It’s About Time: Rick Warren Makes the Cover
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Mon, August 11, 2008
- Viewed 466
- (31) comments so far
I can honestly say that I’ve never seen anyone work a room like Rick Warren.
Supposedly he reads this blog (at least that’s what an email from his staff said).
And when I met him for the first time in Orlando this year, he greated me with… “Todd Rhoades… long time, no see!” Which I found a little odd. It could only have one of two meanings:
1. He read my name tag and was making small talk; or
2. The first time I didn’t meet him, I must’ve made a great impression!
Regardless, Rick Warren has broken many barriers and introduced much change to the American (and worldwide) church; and has done so, for the most part, very graciously. Whether you’re a Rick fan, or one of his self-proclaimed enemies, you’ll want to read this article.
After you’ve read it… let me know what you think here…
Todd
Have you seen this week's cover of Time Magazine? It's a big mug of Rick Warren, and a full cover story on him. (This will make the watchdoggies go wild as they parse every word for heresy and error)...
Here's one opening paragraph from the article: "If Warren is not quite today's Graham, who presided as "America's pastor" back when the U.S. affected a kind of Protestant civil religion, he is unquestionably the U.S.'s most influential and highest-profile churchman. He is a natural leader, a pathological schmoozer, insatiably curious and often the smartest person in the room. Like Graham, he projects an authenticity that has helped him forge an exquisite set of political connections — in the White House, on both sides of the legislative aisle and abroad. And he is both leading and riding the newest wave of change in the Evangelical community: an expansion beyond social conservatism to causes such as battling poverty, opposing torture and combating global warming. The movement has loosened the hold of religious-right leaders on ordinary Evangelicals and created an opportunity for Warren, who has lent his prominent voice to many of the new concerns. "
Comments
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Kevin Bussey on Mon, August 11, 2008
If Rick does read, I want to tell him God has used him in my life and I’m grateful for that. He actually sent me a hand written note a few years ago. Rick thanks for ignoring those who want to stop God’s work and keep leading people to Christ.
Peter Hamm on Mon, August 11, 2008
Can I add my name to Kevin’s comment? Nope, the man might not be perfect. But an inspiration in a lot of ways no doubt. (So now Ken Silva can add me to the list of heretics who don’t hate Rick Warren’s teaching.)
Fred Johnson on Mon, August 11, 2008
Why do you find the need to take swipes at other people when reporting a story on Rick Warren? Do you think this fosters unity and much needed reconciliation among the body of Christ? Your hypocrisy shows when you continue to use the same methods that the supposed ODMs use.
Why are these comments necessary:
Todd: (This will make the watchdoggies go wild as they parse every word for heresy and error)…
Peter:So now Ken Silva can add me to the list of heretics who don’t hate Rick Warren’s teaching
Are you wanting to pick another fight or stir up another hornet’s nest like the lack of grace displayed on the whole Abanes/Silva discourse.
And dont say, “Well they did it” Rise above it. Stop throwing stones at others. Use kind words and maybe others will take rebuke and reproof in a better light when necessary instead of losing credibility when you take petty shots at others.
Peter Hamm on Mon, August 11, 2008
Fred,
I think those statements that Todd and I made, as acerbic as they may seem, are simply true. I suspect some of those Todd is referring to might actually agree with them as stated. As far as showing grace, I think the amount of grace Todd displays in allowing and encouraging both sides of the debate as he did on that thread you mentioned speaks volumes against those who post “news and comment” and yet allow no forum for debate or indeed correction when details reported are false or misleading.
So, yeah, those comments are necessary, imho.
JOB on Mon, August 11, 2008
In the article Rick Warren said,
““Although public service can be a noble profession, and I believe it is our responsibility to vote, I don’t have much faith in government solutions, given the track record. It’s why I am a pastor, not a politician. None of my values have changed from four years ago, but my agenda has definitely expanded.”
So obviously the best thing to do is host a political debate in church.
Todd Rhoades on Mon, August 11, 2008
Fred,
Just check the recent post here about the discernment websites. Almost 300 comments.
Let’s face it… some folks are making a good amount of publicity by dogging other Christians. If you read through MMI, I think you’ll find that we’re pretty tame here. AND we welcome input from others who don’t agree with us.
And that’s a HUGE difference.
Todd
Peter Hamm on Mon, August 11, 2008
Job,
No contradiction there I see. Rick says he thinks it’s “our responsibility to vote”. So he hosts this event (not an out-and-out debate as it’s been described), makes sense to me.
Tony on Mon, August 11, 2008
Peter,
I have no problem with Rick Warren. The thing that concerns me, is not the forum itself; I’m afraid that this is going to make the smooth-talking B. Hussein Obama, who has no problem with the killing little, unborn babies and same-sex marriage, come off looking good and cast McCain as an out-of-touch, incompassionate, Conservative who “doesn’t have any love”.
CS on Mon, August 11, 2008
In case people don’t subscribe to Time magazine, you can read the article at http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1830147,00.html . I didn’t see a link in Todd’s post, so I thought I’d include it.
I’m reading it now. I’ll chime in later.
—
CS
Leonard on Mon, August 11, 2008
Tony, disagree with him if you want but the name calling is over the line.
BrentH on Mon, August 11, 2008
I liked the article. Presented RW well without pandering.
Tony,
Please stay away from the fear-mongering (using Obama’s middle name to equate him with the “evil” Muslims). It’s not helpful. I wouldn’t say I’m the biggest RW fan, but I have confidence he will be fair to both sides.
Duncan Aker on Mon, August 11, 2008
I submit that in Jesus’ day, there were many ‘religious leaders’ who were exactly that-men who trod the road of religion using it as their platform for self -worship and self-promotion.
Sadly, Rick Warren is just one more Christian individual who smoozes with Satan, thus promoting himself.
Warren seems to be ignorant of the Bible of Jesus, whom he claims to serve:
a.When you bring those individuals who are of Satan’s camp into your own and promote them, such as Warren loves to do. One is effectively working against Jesus Christ and for Satan.
b.When you go abroad and support Mohammedan ideology and personages-which is anti Christ, to say the least, then you are supporting Satan.
c.When you promote your apology to those of Satan(Mohammedans), one is again supporting Satan and condemning God.
Strange, Warren is called intelligent. He claims to be a Christian. However, he is one of the greatest and most clever self promoters in todays world.
Mr. Warren and all that he is has been excommunicated by our church and people.
We will not support those who openly and aggressively support the many causes of Satan.
Dave Greene on Mon, August 11, 2008
To Fred Johnson - read your own post!
Dave Greene on Mon, August 11, 2008
And, Duncan Aker, when you slander a brother in Christ with unsubstantiated and unexplained comments like yours, you place yourself as a judge over them and bring the same condemnation on yourself. That is in the Bible as well. You need to be careful my friend. We will each be held accountable for every word that we speak (and print?)
Dave
Brian L. on Mon, August 11, 2008
I’ve said it before, but here goes…
I find myself increasingly thankful that my name is not Rick Warren or Billy Graham.
Not because I disagree with them (I don’t!), but because I’d get tired very quickly of having a huge target painted on my back, just waiting for other “Christians” to take a shot.
Remember that great song from way back when - “They will know we are Christians by our hateful, mean-spirited attacks on each other, by our hateful, mean-spirited attacks on each other, they will know we are Christians by our hateful, mean-spirited attacks on each other…” (Everybody! They will know….”)
I dare anyone to show me which part of the fruit of the Spirit is displayed in rants against other brothers. Don’t bother - you won’t find it.
Disagree with RW all you want (as if you needed an invitation!), but at least ACT like a grown-up when you talk or write about him, not a whiny child who’s upset because another child has his favorite toy.
Brian L.
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