Those there has been a previous post on the subject... here, but this is a more extensive, yet simple list with links to aid you in your research regarding the materials that Rick intentionally chooses to promote to his readership.
Transitioning by Dan Sutherland
Foreword by Rick Warren
The book's description tells us, "Southerland maps out an eight-step strategy for moving from being a traditional, ministry-driven church to a purpose-driven church."
In the foreword, Rick Warren, encourages pastors to buy a copy of the book, one for each of the staff and then study it together. He even suggests that together they "create a list of actions steps they intend to take" (Page 10) to move their church from traditional to purpose driven. It makes sense the Rick Warren puts his name on this book.... it is to his purpose driven advantage. The point is to stop doing what you are doing as a church, implement the things Southerland suggests and follow Rick's leading... purchase the programs he creates and sells... and read the books he endorses.
You can read reviews of Dan Sutherland's book and Rick Warren, at inplainsite.org and read what readers have to say about this book at Amazon.
Beyond Megachurch Myths by Scott Thumma and Dave Travis
Foreword by Rick Warren
This book evidently promotes Rick Warren's church growth concepts and so, he endorses it. Thumma and Travis write the book to help dispel the "myths" small churches may have about large congregations and use the model of the megachurch to teach the smaller church pastors and laypersons, "valuable lessons." The authors, touting themselves as experts, writing in support of the megachurch model, write persuasively to the church.
Book advertisement declares that the book will "reveal what these churches are and are not, why they are thriving, what their members say about their experiences, and why they have many valuable lessons to teach smaller churches."
Within the pages of this book the pastors of small churches are encouraged to look to and accept their expertise, follow the counsel they give in this book, learn these valuable lessons from the megachurch... (and from those who lead them, like Rick Warren) and change what they do in order to change. By simply implementing the philosophies and methodologies that will grow their congregations large... fast, they too will have success. Scott Thumma, (quoted from a 2010 CNN article) reflects, "Megachurches in part grew, because they were adaptive, innovative and resourceful They, and their leadership, have a great ability to evolve."
Why Faith Matters by David Wolpe
Foreword by Rick Warren
The book advertises "Refuting the cold reason of atheists and the hatred of fanatics with a vision of religion informed by faith, love, and understanding, Rabbi David J. Wolpe follows in a literary tradition that stretches from Cardinal Newman to C. S. Lewis to Thomas Merton—individuals of faith who brought religion and culture together in their own works."
"Rabbi" David Wolpe, of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles CA, and Rick Warren of Saddleback Church are birds of a feather. They both are highly promoted in major public media, and they both believe a person must have "faith." There is another interesting similarity too; Wikipedia notes that Wolpe is named the "most influential" Rabbi in America by Newsweek Magazine, and he is identified one of the 50 "most influential" Jews in the world, according to the Jerusalem Post.
As Rick Warren connects the theological dot with Wolpe by endorsing his book, one might get the idea that it does not matter what exactly, a person's religion is as long as they have "faith," and as long as they happen to believe in "God." In fact, the first chapter of the book introduces us to Wolpe and his comforting of a dying friend. Rick Warren, endorses Wolpe, and this book, saying that Wolpe has "profound insights" that will "stimulate your thinking and even touch your soul about the reality of God in fresh and surprising ways."
Wolpe had no particularly profound insights about the afterlife to share with his dying friend. There was no bible verse, no mention of God forgiving sin. There was only an agreement between the two men facing mortality that they would "pass from this life with words of love and hope for awakenings to come." He did impart the "wisdom" of the dying mother of a ninety-year-old man that he was, at that time, studying scripture with. She had told her son, "My Child, do not be afraid, it is only death, and it has happened to everyone who has ever lived."
Foreword by Rick Warren
Well, make no mistake, Rick Warren likes being driven and he has driven his congregation into a "Decade of Destiny." It therefore makes sence that being Driven by Dstinty would be appealing to him. LaVerne conviently says, "Make a Destiny Decision to advance forward making your Destiny Dream your current reality!" Making your "Destiny Dream." you current reality is a little like having your "best life" now.
Rick also encourages pastors to be dreamers. He says, "If you are going to be involved in ministry, you've got to be a dreamer." LaVern Adams, ("pastor" of Cathedral of Praise,) suggests in the advertising for her book, "that she can help you get started on the journey of living the life of your dreams."
Learning to Soar by Avery and Matt Willis
Foreword by Rick Warren and Henry Blackaby
The advertised "mission" of this book:
• Encourage you to leave your comfort zonesDon;t plan to just "read" this book. It has an eight unit or 8 week guide to study the book at the back of the book, so you can reflect on what you learn from this book.
• Motivate you to respond to God's stirrings within your heart • Help you take the risk of trusting God and stepping out into abundant living • Show you how to soar to unimaginable heights with God, by faith
A couple of thoughts and passages in scripture come to mind regarding the book's "mission."
1. Regarding "leaving your comfort zones;" Some zones of comfort, like for example, the comfort of being close to the Shepherd.... you do not want to "leave."
Why would you want to leave that "comfort zone?" This doesn't make sense.
2. Regarding a response to "stirrings of the heart," this scripture might resonate with a Christian:
3. Regarding a "risk" of trusting God... and "stepping out into abundant living," is it, risky to trust God? When Satan tempted Jesus, taking him up to the highest pinnacle of the temple, he sure seemed to be all about getting Jesus to "take risks" and "trust God" in doing so We read:
Jesus had an answer for him... one straight out of scripture.
4. And about that "Soaring to unimaginable heights" or rather learning to soar with God; what does that mean? What does it mean to soar with God by faith?
"I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalm 23)
Why would you want to leave that "comfort zone?" This doesn't make sense.
2. Regarding a response to "stirrings of the heart," this scripture might resonate with a Christian:
"Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived,
and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;"
3. Regarding a "risk" of trusting God... and "stepping out into abundant living," is it, risky to trust God? When Satan tempted Jesus, taking him up to the highest pinnacle of the temple, he sure seemed to be all about getting Jesus to "take risks" and "trust God" in doing so We read:
"And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple,
and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:
For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee
and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any
time thou dash thy foot against a stone" (Luke 4)
Jesus had an answer for him... one straight out of scripture.
4. And about that "Soaring to unimaginable heights" or rather learning to soar with God; what does that mean? What does it mean to soar with God by faith?
"I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. (Isaiah 14:14)
Life's Healing Choices by John Baker,
Foreword by Rick Warren
(This book is the Celebrate Recovery program of Saddleback Church repackaged specifically for people who do not need the AA approach to life in order to recover from alcoholism, but do "need" a 12 Step program like AA or Celebrate Recovery, in order to properly choose the eight healing choices in this book that will give them the "right" happiness and transformation.)
" Life’s Healing Choices offers freedom from our hurts, hang-ups, and habits through eight healing choices that promise right happiness and life transformation. Using the Beatitudes of Jesus as a foundation, Senior Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church and John Baker, who is also a pastor at Saddleback, developed the eight choices shared in this book"
Empty Promises by Peter Wilson
Foreword by Rick Warren
Endorsed by Perry Noble, Steven Furtick and others.
Subtitled: "The Truth About You, Your Desires, and the Lies You're Believing"
Book description: "Join Pastor and best-selling author Pete Wilson in discovering the joy and freedom that comes with seeking after God with your whole life. Learn how to replace, and not just relinquish, life's empty promises by turning your focus and worship toward Him. It is the only thing that will set you absolutely free from the endless pursuit of everything else."
Question: Is this book being recommended to the general public or to the church?
Furthermore.... is this a book promoting Jesus Christ as savior from sin and death, or it is simply about seeking after..an unamed, generic, "God?'" Also, is it about our ability to fulfill... not just this one commandment of having no idols, but that of us, us being able to fulfill and perfect keep God's law?
Peter Wilson. the author, writes, (in the chapter titled, the Idol Factory,) "I think this commandment, (the first) takes prominence because it is almost impossible for us to follow and obey the other nine if we break this first one."
Question: Did he say, "Almost impossible?"...... "If?"
That is quite interesting and sounds legalistic in light of the gospel of God's grace to a people who are not able to keep the law perfectly.
Dangerous Church by John Bishop
Foreword by Rick Warren
Rick Warren, (the same guy who promotes meeting people's "felt needs" in church,) in the foreword to this book about how church is supposed to be "dangerous," confusingly criticizes the church for being welcoming and making things "safe" in churches. (No kidding.) Our focus, he says, is off. To switch things up a bit he says that instead, we are supposed to be "singularly, radically and dangerously focused on making disciples of every nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit."
Bet that sounds quite biblical. It should. It is in fact what churches HAVE been doing.... for hundreds of years. Here's the irony. While this sounds relatively "Christian," and while Christian do already do exactly that... Rick makes it out as a who new concept which it is... and actually it is not. You see, baptism is not the most important thing. Faith is... faith in Jesus Christ. Maybe this is why Hebrews indicates Jesus is to be our focus. Paul encouraged Timothy to "preach the word." Yet some will indeed, (see Matthew 23,) endeavor to compass about in order to make just one convert.... perhaps to follow them...... maybe even on facebook, and buy their books and study guides and DVD programs in order to learn everything they need to know... like how to be "dangerous" instead of "safe."
Editorial Review of the book, submitted by the Pastor of the well-known Hillsong Church, who describes for us what a dangerous Church" is. It reads: "The Bride of Christ is rising on the earth like never before. A 'dangerous church' is a church that is alive, full of the lost and broken, a generous church that takes risks. It is a church that is willing to be exposed to misunderstanding and persecution for the sake of the gospel. John Bishop will confront, enlarge, and equip any leader who has the courage to read this book and do whatever it takes to see the cause of Christ advanced on the earth." -- Brian Houston, Pastor, Hillsong Church
Question: (There are many that this comment provokes.)
" Is the church full of the lost and broken... or of the redeemed...those who are now in Christ, born again.... made anew?"
"If you do not have "the courage" to read this book (or the courage to be "dangerous") does in mean you are the opposite of courageous? A wimp?
Watch Trailers here and here.
Creating the Better Hour: Lessons From Willian Wilburforce
Foreword by Rick Warren
"Our world needs a new generation of people like Wilberforce," writes Rick Warren in the foreword to the study guide, 'CREATING THE BETTER HOUR: Lessons from William Wilberforce.' Using the same words he uses to promote his P.E.A.C.E. plan, Warren says, "I hope Wilberforce's example will compel people to work together with others to defeat the evil giants that loom over the twenty-first century,"
The film that goes with the study guide is The Better Hour. You can view the 2008 movie trailer here.
Tides of Change by Leonard Sweet and Rick Warren
This is an audio interview between Lenard Sweet and Rick Warren published way back in 1995 as a resource for Christian leaders.
Sweet and Warren still have had connections since them. In 1999 Rick Warren endorsed the cover of Sweet's Soul Tsunami book. Warren's words are, "Soul Tsunami shows us why these are the greatest days for evangelism since the first century." In 2008, Sweet taught at a Saddleback Small Groups Conference. Rick via his website, pastors.com has endorsed Sweet's writings many times. Here are some recent screen shots of very recent endorsements, posted November 18th 2012, at the website of Frank Viola, "Beyond Evangelical." Frank himself, author of yet another book he wrote with Sweet is happy to see it promoted on Rick Warren's website! The book is Jesus, A Theography.
Read an informative commentary on the connections and joint ventures of this dynamic duo of Warren and Sweet by Lighthouse Trails, here.
Magnificent Obsession by Anne Graham Lotz
(not to be confused with the 1954 Rock Hudson film... of the same title...right?)
Read this Newsweek article about Anne an promoting her book here. Review Anne's Group Bible Study... read her book excerpts. Also view her webpage where you can spend a lot of your money purchasing her many books, including the 7 week study guide to... her Rick Warren endorsed book,
Magnificent Obsession Participants Guide:
Embracing the God-Filled Life
Foreword by Rick Warren
Rick suggests, "Don't just read it, buy several copies and start a reading group with friends...."and "...then create some practical ways you can help each other practice the transforming truths of a God-filled life."
The Emerging Church: Vintage Christianity for New Generations by Dan Kimball
Foreword by Rick Warren
It is advertised as. "For pastors, leaders, and every concerned Christian, Kimball offers a riveting and easy-to-grasp exploration of today’s changing culture and gives insight into the new kind of churches that are emerging in its midst. Included is running commentary by Rick Warren, Brian McLaren, Howard Hendricks, and others."
Basic Christianity by John Stott (Fiftieth Anniversary Edition)
Foreword By Rick Warren
The book itself is named one of the Top 100 "Books of the Millenium" by World Magazine and listed amoung Christianity Today's Top 100 Books of the 20th Century
Named one of the Top 100 Books of the Millennium by World magazine and listed among Christianity Today's Top 100 Books of the 20th Century. Anne Graham Lotz says,
"Anything John Stott says is worth listening to. Anything he writes is worth reading. Basic Christianity is not only a classic must-read for every believer; it is truly a blessing preserved on the written page for the enrichment of this generation and those to come."
"Must read?" John Stott has written over fifty books and articles, like this one, Four Ways Christians Can Influence the World, published in Christianity Today Magazine, October 2011.
Who is John Stott? You can watch a brief memorial to the man John Stott here... Godtube.com
He was most definitely a mentor to Rick Warren and he endorsed Rick's P.E.A.C.E. Plan, having spoken at Saddleback wearing a Hawaiian shirt... (imitating Rick.) Additionally, John Stott, together with Rick Warren and Billy Graham signed onto the "ONE campaign... the one with "Justice, Not Love," being the motto of the organization.
One Month to Live Thirty Days to a No-Regret Life
by Kerry and Chris Shook
Foreword By Rick Warren
"Each of One Month to Live's 30 chapters—one for every day in a life-changing month—offers fresh strategies for overcoming habits that mire Christians in mediocrity"
"Thirty Days to a No-Regrets Life encourages readers to face their own mortality and live life to the absolute fullest."
Free resources for this book provided here.
Pastor's Handbook by John R. Bisagano
Foreword by Rick Warren
After 60 years in ministry, we are told.... "Bisagno still mentors young pastors in his retirement and recognizes new challenges in this profession known for its high dropout rate. Keeping that in mind, Pastor’s Handbook adds helpful entries on such issues as “The Seeker Friendly Church,” “Solving Worship Wars,” “Multiple Campuses,” “New Media,” and “Home Groups” as well as “Internet Pornography,” “Biblical Inerrancy,” “The High Cost of Overnight Change,” “Homosexuality,” “Christianity and Islam,” and more than a dozen other timely topics."
Rick Warren in his endorsement on the back of the book's cover, identifies John Bisagano as "a giant."
Only You Can Be You by Erik Rees (A "Saddleback Pastor")
Foreword by Rick Warren
What will this book offer the reader? ... Advertising says, "First, you’ll think through your own life-purpose statement, remind yourself daily of your spiritual importance, and learn how to make life-affirming, healthy choices that honor your own God-given, unique talents."
It seems to be all about that special person.... "you!"
Your own life purpose statement.... reminding yourself..... of YOUR spiritual importance and doing things that honor your own "uniquely "you" talents.
Lead Like Jesus, by Ken Blanchard, Rick Warren and Bill Hybels
"Jesus poured His life into the training of His disciples in the first three leadership arenas, and during that process, He equipped them to follow His leadership philosophy after He was gone as they moved to the organizational level and attempted to establish the church."
That is odd. Book cover says Jesus "attempted to" establish the church?
Only "attempted?" Does this mean they accomplished the task or just simply tried? Who atually builds or "establishes" the church anyhow?
More information on Ken Blanchard, Rick Warren and Bill Hybels here, (at letusreason.org.)
Use Your Brain to Change your Age by Dr. Daniel Amen
Heartily endorsed by Rick Warren on the back cover, saying, "I want to stay sharp, and that's why I read everything Dr. Amen writes, and you should too!" Rick Warren, May 2012
Everything? Hmmm, makes one wonder why Rick fails to warn Christian readers of the Kirtan Kriya mediation methods based on the five primal sounds that Amen endorses on page 238 of his book, Making a Good Brain Better. He also refrains from warning them about tantric sexuality, also endorsed by Amen in his book Create More Passion Tonight, co-authored with T.J. Bartel.
The Blood Sugar Solution by Dr. Mark Hyman
Endorsed by Rick Warren who says, "Dr. Mark Hyman makes managing your health simpler than you ever thought possible. There's no time like the present to get started. Don't wait till tomorrow! Start today!"
Rick obviously believes you should listen to Hyman and learn from him, in matters of managing your health. He declares him an "expert" and like Amen, Hyman is not a professing Christian. This of course, has drawn criticism for Rick and his church.
In defending this Saddleback reports, "Saddleback in no way endorses any teaching outside of Scripture. We may ask a physician for advice about physical health matters, but the beliefs of our church are carefully guarded by Pastor Rick and all of our Pastors. You can rest assured we will never compromise our belief that Jesus is the only way to heaven or that the Bible is the 100% completely infallible and perfect Word of God. These Doctors are helping us as friends, but are in no way advising our church on spiritual matters."
These doctors are just helping Saddleback Church.... "as friends."
These doctors are just helping Saddleback Church.... "as friends."
Mark Hyman is Jewish. He does not believe Jesus is Messiah. More importantly though, Mark Hyman personally promotes Tibetan meditation... Daili Lama. style. Talk about "eternal life..." Daili Lama and Mark Hyman, can teach you to stimulate your "vagus nerve" through meditative practices.... and help you live to be 120 years old!
Mark tells his readership, "We have the power to create new cells and renew our organs and tissues at any age." Yes, the Daniel Plan is all about being "healthy." We have the power to create....new cells and renew our organs and tissues at any age?
With claims like these, contrary to what Jesus taught in Matthew 6, you might soon believe that you can renew your organs or even add a cubit to your statute..... if you listen to and practice the wisdom on health issues given you by Hyman.
And finally... on this long list of forewords and endorsements....there is T.V. Star and heart surgeon, Dr. Melmet Oz. To find out more about who Dr. Oz is, see Faces of America at pbs.org or read the article on Mr. Oz at wikipedia. Like Rick Warren, Oz is author of several books. His works include,
Healing From the Heart, by Dr. Melmet Oz
and
YOU, the Owner's Manual, by Dr. Melmet Oz
While he has not written a forward for these books, "Pastor" Rick embraces OZ, his television show and prominently places him on a pedestal before the church as an "expert" to be leistened to for wisdom...just like he has done Hymen and Amen. He opens the door for them to speak into the lives of his own church members as well as any other churches in America who subscribe to the Purpose Driven regime. Rick Warren even claims to have cooked up.... (created,) a special plan with Oz and friends, to get the church "healthy." That plan is called the Daniel Plan.
Odd, isn't it, that none of these three men share Rick Warren's faith?
Dr. Oz, like Amen and Hyman, does not profess to be Christian; He professes to be Muslim. Ox is also a "spiritual" man who practices and promotes what Christians call "New Age" pratices, (like Reiki and necromancy.) He has even produced a show to share Reiki with the public.
Are there no Christian doctors, exercise experts or nutritionists that Rick could partner with? Is Warren's selection of high profile, influential non professing Christian people simply an accident?
Rick is probably quite purposeful in selecting what he says and does not say and you can almost be sure there is intention behind his endorsement for each and every one of these people and these many books. You and I might not know what that intention is, but we can rest assured that he who knows all things, who knows the end from the beginning, and who warned us explicitly not to follow after other gods or be unequally yoked with unbelievers... (a.k.a. God,) does.
And who, if they are kept busy reading all this other reading material... books and study guides, DVDs classes, campaigns and seminars.... will ever have time to simply read God's book?
While he has not written a forward for these books, "Pastor" Rick embraces OZ, his television show and prominently places him on a pedestal before the church as an "expert" to be leistened to for wisdom...just like he has done Hymen and Amen. He opens the door for them to speak into the lives of his own church members as well as any other churches in America who subscribe to the Purpose Driven regime. Rick Warren even claims to have cooked up.... (created,) a special plan with Oz and friends, to get the church "healthy." That plan is called the Daniel Plan.
Odd, isn't it, that none of these three men share Rick Warren's faith?
Dr. Oz, like Amen and Hyman, does not profess to be Christian; He professes to be Muslim. Ox is also a "spiritual" man who practices and promotes what Christians call "New Age" pratices, (like Reiki and necromancy.) He has even produced a show to share Reiki with the public.
Are there no Christian doctors, exercise experts or nutritionists that Rick could partner with? Is Warren's selection of high profile, influential non professing Christian people simply an accident?
Rick is probably quite purposeful in selecting what he says and does not say and you can almost be sure there is intention behind his endorsement for each and every one of these people and these many books. You and I might not know what that intention is, but we can rest assured that he who knows all things, who knows the end from the beginning, and who warned us explicitly not to follow after other gods or be unequally yoked with unbelievers... (a.k.a. God,) does.
And who, if they are kept busy reading all this other reading material... books and study guides, DVDs classes, campaigns and seminars.... will ever have time to simply read God's book?
