Showing posts with label 2012. Show all posts

Friday, January 25, 2013

The "ABRACADABRA" of Changing Your Thinking

Pastor Rick's spiritual newsflash for America on the Oprah Winfrey show is that your thinking is wrong and needs to change. Throw out that old thinking and in with the new! If you are wise, you will listen to Rick's wisdom and, just like magic, you will encounter ...."CHANGE!"

"We are all intentionally flawed to make us unique. You need to re-frame everything you think is a flaw in life as a mark of uniqueness."
Rick Warren on Oprah Winfrey's Life Class January 2013

Who intentionally flawed you in order to make you unique?

Mother Nature?
God?
You?
Your parents?
Who, exactly, is responsible for the "flaws" in humans like me and you?

You just paint that anyway you like.... because Rick doesn't exactly say.

And... What defines a flaw?

A big nose?
Shortness? Tallness?
Is our propensity to commit sin, lie, steal, etc,... a "flaw?"

Paint that too... anyway you like.

Whatever a "flaw" is, (to you) Rick Warren says if you think it's a flaw, you need to re-frame your thinking.... you need to reframe your thinking about every flaw in "LIFE." And remember, your flaws..... make you special.

".....You need to re-frame everything you think is a flaw in life as a mark of uniqueness."
Rick Warren on Oprah Winfrey's Life Class January 2013

In other words, Rick is telling us not to think of ourselves as having any flaws or defects. If you think you have a "flaw," the answer is simple: You must re-frame your thinking.

It's all up to you.

You are the one choosing what you think... you choose for yourself what you think about you.... in fact, the wild card you are dealt in life is "choice" and YOU hold the cards, so you always have the power to choose. All you have to do is change..."re-frame" your thinking.....

The problem here, from a gospel perspective is that he makes a broad sweep with his words and this notion of "flaws" Apparently, you can interpret his words anyway you like, Your flaw could be a skin condition. Your flaw could be a disease. Your flaw could be anything..... even sin.

Truth is we all do have flaws and some of them are not so easily remedied and must be lived with or dealt with in some fashion. Truth is there are some flaws in us that only God can heal or change. Another truth is that we each need the righteousness of Jesus to save us from the flaw of sin, but "superstar'pastor" Rick, omits telling people this. His dispensing of feel good, do good, self-esteem is not the helpful gospel of truth that people really need.

Rather than help people come to realized their imperfections and subsequently recognize and deal appropriately with their need to receive forgiveness for sin and gift of eternal life with God, rather than help them to know more about Jesus Christ, or to understand the Bible they can read, Rick simply gives them the gift of believing in themselves, and their power to "choose".... flaws and all.

"ABRACADABRA"...and "POOF!" ....Metanoia, (a change of mind) happens! (Ricky's style of course.)

Like magic, "Everything you think of in life as a flaw," disappears. In an instant, you see a whole new, remarkable and perfect.... albeit unique, you. (And what incredible wizardry!) Amazing! And, Rick didn't even need Jesus Christ to do it.

Wow!

And those "flaws".... that wart on your nose, making you cross-eyed... those splotches on your skin that you find embarrassing that flaw in your spine that has been crippling your style... and your body.... "poof" Not a flaw any longer. Nope. There's been a change of mind about all of that.

And about those "flaws" in your character, those things that might be a flaw in you. God, (or whoever is responsible for making you,) just made you this way.... intentionally. It is what makes you uniquely you. Got it? Now, with the right frame of mind about flaws, (everything in life that you think is a flaw,) the next thing you have to do is learn to play your cards right. In the game of life, you have been dealt a hand, now you just have to make the "right" choices.

Sadly, this is not the gospel. What you see here is nothing but "law." What happens if you make a wrong choice?

The positive thinking Rick offers might be helpful for a little while, but it is only serving as a small bandage for what can be in many instances, a large gaping and deadly wound. In the long run, it is only a temporary fix. In fact, calling negative things (flaws) positive, is not being truthful. A flaw is a defect, and telling people they really have no problem is dishonest. So is telling them that they just need to learn to deal with life. Even telling people that they need to learn how to play the hand that they have been dealt, is nothing they do not already by nature know. We have a problem, flaws... defects and sin and we need a doctor, a physician....to heal us.... a shepherd, to tend our condition, to lead and to guide.

That would be Jesus.

Scripture teaches that we are flawed. We miss the mark of perfection. (Romans 5:12) The Bible tells us that God sees and knows this all and loves us anyway. He loves us even with our flaws and in our sin, (Psalm 139) but he hates sin. It tells us too, that in order for our sin to be forgiven by this God who loves us, in order for us each to individually be saved from the punishment for our sin, he sent Jesus Christ, (1 Timothy 1:15, and John 3:16.) and we are to repent of sin and believe on Jesus in order to be saved.

Pastor Warren says, "a wise player can even play what seems to be a weak hand and win the game." Rick Warren will rather teach you that you have the power to overcome challenges... if you are wise enough that tell you to find the salvation from your flawed being in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He says instead, "Only you have the power to change the direction of your life."

Yes, instead of openly revealing to the public the gospel of Jesus and the power of believing upon Jesus for salvation from sin, Rick suggested that those watching, (particularly those who "are prisoners of their past,") go get a Bible and read through the entire book of John. He called it, homework"

Rick then suggested that people pray to God. asking God to reveal himself to them, which is invariably some good, pastorly advice; but why didn't Rick reflect the good news of the Bible, and openly reveal God to them? Instead he taught that it is up to us....we need to learn how to deal with the cards we are dealt in life, and we need to make the right choices. Yes, Rick suggested that people pray and ask God,( ....not to save them or forgive them) but to help them.... "change."

Monday, January 14, 2013

The Purposes of Christmas 2012

December 23, 2012 Rick Warren appeared on Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace. Wallace announced Warren's appearance, stating that he would talk about the Sandy Hook Massacre and the meaning of Christmas. Amazingly, there was also a lot of talk about the re-release of Warren's book, the Purpose Driven Life, and mention of Rick Warren's "new campaign." (Watch the video interview and note the visual of his book as well as discussion.) During that interview, the two men talked about how our whole nation mourned the event at Sandy Hook elementary, Rick gave a little talk about dealing with grief, talked about his book, talked about his PEACE plan project and gave the nation his "message" for the holiday season.

Noting how TIME Magazine called this shooting an "assault on innocence," Rick said it was, "...actually a phrase from the first Christmas where Herod killed baby boys under 2 at Christmas time."

"Actually" a phrase?

From what source is the phrase taken?
Rick makes you think it is from the Bible. Is it?

Does he mean a phrase from a book by that title? Does he mean a phrase from the Bible?
And when exact was the "first Christmas? Was this murdering of children ordered by Herod "The "First Christmas?"

Moving into the topic of dealing with grief, Warren informed us that there were some long term things we needed to deal with...(regarding what had taken place) but he said that right now, we just needed to deal with the deep grief. He sympathized and offered some wisdom, saying,

"As a pastor I deal with grief every day of my life, and I've discovered is that grief is actually a good thing. It's the way we make transitions in the losses of life. Jesus said, "Blessed are they that mourn, they shall be comforted... "

-Rick Warren

Note... Jesus did not say grief, in itself is "good." (Rick said that.)

Jesus said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."

Jesus offers hope and comfort.

These, comfort and hope) ( not the grief, not the morning,)

are the "good" things.

Jesus has more to offer us than just this nice saying

about people being comforted, by other people, when they mourn.

Jesus does comfort us because he understands our sorrow and

because he was raised from death to life. Through faith in him,

with hope of eternal life...with him, and not just a hope

for life in this world where people do evil things,

we find comfort.

But Rick didn't touch on that.

But hooray for Rick. He did mention "Jesus."

Next Chris specifically asked Pastor Rick Warren to look past the "long term solutions" he had alluded to preiviously... the issues of gun control, better mental health care and trying to deal with things like the cultural of violence we see in video games and film production,,,,, and to address what the spiritual solution was. Chris said, "But, in a deeper, more spiritual sense, what's the problem and what's the solution?"

Rick responded to this by agreeing with Chris that this was indeed a spiritual issues and then went on to change the subject elaborating on all those things that Chris directly invited him to skip. During this time Rick informed us on the importance of health care saying that we in America, (you know, "that bad place, "America") are not taking care of those struggling with mental illness like we should be. Then he told us about how we had a "civil safety issue, which is gun control and these assault weapons." HE mentioned the culture of violence too...(with statistics,) saying how by the time students are 18 they have killed 10-20 thousand people on video games..... "without any remorse for it."

Finally, he acknowledged the "spiritual issue," and the solution, saying,

"But, at the deepest level is the spiritual issue, which is the emptiness inside of people, that causes people to be enraged, like this. Um, when we -- when we don't have peace in our hearts, we're not going to have peace with each other. That's why Jesus, the prince of peace, came at Christmas. So, It starts in the heart."

- Rick Warren

So, you see, the spiritual issue is one of "not having peace" with others. According to Rick, lack of peace is why Jesus came at Christmas.

But just to be sure we understood Rick right, and since Saddleback sermons
are notorious for fill in the blank notes during church.
Let's pretend we are at Saddleback Church, and answer these
questions about what has been taught here.
Just fill in the blanks:

According to the teaching above on Fox News by Rick,

1. Man's deepest spiritual issue is __Emptiness that causes me to be enraged, no peace in my heart_

Correct BIBLICAL answer is: Sin and separation from God because of that sin

2. The deep spiritual issues inside of people cause them to _be enraged and shoot other people_

Correct answer is: SIN. They display their desires, lusts, selfishness.. (James 4:1-2)

3. When we do not have peace in our hearts _we won't have peace with other people_

Correct answer is: Without Jesus in our hearts, God's gift of Grace and peace,

we die in our sin and cannot escape the snare of Satan,

and the place of punishment for all sin, hell.

4. The reason why Jesus, the Prince of Peace, came at Christmas is ? _

Correct answer is: God sent a promised Messiah and

came to save His people from their sin.

Odd that Rick would not give biblical answers.

(He did talk about Jesus though.)

This moved the conversation into a discussion of Rick and his book, his latest campaign and his plan for P.E.A.C.E. Rick's "public profile" was about to reemerge....

" I intentionally a- was absent from the scene... for the last ten years, I've been in a lot of small villages around the world, Africa...and places like that that most people never even heard of. " - Rick Warren

This is not very specific.

Also, do you suppose most people never heard of "Africa?"

"We started... a... with the proceeds of the book... we took that and put it into a thing called the Peace Plan, P.E.A.C.E. ....stands for Promote reconciliation, Equip leaders, ethical leaders....Assist the poor, Care for the sick and Educate the next generation..." - Rick Warren

Too bad that "P" is not for "Preach the Word"

Too bad that "reconciliation" is not specifically mentioned as sinners reconciling

And that part about "ethical" leaders....who's ethics?

What does Rick really mean by this?

You might have to look back to the first time he announced it, because

his words have been repackaged since then.

He is not talking about "leaders," he is talking about pastors in churches.

He was very specific about who these ungodly, unethical "leaders"

he considered "evil giants" wer, church leaders. Of them he said,

"Not only have these leaders not gone to seminary or Bible school,

they haven’t even gone to high school or primary school. They have no

training whatsoever -- and yet they lead the church. This must be remedied."

What if your church is not deemed "healthy",

What if you reject purpose driven or if you do not have the "purpose driven DNA"

Read, The Characteristics of a Purpose Driven Congregation by Rick Warren, 2006

Was this news program really about helping people through the Sandy Hook Massacre and talking genuinely about the meaning of Christmas? Seemed more like it was about Rick....his rereleased book and new "campaign." Chris' lead in was, "...your public profile has not been as high in the last few years, but you're just about to begin a new campaign...."

"The new campaign is.... I realize that when I wrote the book, The Purpose Driven Life, What on Earth Am I Here For, that a girl who was twelve years old when that book came out is now 22 and she needs to learn the purpose of life."

- Rick Warren

At 22, "this woman" now needs to learn "the purpose of life" from Rick?
Apparently she needs Rick's book... not the advice of her parents
and teachers and friends, not even the bible... just his book....
in order to learn the purpose of life.

Badmouthing "America" again, he said,
"People are pretty disillusioned with the American Dream...."

- Rick Warren

Chris Wallace gave Rick another opportunity to speak on spiritual issues. He said, "You talk about a nation in decline, divided as it's been since the Civil War.... a need for a Spiritual reawakening....could you explain that?"

Rick replied in a typical Rick-like fashion. Skirting any Bible references, he simply turned the subject at hand, "spiritual re-awakening," into a promotion for his book and world unification project.

"The answer to our unity, I believe, it's not going to be in politics. Uh, because we are going to have different degrees of... uh,uh, all over the spectrum on that ... but when we come together on the things that matter most...and there are three fundamental question...The question of significance, that is, "Does my life matter? The question of Intention...."What is my purpose" and the question of existence, "Why am I here?" These are spiritual issues They are not political issues, and they can provide a rallying cry,... a purpose....that can help us unify. We are not ever gonna agree on policies but we can agree on direction...." - Rick Warren

He suggested that we all look to the things we have in common to find unity. He pointed out how "people want the same things".... safety, security... a job.....health. The problem, according to Rick, is that we "disagree on how to get there." The answer to Chris' question about "spiritual awakening" is "unity"... (or in other words, everyone getting what they "want.") Rick then began dropping taglines attached to the promotion of his book and talking about his plan for world peace. Of course we must make mention that Rick plan for world peace is everyone "of peace" under the banner of "peace" (with the right "DNA") working together to rid the world of those five "evil" giants.

Mark Ellis, reporting in March 2011,on the state of missiary work,

summed the PEACE Plan up this way: "Saddleback’s PEACE

Plan seeks to make an impact door-to-door, church-to-church, village-to-village.

His teams always look for a person of influence when they enter

a new area. “It’s very important to find a ‘man of peace’ in each village,”

Warren said. “I’ve found you can find a man of peace in every village,” he said.

“It could also be a woman,” he added. “The man of peace could also

be a Muslim, a Hindu, or an atheist.”

Even though the answer was not in politics, the two then embarked on a discussion of politics. They discussed the president and what "Warren thought" of the job that Barak Obama, was doing. Apparently. "it" is not about "politics" much the way "it " is not about you.

Chis Wallace, then ready to conclude the interview, said, "Pastor, ......we still look forward to Christmas,.. Do you have a message for all of us, myself, all of our viewers this year, sir "

Vague as ever about the gospel, neglecting to mention the name of Jesus, (by which men might be saved, ) Rick Warren. took us back to the "first Christmas," and gave a message "for us all." Ad wouldn't you know, he didn't talk about Jesus. He didn't mention the gift of God, eternal life through simple faith in Jesus Christ, He didn't even mention God's long time promise of sending a savior into the world, and how that had been fulfilled by a baby miraculously being born, in Bethlehem or of how God had come to dwell among men, He did not even quote the bible. He did however bother to inform us all that Christmas has "purpose."

"Ya.... You know Chris, the purpose of Christmas is actually found in the three statements that the angels made at the very first Christmas. Christmas is for Celebration, it's for Salvation and it's for Reconciliation." -Rick Warren

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Fish Think

"If you’re going
to be good at fishing,
you’ve got to learn
to think like a fish"
-Rick Warren
To Catch Fish, Learn To think Like Them
by Rick Warren,
11/16/12
Christian Post,
christianpost.com

Rick wrote an article for the Christian Post recently whereby he instructed his readership, "If you’re going to be good at fishing, you’ve got to learn to think like a fish. If you’re going to be an effective fisher of men, you’ve got to think like a lost person."- Rick Warren

Really? Did he, as pastor, just say that to be an effective "fisher of men," (as Jesus told his disciples they would be when they followed him,) you've got to (learn to) think like a "lost person.' Such a comment kinda makes a person wonder..... did he just make that up?

Did Rick Warren get this concept from the Bible? If so, where does the bible teach this? He didn't mention anything about that. Do you wonder why? Also, is it true that learning to think like a "lost person" will make you a better "fisher of men?"

True or not, Rick expects you and every other reader of the Christian Post, to believe what he says, but do not let the proverbial "wool" be easily pulled over your eyes! This is hardly biblical advice. The way to be better fishers of men, in to know the word, and preach it, in season or out...

If you remember your scripture, you might recall that young Timothy was encouraged to "preach the word," in season and out of season. (2 Timothy 4:2) This would infer that any lost person was as fair game as anyone, fair game, anywhere, anytime. God's Word preached to them, would be the hook, they would perhaps believe, and subsequently be saved from the depths of their sin and ultimate condemnation for sin. Besides, it's not really that difficult to walk in the flesh, hate God and think there is some righteousness in yourself as many a lost persons tend to do. Rick suggests, that you, Christian, learn how to think like a lost person, that is, if you want to be a really good "fisher of men."

But bad enough as it is, (according to Pastor Rick,) to be a "Christian" who has no concept of what it is like to be a "lost person," look out! Pastors are (apparently,) even worse.... And wouldn;t you know, Rick makes himself out to be even worse... he's a "son-of-a-pastor! and you know how BAD they are! If you do not know, Rick here, (in this same article) will tell you... there is a big problem:

"Here’s the problem. Unfortunately, the longer you are a Christian, the less you think like an unbeliever. I don’t think like a non-Christian; I think like a Christian. In fact, I think like a pastor. That’s even worse! It’s two generations removed from the people I want to reach." - Rick Warren

To Catch Fish, Learn To think Like Them by Rick Warren, 11/16/12 Christian Post, christianpost.com

"If you’re going to understand and reach non-Christians, you’ve got to begin with their mindset. The Bible says in Luke 6, “Jesus knew what they were thinking” (GW). In fact, multiple times in Scripture we read that Jesus knew what the people whom he was ministering to were thinking. Jesus gives us a great example of someone thinking like a fish."-Rick Warren

To Catch Fish, Learn To think Like Them by Rick Warren, 11/16/12 Christian Post, christianpost.com

No. Jesus was not thinking like those fish. You see, Jesus knew their thoughts because he is omniscient... He's God. God knows all things. This was not some Rick Warren Fish Think technique that Jesus happened to have employ.

Rick will continue the deception and enlighten you once more with his wisdom about how wrong the church is.... (well, all those "many churches,") you can bet that he does not refer here to his preferred brand of church when he says,

"Unfortunately, many churches don't take the time to understand the people they want to reach and they don't have a strategy. They want to win people to Christ as long as it can be done in a comfortable way."-Rick Warren

Rick Warren: Jesus gave five fishing guidelines for evangelism By Jon Walker,

But Rick has a strategy.... one that you can purchase from Saddleback.com. In fact he has quite a few products for sale that you can implement, for a fee.

You might even say that his entire "fishing for men," concept has more to do with economics than the kingdom of God, for Rick suggests you invest a lot of money in fishing, so that you get a big return. He says that the financial return is proportional to your investment. The reason that you need to fish and fish well, is because money just pours out from all thoses fishes mouth! (Just like Matthew 17:27!)

Third, when you spend nickels and dimes on evangelism, you get nickel and dime results. Do you remember the story about the time Jesus told Peter to go find money in a fish’s mouth in order to pay the Roman taxes? In Matthew 17:27 (NIV) Jesus told Peter, "... go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin.” I believe there is an important lesson in that story: The coin was in the mouth of the fish! If you’ll focus on fishing (evangelism), God will pay your bills!" -Rick Warren

How Much Does Evangelism Cost? By Rick Warren Pastors.com

So church, remember....you need to change. Start thinking like unbelievers.... and stop writing things that won't appeal to unbelievers too.

"We must learn to think like unbelievers in order to win them," appealed Warren. "The problem is the longer you are a believer, the less you think like an unbeliever. Your interests and values change. You must intentionally change mental gears when seeking to relate to non-Christians." Using church advertising as an example, Warren said most of it is written from a believer's viewpoint, not from the mind-set of the unchurched. He asked, "When you see a church ad that announces 'Preaching the inerrant Word of God,' who do you think that ad appeals to?"

Rick Warren: Jesus gave five fishing guidelines for evangelism By Jon Walker

Question:

Using the advertising example of a church advertising not being appealing to unbelievers, how might the church retain those same unbelievers who have now been lured into the church pews with Warren's idea of appropriate bait....since they are those who oppose the notion of the Word of God being preached at a church?

2 Corinthians 6 14-18
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers:

for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?
and what communion hath light with darkness?
And what concord hath Christ with Belial?
or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?
for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said,
I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them,

and be ye separate, saith the Lord,
and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
And will be a Father unto you,
and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Rick Warren and The Purpose Driven Church Details

http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/MK-AU093A_Adver_G_20090126220903.jpg

"Can the Church borrow the marketing tools of the world and apply them to the Church? What is the history of the Church Growth movement and its false premises? "

This is a good question! and it comes from the webpage perfectpeaceplan.com. Check it out! There you will find a video that you will want to view if you are interested in all things Rick Warren. It's long... but well worth the watch as it is extremely fact filled, biblical and informative.

See:
http://www.perfectpeaceplan.com/peacemedia.html

This film is non-profit and FREE, not to be bought or sold, but you do have permission to make copies and distribute freely. To obtain a DVD, simply contact the films makers here...@ contact us for a free copy or make a donation with your request. Your support is greatly appreciated. Resources are mailed as time permits. Your patience is appreciated. Please give extra time if this material is needed by a certain date.
Written, edited, narrated and directed by Elliott Nesch. It is titled:

http://amos37.com

Church of Tares: Purpose Driven, Seeker Sensitive, Church Growth and New World Order

http://www.jewishjournal.com

http://4.bp.blogspot.com

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/Rick_Warren_at_TED_2006.jpg

http://cdn.churchm.ag/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/rick-warren-r12.jpg

http://antiochjohnsoncity.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/rickwarren.jpg?w=150&h=127

http://theapologetic.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/rick-warren-time-mag.jpg?w=227&h=300

http://theapologetic.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/warren.gif?w=300&h=255

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/POLITICS/08/17/forum/art.forum.gi.jpg

Rick Warren and Kay Warren... agents of change.

http://www.assistnews.net

http://images.onset.freedom.com/ocregister/gallery/lzve3b-b78915414z.120120223154436000gnm15j8eu.2.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/

http://apprising.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/LN.png

Don't forget...

Go to: http://www.perfectpeaceplan.com/peacemedia.html

Saturday, December 1, 2012

"Syncretism" ala Rick...

"My life and ministry are built on the truth that Jesus is the only way, and our inerrant Bible is our only true authority." -Rick Warren

Rick Warren Builds Bridge to the Muslims by Jim Hinch, Orange County Register Life, Feburary 23, 2012, Updated March 12, 2012

********************************************

Rick Warren, with the republication of his book, the Purpose Driven Life, is making public appearances on television. This week, while Rick was being interviewed by CNN correspondent Piers Morgan, Morgan took the opportunity to question Rick if homosexuality is "a sin" or not. Pastor Rick replied, "It’s not a sin to love somebody,” and then added, “It might be a sin to have sex with them.”

CNN News Interview with Peirs Morgan, CNN Belief Blog, 11/29/2012

"Might be a sin?"

He apparently knows what is not a sin, (so that what is not a sin can be embraced) but when it comes to what sin IS.. Rick is clueless, or at least willingly ambiguous. This is surprising for someone who claims to read so much, know and teach so much to so many people and who claims to divulge so many "secrets" if you listen to his wise words. Rick is supposedly also "a pastor" to pastors, "America's Pastor" some would say. Yes, it is quite surprising that he would be unable to answer Mr. Morgan's very important question with a simply yes or no. Instead Rick said, "It might be."

Apparently things are not light and dark, black and white.... up and down or even yes and no. Gray. twilight thinking and and a "might-be" is all you get. If you didn't know the truth on the matter, before you asked Pastor Rick, you still don't know.

Rick then went on in his conversation with Morgan to say how he and Kay Warren have homosexual friends... and how much time and money and effort they have personally given to combats and research a cure for AIDS, (a terrible and deadly blood disease that is well-known as a communicable problem within the homosexual community.) Rick and Kay have donated millions of dollars, he says.

It's great of Rick to have care and compassion for these hurting people, and it is great to use your wealth to make friends. It's actually very nice that there is a big party going on here.... However, Rick's friends are intoxicated with something that is going to harm them - sin and truth is, friends don't let friends drive when they are intoxicated.

By being ambiguous with this answer, Pastor Rick has just let all his intoxicated friends walk out the door with keys in their hands aiming to drive a treacherous road. With the entire world listening and watching, looking for an answer from the pastor at the microphone, he told them all, via CNN, that they might make it... but they might not, he just didn't know, when he told them that homosexuality "might be a sin." He simply let their troubled souls get in their cars and drive off into the twilight where light and dark, day and night, right and wrong, mingle.

Isaiah 9:2

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

2 Corinthians 6:14

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

John 11:9

Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day?

If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not,

because he seeth the light of this world."

This is syncretism.

Twilight is temporary. Soon twilight will be changed to either night or day and these "friends" of Rick will be left believing there is no right or wrong in this matter. No "light" was shed on the subject.

It was not very long ago that any pastor who believed the Bible would tell you plainly what human behaviors were sinful... based on what the scriptures claimed. They would tell you plainly the good news of Jesus Christ's resurrection from death and invite you to repent from sin and make a proclamation of faith in Him who made the way for our forgiveness and open the way to life with God in heaven when the day comes that you die. There's Rick on TV, and he is neither hot not cold about important issues...like Biblical authority and what the Bible says, and he makes no bones about it.... he is an "evangelical" pastor.

Heather Clark, a reporter for the Christian News Network quoted Rick making this assertion that day,
“I make no bones about it. I’m an evangelical pastor, so my source of authority is, 'What does the Bible say about it?'...However, people will have other sources of authority.....Or, different readings of the Bible...that is very true.” -Rick Warren

2011

People have other sources of authority than the Bible and that is just fine?

This is more syncretism.

(The above link takes you to a teaching by a man, Santos Bonacci, who believes he understands all religions... and that he can "scientifically" prove, or demonstrate how good and evil exist together and that every religion needs to agree to this notion of religious syncretism. Be warned... He believes you pray to yourself when you pray to your "god" (universal mind) regardless the religion "god" you pray to. He is also unaware the the truth of God in Jesus Christ, who he claims is a "legend," and no more of a real man that Hercules, that is right before his eyes and he seeks to bring "syncretism" to the world.)

Apparently, to Rick, the Bible is only one of many (legitimate?) sources of "authority" for people to look to for answers. (Note: The Holy Bible that is the supposed authority for Rick, is too vague about homosexuality for him to give a definitive answer on that subject.)

Rick believes that no matter your faith .. no matter your authority.. bible or not, all "people of faith" have to unite as one:

"I can take you to ten million villages around the world that the only thing in it is a church. And we are in more locations than the United Nations. We speak more languages than the United Nations. We are a thousand more people groups than the United Nations. You see, there are 600 million Buddhists in the world. There are 800 million Hindus in the world. There are a billion Muslims in the world. But there are 2.3 billion Christians in the world. If you take people of faith out of the equation you have ruled out five-sixths of the world. So we have to mobilize this, this, these faith groups to do—to work together on these issues that have been unsolvable. And the church has, of course, the greatest distribution."-Rick Warren

Rick Warren personally addressing "Youtubbers" a in You Tube Video:“Rick Warren Answers the DAVOS Question” posted January 25, 2008

Note how the church has encompassed the earth. The church is everywhere....
Just as God has said.

"I can take you to ten million villages around the world that the only thing in it is a church."

Rick can do this? Wow. He, personally, has access to all the churches in the world?

Well he has sort of usurped that position...

but they do not belong to Rick, even if he says, "WE."

"And we are in more locations than the United Nations. We speak more languages than the United Nations. We are a thousand more people groups than the United Nations."

That was to puff up your "ego" church.

To make you feel big and strong.

This is too:

"You see, there are 600 million Buddhists in the world."
"There are 800 million Hindus in the world."
There are a billion Muslims in the world. "
"But there are 2.3 billion Christians in the world. If you take people of faith out of the equation you have ruled out five-sixths of the world." (The Christians are, you see, " winning.")

People of faith? He just lumped them all together like they are all the same.

They are not all the same.

They do not all walk in the light...

John 8:12
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

This abandonment of Christian Doctrine
in order to walk in darkness and half-light
instead of light
is:
Syncretism.

40 bible verses about syncretism: here.

"So we..." (Perhaps you noticed, Rick has just put himself in charge of ALL churches everywhere.)"... have to mobilize this, this, these faith groups (which ones?) to do—to work together (Sync?) on these issues that have been unsolvable. (no solution?... Really? What about the cross, what about Jesus...to these people in other religions who are working their way to God instead of coming to Him by faith? What about love, compassion, truth, "light" ...things like that?)
and the church has, of course, the greatest distribution."-Rick Warren

Of course the church has the greatest distribution...

those apostles did what the Lord commanded.

They preached the good news to the ends of the world...

to every tongue and tribe and nation, just like he said.

and they didn't stammer, or fumble for words when

asked if homosexual behavior is a sin.

No. They were humble...

and quite separate in their thinking

from the thinking of the rest of the world.

they believed Jesus was the only way...

the door.

And they warned us about knowing the scriptures and of

being humble.

Rick says the church is great.... really great... speaks more languages, has more people groups that the United Nations.. He asserts that there are more Christians in the world than there are people of other religions. He says too that the church, consisting of people working together.... people of all faiths harnessed under the direction of Rick Warren will solve the worlds problems when the church (finally) does what it is suppose to do and become useful for the distribution of goods and services and united with all people of faith peacabley to save humanity from the five evils in the world.

Have you read about Rick Warren's PEACE plan?

(His plan to save the world?)

It's a plan to get all faiths united and working together, and he believes that is the only thing to slay these five evil giants that he is attempting to rid humanity of, and this is to bring peace and "save the world." To combat the evils of:

1) "spiritual lostness" (changed from the original, to "spiritual emptiness")
2) "ungodly leaders" (changed to "Self-serving leadership)
And he defined ungodly leaders in the world for us to by saying, ""Not only have these leaders not gone to seminary or Bible school, they haven’t even gone to high school or primary school. They have no training whatsoever -- and yet they lead the church. This must be remedied." ~ Rick Warren November, 2003, (http://www.saddlebackfamily.com/peace/Services/110203_high.asx)
3) poverty
4) disease
5) illiteracy

Rick wants to :

Plant churches that promote reconciliation (See Saddleback resources)

Equip servant leaders (with his sanctioned materials for leadership)

Assist the poor

Care for the sick

Educate the next generation

Where is the Prince of Peace in all of this? He is suspiciously missing. "Spiritual lostness" fell off of the map. Apparently people just have unfulfilled lives without purpose... or maybe without prayer or without worship... BUT not a savior, the ONLY ONE, who will save them from sin.

Rick, he's really not sure if homosexual activity... men with men, women with women constitutes "sin" even though he quotes the many versions and paraphrases of the Bible that he does. Besides, according to Rick, gay relationships are "legal," it just "not a big issue" to him.

"I have biblical views regarding what marriage is about. I am not in favor of redefining marriage, I'm not. It's not illegal to have a gay relationship, so it's not a big issue to me." -Rick Warren

Christian Post article, Rick Warren on Gay Marriage: 'Tolerance Does Not Mean Approval' by Stoyan Zaimoa November 27, 2012

And Rick is definitive as to what will be the salvation of the world.... and it's YOU. The way to end death and suffering, the way to "kill those five evil giants" that plague our world, is his PEACE plan his "holistic strategy.... "a "three legged stool" between business governments and churches... or rather people of faith."

"The global P.E.A.C.E. coalition is a network of networks that enables strategic partnering among businesses, governments and churches...." - Rick Warren

Forward to a book of essays on "enterprise solutions to poverty" titled, In The River They Swim,

a book that he will "recommend" as a textbook to over 400,000 church in his "network."

".....I stood up at the end and I said, let me just take five minutes to share with you why - going back to these three legs of the stool - government will never get it done on its own. Business will never get it done on its own. Churches and synagogues and mosques and temples and everything, we have to work together. We have to team tackle this." -Rick Warren

Pew Forum Event Transcript, The Future of Evangelicals: A Conversation with Pastor Rick Warren, November 13, 2009

This is syncretism.

John 14:27

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."-Jesus