Rick Warren Sets the Record Straight

Gr8tgary38 »

Fri Jan 02, 2009 10:01 am Agree: 3   Disagree: 1

If God is opposed to any relationships outside of the male-female relationships, and this nation was inspired by the truths of the bible as so many times through history it has been told, then each believer in Christ should oppose same-sex unions and the bible is the foundation of that opposition.

Prophet »

Tue Dec 30, 2008 1:56 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 2

believer,
I also do not condone homosexuality, but I also do not think it should be illegal. I have never said it should be illegal, and I don't think I've heard any other Christian say it should be. But I don't believe that gay marriages should be allowed. If you want to promote domestic partnership benefits, we need to make sure that those benefits extend to heteros as well.

believer »

Tue Dec 30, 2008 8:47 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

As far as Rick Warren being in favor of homosexual partnerships. After reading the article he may have been better off initially saying that even though I believe homosexual partnerships violate the Word of God I don't believe they should be illegal and at the same time same-sex marriages should not be legal. And although this article clearly explains his view on this, his initial statement inadvertently led people to believe he was in favor of homosexual partnerships which he is not.

Daniel Paul »

Sun Dec 28, 2008 9:23 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

As I've posted on another thread there is a big difference between 'emergent' theology and 'emerging' theology.

Churches like Saddleback are emerging in nature. It is where we try to bring true Christianity into view outside the Church building. Jesus seemed to teach everywhere He went. Sometimes formally and sometimes one on one. Being holy holy on Sunday and holy terror the rest of the week just doesn't cut it. Being a Christian is a life-style of caring for others as Jesus did.

Why aren't people like Rick opposed to gays having their partnerships? Simple, you cannot expect sinners to act like saints. Repentance and obedience to the Word is required. An acceptance that the Bible is to be accepted and obeyed as written in required. It's tough enough to get the saints to act like saints!

Today's church has become about cleaning the outside of the cup and hiding the inside. Jesus was never about hiding what you are doing like the Pharasis did but rather facing your sins (whatever those may be), repenting and becoming the person Jesus died for you to be.

This is why the concept of the Purpose Driven Life came to be. Be driven by the purpose which God created for you and not by your desires, lusts or even your own choice of what is right and wrong. The PDL surrenders itself to God and is led by His Spirit.

Now, with that said, I'm not really fond of Ricks writing style. I've been a Christian for 35+ years and I find it way too milky. Guess what...he didn't write the book for people like me. The book was written for people at the beginning of the journey.

Daniel Paul »

Sun Dec 28, 2008 9:11 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

In the words of "Reading Rainbow" (a childrens reading program) "...but don't take my word for it."

Go to http://www.saddleback.com/flash/believe.html to find out exactly what Rick does believe and teach. At this link you will find the short version with a link down the page to the long haired version.

ComeLordJesus »

Sun Dec 28, 2008 12:36 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

DP: you prove my point, or maybe miss my point, but I'm not surprised.

Daniel Paul »

Sun Dec 28, 2008 11:04 am Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

"(to prove others right or wrong)"

Jesus is right and anything else is wrong. How simple can you get.

ComeLordJesus »

Sun Dec 28, 2008 9:09 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

Rick Warren's writings and ministries has never sat right with my spirit. When all the rave was going on about purpose driven life, I honestly tried to read it and like it, same thing with celebrate recovery. I am in the recovery ministry but we don't use Rick's material. Listen, we are in the beginning of the end here. When we, as believers, study the Word, it should not be for the purpose of gratifying our own self-seeking motives (to prove others right or wrong) it is to move towards Truth closer every day. IF what is going on around you doesn't feel right in your spirit, it probably isn't so go to the Word. We are supposed to be Lights to a dark world. Jesus said he brings a Sword, not peace. Be careful, be very careful. This thing with Rick Warren and Obama does not surprise me at all. Peace peace. It's not real. Open your eyes wide, study the Word, the harvest is plentiful, believe me, there are so many people really searching, let's not be guilty of giving them a false gospel as Rick Warren has done. I'm not his judge or judging him. Only God does that. I am speaking the truth. You can bash me for it, true believers are going to be really getting bashed and called all kinds of things in these times. Didn't Jesus warn us of this? We need to find each other.

jester in the Kings court »

Sun Dec 28, 2008 12:12 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20081227/top-10-most-popular-news-of-2008.htm

jester in the Kings court »

Sat Dec 27, 2008 11:08 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

"You had mentioned on another thread (comment now deleted) that you were a president, or something, of an optimists club.."

i'm the president of an optimist club! actually, i'm the only member too. but i just KNOW that there are going to be more people who become members. im positive about that.

believer »

Sat Dec 27, 2008 2:54 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

did, are you quoting him from another site because I can't find that quote on this one?

didymus »

Fri Dec 26, 2008 11:18 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

Nope, believer, I am quoting weekenderman.

believer »

Fri Dec 26, 2008 9:49 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

did, I think you may have credited weekender with a post from evanjello.

didymus »

Fri Dec 26, 2008 7:13 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 1

weekenderman said, "True Christians will recognize Rick Warren for the [sinner] that he is and just love him anyway." -- obviously written by someone who has no idea what a true (Bible-believing) Christian is."

Wow, dude, where's the love? You had mentioned on another thread (comment now deleted) that you were a president, or something, of an optimists club (right?), was there anyone else in that club? If there were other members, did you like any of them? Any of them that weren't Republican? Did any of them stick around after you were elected president?

weekenderman »

Fri Dec 26, 2008 6:18 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 2

"True Christians will recognize Rick Warren for the homophobic, right-wing-pandering, money-grubbing, power-hungry, anti-science, blaspheming freak that he is and just love him anyway."

-- obviously written by someone who has no idea what a true (Bible-believing) Christian is.

Daniel Paul »

Fri Dec 26, 2008 12:49 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

"True Christians will recognize Rick Warren for the homophobic, right-wing-pandering, money-grubbing, power-hungry, anti-science, blaspheming freak that he is and just love him anyway."

Wow! There must be two Rick Warrens. That's been the problem! The Rick Warren from Saddleback is way different from that. Where's your Rick Warren from?

wrhalver »

Fri Dec 26, 2008 11:34 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 2

"True Christians will recognize Rick Warren for the homophobic, right-wing-pandering, money-grubbing, power-hungry, anti-science, blaspheming freak that he is and just love him anyway. :)"

I think Christ demonstrated the same kind of love when He was being crucified on the cross. We'll get to more of that as we approach Easter.

didymus »

Fri Dec 26, 2008 12:01 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 1

Amen, evanjello, Amen. Right on.

evanjello »

Thu Dec 25, 2008 11:57 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 4

True Christians will recognize Rick Warren for the homophobic, right-wing-pandering, money-grubbing, power-hungry, anti-science, blaspheming freak that he is and just love him anyway. :)

tpique1 »

Thu Dec 25, 2008 7:43 pm Agree: 3   Disagree: 1

Jesus was a rabbi. They didn't have a problem with His miracles or the fact that He claimed to be a prophet. It wasn't until He started doing miracles on the Sabbath and claiming to be the Son of God that they began to attack Him. Besides religious reasons, there were political reasons to stand in His way. They were afraid of Roman retaliation if Jesus were to be hailed king by the people.

Jesus Himself said, "I did NOT COME to UPROOT the law, but to fulfill it." He also said that He didn't come to judge (although one day He will return to do just that).

When Jesus spoke of judging others He said that before a person judges, he should first get himself right. The inference is that if you are right with God, walking holy before God and are led by the Spirit, your judgment will be "righteous judgment". We make judgments everyday as to what is right and wrong; godly and ungodly. Do you really have to wonder if a person committing adultery is sinning or not? That person is judged already by the Word of God. Thou shalt not...

AS for Mr Warren. He is a man pleaser. Man pleasers always try to make everybody happy. The point I tried to make before still stands. If anyone, Warren or any other preacher preaches any gospel except that which Paul preached let him be accursed.

That Gospel spoke of sin, righteousness and judgment to come. If that is too harsh and "fire and brimstone-ish", then eliminate Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, John the Baptist, Jesus, all the Apostles, John wesley, DL Moody, Charles Spurgeon and the like from your list, because that's what they preached.

Daniel Paul »

Thu Dec 25, 2008 11:48 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

"Jesus didn't just "hang out" with sinners. You make it sound like Jesus was just some rabble that was "anti-establishment". "

Actually, to the religious leaders he was "some rabble". They were always questioning Him and saying things about who he hung out with and what He did. The Gospels are full of examples from the disciples eating wheat from the stalks on the sabboth to the harlot crying on His feet.

For Jesus to publically call them "son's of hell" and all the other things He called them (let alone the fact they made fools of themselves everytime they tried to trap Him with a question) was quite "anti-establishment".

Beware the leven of the Pharases.

wrhalver »

Thu Dec 25, 2008 9:22 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

Yes, the media does help fan the flame, and often times they even create controversy where there wasn't any to begin with.

It also seems that the church is giving the media plenty of material to work with. The church has created controversy within itself, and sadly some of this may have been done knowing that the media would cover it.

But the church needs to take care when being critical of the blogging. This has bcome a very important tool for understanding what is really on people's mind.

Yes, there is some blogging that is simply there to stir controversy. But the people are talking and expressing views that may normally not be heard within the church, or the church doesn't want to hear it.

It is clear that the Presidential invite from Obama is politically motivated. Hopefully Pastor Warren will use this opportunity to help start the healing process within the church body.

tpique1 »

Thu Dec 25, 2008 12:06 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 1

Daniel Paul,

Jesus didn't just "hang out" with sinners. You make it sound like Jesus was just some rabble that was "anti-establishment".

Jesus called sinners OUT FROM SIN! "You left out the part where He told the woman to "GO AND SIN NO MORE!" But that's what your movement ALWAYS does. You leave out the the stuff that offends. It's the stuff that offends sometimes that saves souls!

Reaching out to sinners is NOT EVEN THE ARGUMENT, although you "emergent"/"seeker sensitive" types falsely make that silly claim. The argument is that Warren and company REFUSE to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its entirety. Why? Because the first rule of his seeker sensitive movement is to NOT confront sin, because if he does, his seekers will leave him.

If you enjoy a watered down gospel and want to defend Warren's unbiblical tripe, then knock yourself out. If you'd like me to present some of his misleading gospel, I'd be more than happy to.

farout63 »

Wed Dec 24, 2008 7:30 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

Rev Warren has to be so careful in every word he says, that has to be very difficult. When Rev. Warren says "I am not opposed to gays having their partnerships". This has to be said in a moment that he was not thinking clear. Either thinking unclearly or Rev. Warren has taken Romans 1 out of context. In the case Rev. Warner has now excepted homosexuality as something we must tollerate, what else can we do? Love the sinner and expose the sin may well be the best alternative.

I am so glad my every word is not being inspected and reevaluated at every turn I make. Bless rev warren.

Daniel Paul »

Wed Dec 24, 2008 6:07 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

"but if quoting scripture is your thing and it feels good, do it!"

I've found that living them is even more satisfying then just quoting them!!!

wjneill »

Wed Dec 24, 2008 4:46 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 2

Islam has 23 sects that branch off variously from Sunni and Sh'ia. Each sect believes that it is the only true practitioner of the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed. All others are infidels
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To read the postings to this story, I can safely believe that there are entirely too many sects of Christianity and each poster believes that he/she is the only true practitioner of the teachings of Jesus Christ and that all others are heretics who should immediately be sent off to Hell.
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Fascinating. No wonder young people are choosing to drift away from evangelical religions and that practicing evangelicals are consistently and further painting themselves into corners of insignificance and irrelevancy.
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Personally, I'd like to think each of you have more meaningful and beneficial matters to concern yourselves with given the suffering within our nation, let alone the world, but if quoting scripture is your thing and it feels good, do it!
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Keep on painting, brothers and sisters! You're working long and hard for your just rewards at the bottom of the sludge pit of life.

steveh20 »

Wed Dec 24, 2008 4:36 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

Your quite right DP, how dare Mr Warren spend time with those who may not be regular readers of the Christian Post.
Steve
P.s Am tracking Santa with NORAD, so far he has got to Greece, only 2.5 hours to Christmas here, come on Santa!!

Daniel Paul »

Wed Dec 24, 2008 4:25 pm Agree: 3   Disagree: 0

"Warren is so biblically illiterate, he doesn't even know what the argument IS! It's a moral argument that drives the whole of our modern cultural crisis. "

Doesn't Jesus know who this woman is? If He knew He would have nothing to do with her! (said the Pharasis).

Jesus had His constant critics because He hung out with sinners. How dare He!!! And how dare Rick for following the example of Jesus. What is Rick thinking!!!!

steveh20 »

Wed Dec 24, 2008 3:51 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 1

Hello t1

The homosexuals I know don't want to be told their lifestyle is holy and acceptable, they just want to get on with their own lives and wish others who are so obsessed with the homosexual lifestyle would mind their own business as their private life is nothing to do with them.

BW

Steve

tpique1 »

Wed Dec 24, 2008 3:40 pm Agree: 3   Disagree: 2

This is why I can't stand Warren's theology. He is so ridiculously backwards he doesn't even know his own Bible.

Did Jesus Himself NOT SAY:
Joh 15:19 If ye were OF the world, the world would LOVE his own: but because ye are NOT of the world, but I have chosen you OUT of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Amos 3:3 says this:
Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

Warren is so biblically illiterate, he doesn't even know what the argument IS! It's a moral argument that drives the whole of our modern cultural crisis. It's NOT this absurd idea of just: "shake and make up/agree to disagree" tripe he keeps peddling.

Homosexuals want to be married and be told their lifestyle is "holy and acceptable": the lifestyle is condemned in scripture.

Abortionists want to continue to massacre millions of unborn babies all in the name of "choice": murder is considered sin and the shedding of innocent blood a crime in God's eyes.

These are just two, but none of this is going to be solved by just shaking hands and agreeing to disagree. This is a war of the worldviews. Will Christ and His Word triumph or will man and his reprobate ideas? The future of our country depends on how we answer these and many other questions.

akonda »

Wed Dec 24, 2008 3:10 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

why does Rick Warren endorse this sinful lifestyle as long as it called by another name? it is true that people have the choice to choose between good and evil but as a minister of the gospel i thought he would speak out against all forms of sin, no matter what name it goes by.

Bonnie_Halfelvn »

Wed Dec 24, 2008 2:28 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

Oh, I forgot to mention, the quote in question starts about 2:10

Bonnie_Halfelvn »

Wed Dec 24, 2008 2:26 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

Quote Warren: "I have been accused of equating gay partnerships with incest and pedophilia. Now, of course, as members of Saddleback Church, you know I believe no such thing."

Well, you can just believe what he's saying here or see for yourself on this interview. Was this someone else disguised as Pastor Warren?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0FHg_mbBVk&eurl

JHS »

Wed Dec 24, 2008 12:01 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 3

The truth is that right wing republicans have no problem praying for a republican president, but you can almost see them gag when told they are to pray for a democrat!!!!!!!!!!!!!

didymus »

Wed Dec 24, 2008 11:25 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

artm said, "Warren says he and Obama can walk hand in hand even though they don't agree on some issues, Yet the Bible says, " How can two walk together, except they agree.? "

Well, it appears that Obama and Warren have agreed on somethings and on those things they can walk together on, others not.

But it appears you have taken a rather odd interpretation of Amos 3:3. You make it as if it's saying, "How can two walk together, except they agree on absolutely everything? And if our beliefs don't match up exactly, we can do nothing together, you are condemned to hell, for grace is only for the pure (like me)."

That's not how that verse should be read.

steveh20 »

Wed Dec 24, 2008 9:48 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

What programme are you using to write in tounges?

mtgburrell »

Wed Dec 24, 2008 9:37 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

My point from another columns applies here: Iranians can be forced to live according to the dictates of the Koran, but Americans cannot be forced to live according to the dictates of the Bible.

(Maybe I should shorten this to "IcbftlattdotK,bAcbftlattdotB.")

Then, to save time for youand me, I can just paste "IcbftlattdotK,bAcbftlattdotB." whenever I encounter this reactionary attitude.

steveh20 »

Wed Dec 24, 2008 8:47 am Agree: 2   Disagree: 3

Hello artm

Under the law of the land, yes, within boundaries set by the state, consenting adults have the right to do what ever they desire, whether God is against them is another matter. This is why consenting gay adults are not prosecuted for their sexual acts but hetrosexual men are for fiddling with little boys or girls.
BW
Steve

artm »

Wed Dec 24, 2008 8:40 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 3

didymus, It is not the christians point of view that you must be concerned with, But God's.

if one speaks against homosexuality, the first thing you ought to do is check to see if God really says what they say he does.

Warren says he and Obama can walk hand in hand even though they don't agree on some issues,

Yet the Bible says, " How can two walk together, except they agree.? "

artm »

Wed Dec 24, 2008 8:31 am Agree: 2   Disagree: 1

schemeroo, God said in His Word, " Do not sin ". does that sound like two consenting adults have the right to do whatever they desire.?

Gratus »

Wed Dec 24, 2008 3:49 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

Warren finds fault with the 'media', whose task it is to inform the public. But the media simply tell the public what the public wants to hear, otherwise the public won't take notice of them. That is why ChristianPost is so popular with Christians who take God's Word seriously. I could just as well make CNN or Skye News or BBC my default browser. And believe me, ChristianPost's (growing?) readership does not go unnoticed with the Goliaths of the media industry.
Warren should preach the truth (and he preaches a lot of truth, even though he sometimes flounders) to the people who need to hear it, e.g. the American public. And he should choose the right media-platform from which to preach the truth, like ChristianPost, if the media ignore him.

steveh20 »

Wed Dec 24, 2008 3:24 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

Hello abishag89

Re your comment " Duh, Mr Warren" I'm glad to see you've taken the civility message on board, a shining example to us all.

BW

Steve

didymus »

Tue Dec 23, 2008 11:54 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 2

I don't think abishag98 is interested in freedom, or preserving freedom, he's interested in domination... those he disagrees with must submit to the domination of his point of view or be condemned without mercy. "American freedom" is only useful if it can be used by him to dominate others, beyond that it's worthless.

kami »

Tue Dec 23, 2008 11:11 pm Agree: 5   Disagree: 3

"Just because we personally believe homosexuality to be in contrast to the Word..?" Scripture, in the Old and New Testaments, states clearly homosexuality to be listed as sin. An abomination even, Jesus didn't have to push for government law against it. It was already a given where God's law was concerned. It was God's law He was concerned about.

The struggle some may have with homosexuality is not the same as defiantly living within the homosexual lifestyle. The fact some fight against their human nature and still fall prey to homosexual activity is not the same as blatantly choosing to enter into the lifestyle. Sin is sin regardless. And we all have our weaknesses. So is the sin supported and upheld in order to create some sort of false "unity" and make people feel good...or do we speak God's truth in love? "That while we were sinners, Christ died for us." And it is in Him we have forgiveness by grace, through faith.

The second commandment, "Love thy neighbor as thyself," is always defined by the first commandment, "Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind." To do otherwise is to go against what God has already declared in His Word.

The very issue Warren claims to be a Christian minister yet goes against Scripture's own doctrinal teaching is what's troubling.

schemeroo »

Tue Dec 23, 2008 9:34 pm Agree: 6   Disagree: 2

abish, you have to read all the way to the end before you spew judgement and self ritcheousness (I can quote biblical references for those as well).

What Rick says here is so right on - just because we personally believe homosexuality to be in contrast with the Word does not, in any way whatsoever, that two consenting adults should not have the freedom to do whatever they so desire together. We don't have to like it, but this the basis of American Freedom - that same right given to the two gays, we need ourselves to rpotect our freedom to gather and worship, our freedom to write on this board... Jesus NEVER once pushed for a government law to help change the hearts of anyone - he never forced ANYONE to believe as he did - neither did any of the early apostles and leaders. We are called to LOVE everyone, preach the word and let GOD be GOD.

abishag98 »

Tue Dec 23, 2008 9:12 pm Agree: 5   Disagree: 7

"...I'm not opposed to gays having their partnerships."

Duh, Mr. Warren, sir, you might want to reread the first chapter Romans. Or are you just opposed to what the apostle Paul tells us about such relationships?

You're a fraud, Warren! You're out for yourself and for (and I love the way the old KJV puts it) . . . "filthy lucre."