I recently heard some studies on the Modern Church which had some interesting linkage on the ideas espoused by Rick Warren. Here are a few of the names associated with his ideas which evolved from one stage to another, but they all are based on some bad doctrine.
The origins of those ideas aren’t new. Thay may be traced at least back to Phineas Parkhust Quimby’s New Thought which taught an occultic spiritism and mesmerism, leading to influence Charles Fillmore and Mary Baker Glover Parker Eddy(add a few more names if one likes) and the formation of Christian Science.
EW Kenyan thought Christian Science didn’t have enough of Christ’s blood in it, so he took it and added a number of Scripture verses to it to form the faith movement.
Norman Vincent Peale (a 33rd degree mason) who received some of his inspiration while visiting a Shinto Shrine, developed false doctrines which were picked up by Robert Schuler.
Robert Schuler a decade or so ago commented on a Larry King interview that he had been mentoring Rick Warren. This was just after Schuler had been promoting his ‘New Reformation’, attempting to preach the gospel without any reference to sin or atonement, so as not to offend the self esteem of listeners. Schuler sent a copy of his book to every pastor in America to promote his ‘New Reformation’. Warren followed Schuler’s lead with his Purpose-Driven Life message.
All of these movements link a way to God other than through Christ and emphasize an ability to create reality from our thinking or words independent of Christ.
IMHO, the entire Warren/Obama affair smacks of masonic ties and attempts to manipulate worldly power structures. If they turn around and perform through faith alone in Christ alone, there’s no problem, only blessings in store for them. If they seek any other path, they just manifest for all history the foolishness of those who rebel from His plan.
Interesting post. I am familiar with some of the people named and the notion of ‘winning friends and influencing people’. The mixing of ideas to present a religion as popular and enticing does not surprise me.