RECENT POSTS
- White House Study Looks at Job Creation in Illinois if Gitmo Prisoners Transferred There
- President Obama: Asia Trip Helped Usher in a New Era of American Engagement
- Secretary Sebelius Celebrates the Tenth Anniversary of National Adoption Day
- Organizing for America Targets Sarah Palin
- Obama Administration Starts to Publicly Raise Issue of Detained US Citizen Xue Feng
- President Obama Gives Interview (of Sorts) to Dissident Cuban Blogger
- "You Guys Make a Pretty Good Photo Op," President Obama Jokes to Troops at Osan Air Base
- Did the Chinese Government Crack Down on an Obama Interview?
- Our Trip to the DMZ
- President Obama Greets U.S. Troops in South Korea, Wraps Up Week in Asia
MONTHLY ARCHIVES
« Previous | Main | Next »
Rick Warren Takes On His Critics: "I'm a Big Target"
August 15, 2008 8:03 AM
In another part of our interview with best-selling author and pastor Rick Warren, I asked him about some of the controversies surrounding his church.
I asked him, for instance, about the criticism that he offers a sort of glib, new age Christianity. Rev. Bob DeWaay, author of a book criticizing Warren’s approach, says “the Bible’s theme is about redemption and atonement, not finding meaning and solving problems.” How does he respond to the charge that he offers a shallow 40-day approach to Christianity?
"I flatly deny it," Warren says. "The average message I teach on a weekend contains fourteen passages of scripture. I am a multi-generation pastor which many of these critics don't. I am a Bible scholar. I've had six years of Greek and Hebrew. They don’t know what they’re talking about. And what happens is you often get pigeon-holed because if a church is large then people tend to think it’s shallow and that’s not true. All large churches are not alike. All mega-churches are not alike."
“The truth is there’s a lot of people who don’t know what’s going on and they read second- and third- and fourth-hand reports which are incorrect,” Warren says. “There have been things written for instance, ‘Oh Rick Warren, the Hawaiian-shirted pastor.’ I haven’t worn a Hawaiian shirt in two years but that’s still being reported around the nation.”
Continued Warren, “there are all kinds of caricatures. I’m criticized by people who are either ignorant or they’re jealous. And the fact is were seeing God make a difference in individual lives, thousands and thousands of lives. I started this church with one person, my wife. Today there over a 100,000 names on our church roll. It’s the size of a city. We’re a really big target. And when you get invited to do an interview like this of course that creates all kinds of people who want to criticize you and when you’re trying to promote the common good and when you’re trying to promote civility there are a lot of people who have a stake in being uncivil. They make their living polarizing and so if I were simply just the left than the right would criticize me. And if I were just the right than the left would criticize me but I’m trying to stake out a common middle ground here so I get it from both sides and that’s the price of impact.”
There have also been reports of other churches trying to follow Warren’s example and create “Purpose Driven” and Saddleback-esque churches but losing parishioners.
“I would like to disavow a lot of the things that are done in the name of ‘Purpose Driven’ or done in the name of Saddleback, because I’m not responsible for everybody else’s church,” Warren said. “And some guys are just poor leaders. And they do things and say “we’re doing it like Saddleback,” but really, I would disavow what they’re doing”
That said, Warren continued, “for every example of negativity I could give you a hundred positivity. We’ve trained now almost 500,000 church leaders around the world in 162 countries. I’ve been training leaders for twenty-eight years, business leaders, government leaders, church leaders. In a couple weeks I’m going to the nation of Kenya where I’ve been invited to give an all day seminar on leadership to the entire parliament,…we just finished a thirty day tour of Latin America.”
“I’m a big target,” Warren said, “It doesn’t bother me. It’s like…during the Civil War the guy who wore the Union blue top and the Confederate blue bottom and he got shot at from both sides. That’s just part of trying to be a bridge builder, a moderator, a voice of civility. Our civilization is becoming increasingly uncivil. We’re becoming ruder. Were not getting nicer to each other were getting ruder. And some how we have to figure out as the world becomes more pluralistic -- to quote that great theologian Rodney King, ‘Can’t we all just get along?’ We don’t have to agree. We don’t have to compromise our beliefs. We don’t have to water down our convictions but we do have to be civil. And why do I believe that? Because Jesus said love your neighbor as yourself, in fact he said love your enemies. So I am commanded to love people that I disagree with.”
“It’s not easy to be criticized,” I said to him.
“Nobody likes to be criticized,” Warren said.
“And it seems like it might bother you a little bit,” I said. “You are a huge success and your good works are undeniable and I’m not trying to take away from that. But I sense in this interview that these people get under your skin a little bit.”
Said Warren, “people get under my skin for about five seconds. I consider both praise and criticism, it’s kind of like chewing gum. You chew on it for a little while but you don’t swallow because ultimately I’m living for Jesus Christ. That’s my goal. And my philosophy when criticism comes at me, if it’s true: listen and learn from it. If it’s untrue ignore it and forget it.”
“And ultimately realize God is the judge of your life,” Warren concluded. “Jesus said ‘Beware when all men speak well of you’ and I would point out that Jesus was not criticized by the world he was criticized by the religious leaders and 27:39 the criticism I get is far greater from people who have staked out a very narrow position and want me to kowtow to that position rather than the poor, the sick, the needy, the helpless -- the people Jesus really cared about.”
- jpt
August 15, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (28)
You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.
Great job Rick. Love that you are Twittering as well. If you have not seen or heard Rick speak. Check him out in person before you criticize. He is the real deal and points people to Christ. No doubt.
Posted by: Larry Lundstrom | Sep 29, 2009 12:52:33 AM
i am one of those who is blessed by pst rick. i enjoy reading ur books. keep it up
Posted by: revakin | Sep 25, 2009 5:49:37 AM
First of all Rick Warren I would like to pass on my personal approval to your abrupt , as well too 'a fine tuned' definition of being that of brutally honest!!! Praise God for that....not most leaders come equipped, nor want to be recognized as a "rock the boat kind of guy"....although, I would suggest one thing....just one that I've come to learn real well...and the epitomy of saddness in my heart that lingers...please (just a loving suggestion from Rahab) Never....never use the word "jealous of me" type...It places you into a catelogry of ruthlessness`and the beauty you offer is much more dignified Rick...You'll be in my prayers...Healing for the World my dear~so many lay in the midst of past traumas--It is 'my Hope that you' can somehow correlate Leadership Change desperately needed for the dying PTSD-wounded from 1960's and 1970's so beaten up....Prayers for you....stay strong!
Rahab...
.....remember darling leader change must start with the pharisises for proof.....the proof to lift the darkness away Rick... "from the other rock your boat hystorical Faith worshiper...only
Posted by: Rahab Klingensmith | Sep 15, 2009 5:53:03 PM
I attended Saddleback and worshipped God in both service and small groups..the church was more centered on worship than activity in my experience so I do not believe Saddleback is a new age church...in my previous comment just to clarify i was reffering to Jimmy Sweggert putting his name on the binder of the Bible he sells..what is that about? I've heard parts are a good study guide however one has to avoid the parts that are incorrect...
Posted by: Vickie | Sep 1, 2009 2:59:42 AM
In the last 9 mo.I have only listened to Jimmy Sweggert a few times,twice he was bringing up Rick's ministry and Rick's theology being different than his own...in this area Rick has a better reputation for his theology than does Jimmy Sweggert.I start feeling anger rising toward his negative comments about someone who is a fellow man of God such as himself..JS doesn't think that soldiers should be trained in the purpose driven life approach to theology..I ask you "Who would need a purpose driven life more?" Another was a quote about not knowing the day and time of the 2nd coming..as i understood
I would probably listen to JS on the radio in preference to secular radio stations if JS would stick to teaching about the word and not giving his opinion of other men of God..I'm not interested in who he likes and doesn't like and I think JS is wasting money trying to control the minds and thoughts of listeners..why direct them away from God? Why put your own name on the Bible instead of those who really wrote it...so now I have written abt this recurrent theme that bothers me bec i attended his church and we worshipped one God in service and sm groups..what is wrong with that?
Posted by: Vickie | Sep 1, 2009 2:52:25 AM
I was wondering why Warren didn't ask Obama about this video when he interviewed him and McCain? Obama CLEARLY MOCKS the bible and says Christians don't read it, and says that the Sermon on the Mount is ridiculous?
And then, he gets on TV at Saddleback and claims to be CHRISTIAN? If he is...he surely knows how to make people wonder !!!!! But I pretty much would say NO.....
Perhaps McCain should use this in his ads? Wonder how MANY Christians WOULD STILL vote for him THEN ?
Posted by: Charolette | Oct 15, 2008 3:16:07 AM
For Matt; Yes, I did read the Rick Warren book you mentioned, and studied it in a bible study. Then, I saw him interviewed on TV and realized the man didn't mean a word he wrote. He since has further proved his hypocrisy by political grandstanding for the media. My statement stands. Know him by his fruit,and stop allowing yourself to be manipulated and gullible.
Posted by: dr reality check | Sep 27, 2008 3:36:54 PM
Oh.. and by the way--
how about those 'studied ambiguity' courses? Of course, that's human nature so you don't have to actually study it.
A few English classes might be helpful too. I have a hard time understanding just what he means, since he phrases everything so vaguely as to be appealing to the far left and the far right. (although he seems somewhat *less* concerned about appealing to the far right). yeah yeah I've heard the "I'm for the whole bird" line far too many times too.
Posted by: Paula Coyle | Aug 19, 2008 1:23:27 AM
Wow, I can't believe that DR REALITY CHECK ignorantly called Rick Warren "it's all about me"... Have you read the first sentence of his book Purpose Driven Life? Obviously not, for it says "Life is not about you."
To me, that doesn't sound like a watered down message.
Please don't criticize until you read their material.
Posted by: matt | Aug 18, 2008 1:37:24 PM
M. Desire -
I'm not sure how Warren's apostasy led to a plug for King James Version Onlyism, but you must not be familiar with how Erasmus reverse translated portions of the Latin Vulgate to complete Revelation and other areas so as to more accurately reflect the Latin Vulgate, that Erasmus himself is reported to have been a Roman Catholic to his dying day, that the original King James Version contained the Apocrypha, etc., etc. This is the reason that Christians who disagree with you say that the Bible is without error in the original manuscripts. This does not indicate that the Word is not inerrant nor infallible, but rather takes into account that the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek were inspired by the original authors, not contemporary translations by those forcing their particular translations upon others (such as JW's, Mormons, and sadly, KJV Onlyists). It has become a sad day when a beautiful translation such as the KJV is the basis for cults.
Josh
Posted by: Josh | Aug 18, 2008 3:53:09 AM
Rick "It's all about me" Warren represents only the latest perversion of evangelical republican political control of the country. The people of the country have disgraced themselves for 8 years by ignoring the constitution and letting a corrupt pseudo-religious movement tell them who to vote for president. Time to tax the churches as corrupt political organizations, bring back the separation of church and state, restore Christianity as a spiritual movement and stop using God as an excuse to murder people around the world.
Posted by: Dr. Reality Check | Aug 18, 2008 1:41:53 AM
Rick "It's all about me" Warren represents only the latest perversion of evangelical republican political control of the country. The people of the country have disgraced themselves for 8 years by ignoring the constitution and letting a corrupt pseudo-religious movement tell them who to vote for president. Time to tax the churches as corrupt political organizations, bring back the separation of church and state, restore Christianity as a spiritual movement and stop using God as an excuse to murder people around the world.
Posted by: Dr. Reality Check | Aug 18, 2008 1:40:15 AM
paaaaaaaaaaalease---rickster is trying to do his best but i dont think he gets it----maybe some of his bible is missing---and the same goes for you guys that wrote these comments :)
has anybody heard about the too good to be true good news gospel :)
Posted by: rich r | Aug 17, 2008 2:44:55 AM
The whole world is being positively infuenced by your ministry.
I am one of your readers from very far away, in Burundi, East Africa.
Just keep ahead and don't care much about people's criticisms.Rather mind much about what God is commenting on your ministry.
We pray for you and your church.
Be blessed ,Man of God
Posted by: M.Desire | Aug 16, 2008 2:03:28 AM
Yes indeed, Warren is a trained salesman, but what is worse that he compares one corrupt version of the bible with another to extract aproximate truth, stuff that is taught in bible colleges etc, all over the place. Our Lord says THE WORD THAT I HAVE SPOKEN WILL JUDGE YOU IN THE LAST DAY. All other words will condemn a person. The truth is found only in the RECEIVED TEXT where no Catholic doctrine is found in, and a positive Identification of our LORD'S deity in countless places, no NEW AGE doctrines, and no corruptions of many sorts which is creating all kinds of herecies i.e. denial of penal substitution (that Christ died for our sins) which is covering the world now, because it is not found in most new bibles. This man teachings are corrupt, his message, and all those who follow him.
Posted by: Olaf Raasch | Aug 16, 2008 2:03:16 AM
There is a lot to like about Rick Warren.
He has shown tremendous courage in dealing with haters on both the left and the right.
The mess in Georgia has been a painful reminder that our nation faces very real problems at home and abroad that can't be solved as long as we are a divided nation.
We must learn to speak to one another and work toward the common good.
I'm thankful for Rick. He's not perfect, but God has never had a perfect man or woman to work with. He's works through imperfect people and I'm praying that God will use Rick to lead toward a better and more civil union beginning tomorrow night.
Posted by: brett | Aug 16, 2008 12:14:18 AM
Rick Warren should stick to preaching the gospel and not worry so much about becoming a celebrity. The power is in the gospel, not good deeds.
Posted by: rw | Aug 15, 2008 7:46:12 PM
While I do not agree with many of Warren's beliefs, he does have many great qualities. One of his best qualities is not rejecting Obama because they he does not believe the same on all issues, which is what Jesus taught us.
In addition, Warren does not let the right wing supposedly Christians tell him how he should do things.
We studied "The Purpose Driven Life" in my mainline church. Being raised in a Baptist Church, I could easy see the Baptist theology. While the group studying the book did not agree with many things in the books, there were parts that were very good and the book generated very good discussions.
I also think Warren should acknowledge that abstinences do not work for preventing AIDS or premarital sex; however, he is following his religious beliefs. A large percent of Pastors/Churches belief non-marital sex and homosexuality is wrong according to the Bible.
I believe there is no question that the Bible clearly says adultery is wrong. The issue of non-marital sex and homosexual relationships is far less clear. I had wondered for years how anyone that believed in the compassion of Jesus and a righteous God could believe in the terrible treatment toward homosexuals and transgender people. Why would an all-powerful God allow people to be born as transgender? There is too much scientific evidence that supports that for most people homosexuality is not a choice. I read several good articles from Bible scholars that presented a different thought about homosexuality and transgender people. Much of the information includes analysis of the culture when the Bible was written.
Posted by: Jim | Aug 15, 2008 3:50:41 PM
Warren is one of the good guys. Though I do not agree with his conservative perspective but you have to give the guy credit he does care. I am truly impressed with his work on the world wide AIDS crisis and poverty. He focuses more on the sermon on the mount instead of the fire and brimstone parts of biblical text..
Posted by: Ann | Aug 15, 2008 12:15:51 PM
Run for your life from modern American "christianity"
Posted by: Jim | Aug 15, 2008 10:13:39 AM
Post a comment
