, regardless of your personal opinion of Mr Warren.

[gimme1ibertee]

He’s an 0bama conservative as well as an 0bama Christian.

[gimme1ibertee]

BTW..flame on if you wish...I have asbestos underwear on,so go for it.

[Sir Clancelot]

I fear he is spending a lot of time working on social issues at the expense of issues of the faith. Disappointing.

I happened to be staying at one of the hotels which hosted the ISNA in DC this past weekend. Interesting to read some of the slogans attendees were wearing on their shirts.

[TheBattman]

Except that the reported statements of Mr. Warren seem to match up with previous actions and statements by Mr. Warren.

I have repeatedly heard him in public forums shy away from agreeing that Jesus Christ was the ONLY way to the Father/Heaven.

He has disavowed support for Prop. 8 in California
Right in the first paragraph of the letter I posted - Mr. Warren “envisions a coalition of faith”...

Or this:

“Joseph Farah says, “Suffice it to say the ISNA is no friend of Christianity or America.” Yet in 2007, Rick Warren was one of many “evangelical leaders” who signed a document begging forgiveness from Muslims for all the evil deeds perpetrated against them by Christians. What evil deeds have true Christians committed against Muslims? Now, Pastor Warren, you’ve gone beyond pandering and are sounding like a fool along with all others who signed that document.”

This was an “open letter” that addresses a real pattern of behavior and denial on the part of Rick Warren. A pattern that has been growing and developing for some time now.

No, I am not responsible, directly, for anyone’s relationship with God. But I am responsible to God Almighty to follow HIS Word and commission - to preach the Gospel to all. Rick Warren, as an ordained minister of the Word is called out (if indeed he is truly called) to do the same - with a special level of responsibility.

There is but one solution to what ails the world - and it isn’t a cooperative relationship with Islam. The solution is Jesus Christ.

From appearances, Rick Warren’s purpose is about self-glorification.

[TheBattman]

Interesting to read some of the slogans attendees were wearing on their shirts.

Care to share?

[TheBattman]

This is just another hit piece, regardless of your personal opinion of Mr Warren.

Do you know who Jan Markell is? Usually when a "hit piece" is penned, it is with a particular axe to grind - personal or business/financial.

What does Markell have to gain by a "hit piece" on Rick Warren? Markell is a conservative Christian writer/columnist who is heavily burdened for the Truth of Jesus Christ.

[eleni121]

Rick Warren’s purpose is about self-glorification

---

Yup. Another one bites the dust of this world.

[gimme1ibertee]

I fear he is spending a lot of time working on social issues at the expense of issues of the faith. Disappointing.

Seems like he was a lot more humble and a lot less "purpose-driven" before his book hit the big time.It is indeed disappointing.
Like Ronald Reagan,when the great Billy Graham was crafted by our Lord,the mold was broken.(By saying that, what I mean is,is that those with strong principles and moral compass rarely stray from it,regardless of modern trends and social issues-they lead with their heart,their courage and their convictions).
I would never,ever pretend to know what our God was thinking,but i'd venture a guess and say the Lord wanted us to pay heed and follow His Word while we still could,and we should know that spiritual guidance isn't for the easily swayed or the fickle of heart and mind.
Pastor Warren needs to go back and read a lot more of the Book he carries so proudly but is just beginning to be educated by.

[SoConPubbie]

This is just another hit piece, regardless of your personal opinion of Mr Warren.

Sorry, but I disagree.

If Rick Warren is truly a man called to preach the gospel of Christ, his first, and only mission, is the salvation of souls, not getting along with people.

Since Rick did not Preach Christ crucified and their need to repent and believe the Gospel, he is remiss and did not fulfill his commission as a preacher.

Christianity is not about "Can't we all get along", instead, Christ stated that:

51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

[SoConPubbie]

Luke 12: 51-53

[militant2]

Beware of false prophets! Wright is wrong.....

Militant

[militant2]

.....make that “Warren is wrong!”

Getting my false prophets mixed up!

Militant

[j_k_l]

Rick Warren’s purpose is about self-glorification.

Well most pastors are. The church builds them a stage and a pulpit to stand behind with a crowd to sit at their feet. This is a far cry from the New Testament church. These pagan rituals that infiltrated the church have created megalomaniacs.

[Magnum44]

Its easy to criticize others. I dont know RW. I have read two of his books. He introduces people to Christ. Its up to people to drink the water or not. I think he believes he is following the example. Its not up to me to judge his motives. Posters on this thread should know that. I see few people who come close to making the impact that he has.

There are way too many other flawed people in this world doing real damage. Seems like there are axes grinding here, either intentionally or unintentionally.

[napscoordinator]

You know it is interesting that you mention Billy Graham. I think that we need to add him to our group of greats...Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul II, Margaret Thatcher and Billy Graham. I think we miss him in our mentioning the greats of the 80’s.

[TheBattman]

Well most pastors are.

I take exception at that statement, bordering on being offended.

You lump pastors into one group. I will not deny that there are preachers/pastors who are in it for the glory - a FAR cry from the Biblical roll of the pastor. Then again, many "churches" have ventured very far from what the New Testament paints as "the church" (which, according to scripture, is a local body of baptized believers).

And any congregation that "sits at the feet" of a pastor, if I am reading your meaning, is mislead at best.

Preaching, with the preacher standing in a "higher place" was common in the early churches - out of necessity as much as anything - so that people could see and hear. If I, as a pastor, stand on the platform/stage/etc., behind a podium for anything but bringing the Word of God, expounding and "rightly-dividing" the Word of God - then I am doing a disservice to my position.

I approach the "pulpit" with overwhelming humility because I understand the gravity and responsibility of what I am there to do - and that I am ultimately not accountable to man, but to God.

Pastors are to shepherd by not only words, but by example. If I were to go into a public forum and deny that Christ is the ONLY way, then I have abandoned the Gospel.

[Sir Clancelot]

One had Arabic writing with the translation (I presume) which said “We will not be quiet”. I would have asked but had my small kids with me and didn’t want to get into some heated diatribe on the elevator.

[j_k_l]

"Preaching, with the preacher standing in a "higher place" was common in the early churches"

Nope. This was brought into fashion by the Greeks. They did this in their temples so the Greek Christians adopted it. It is pagan in it's origin. The pastor as an orator is also pagan.

In the early church, they would read the scriptures and discuss them, sing songs from them and pray. They would do this in their homes for the most part.