The beliefs of Rick Warren

Prosperity · #11 17th November 2005, 11:21 PM

You are welcome!

Emma! · #12 19th November 2005, 08:48 AM

I had a look at the site mentioned and it needs to be taken into accout that the negative info (that has been posted here) is all off the same site, its also just someones elses opionion... so it really dosent count for all that much, since anyone can have there own website. I could easily fine a bunch of really positive websites that totally support him too...

If you really want to get to know what he is about (the limited amount that you can) grab hold of his purpose driven life book. Look at the fruits of his labour (his church, the fruits of his book etc...) my church has done the purpose driven life book/course (and yes i go to a pentecostal/third day church) and although i think alot of it comes down to pretty basic christianity, it brings hope and a way to salvation for many (i know many who were saved after doing this course, and have remained in the faith).

I find it sad the labeling that can happen, God has chosen him at this time to lead that church and to write that book etc... God has chosen him, while you may not agree with some/all of what he says (and thats fine) it still remains that he is a brother in christ that deserves the love and respect that everyone else does.

I am not a 'pro rick warren person' (im pretty neural), but please be careful with labeling and assuming the worst of Gods people. He is doing the best that he can, with what he believes God has given him...and it turns out that God is greatly blessing that!

Its fine to disagree with him, but speaking negatively of him is not. Im not trying to be mean here, but im sick of hearing christians run other well known christians down as though they have the right to do so.

justinstout · #13 19th November 2005, 09:13 AM

Originally Posted by Prosperity

One of my largest issues with The Purpose Driven Life Theology is that I don't believe that Jesus drives His sheep, but rather leads His sheep.

Very good point, Prosperity.

DMW · #14 19th November 2005, 09:23 AM

I agree with Emma.
Rick Warren is a favorite target of some older Christians who find all sorts of evil in his ministry while everyone else is receiving and being blessed. When they aren't targeting Rick Warren, they often switch over and start in on Joel Osteen, who is also reaching more people for Jesus than 99% of preachers in America. And of course, from there, its only a short skip over to the beloved "King James Only" arguements.
What an unhappy club to be a part of.

Dan

From Glory to Glory · #15 22nd November 2005, 02:50 AM

I was all excited to read The Purpose Driven Life, until I got to this sentence on page 81 of the book:

"Genuine surrender says, 'Father, if this problem, pain, sickness, or circumstance is needed to fulfill your purpose and glory in my life or in another's, please don't take it away.' This level of maturity does not come easy."

Ugh!!!! How is this scriptural?? When did Jesus ever command us to pray that someone's sickness NOT be removed?

After this, I just lost all interest in the book.

Just my thoughts,

Pam

Emma! · #16 22nd November 2005, 02:58 AM

Originally Posted by From Glory to Glory

I was all excited to read The Purpose Driven Life, until I got to this sentence on page 81 of the book:

"Genuine surrender says, 'Father, if this problem, pain, sickness, or circumstance is needed to fulfill your purpose and glory in my life or in another's, please don't take it away.' This level of maturity does not come easy."

Ugh!!!! How is this scriptural?? When did Jesus ever command us to pray that someone's sickness NOT be removed?

After this, I just lost all interest in the book.

Just my thoughts,

Pam

There is usually some stuff you are not going to agree with, no matter who it is. The above is a good example... im always suprised by how many people believe this though...

im sure there would have been other things in the book that you could have gained though.

bless you

Kebisoni · #17 22nd November 2005, 03:22 AM

Originally Posted by From Glory to Glory

I was all excited to read The Purpose Driven Life, until I got to this sentence on page 81 of the book:

"Genuine surrender says, 'Father, if this problem, pain, sickness, or circumstance is needed to fulfill your purpose and glory in my life or in another's, please don't take it away.' This level of maturity does not come easy."

Ugh!!!! How is this scriptural?? When did Jesus ever command us to pray that someone's sickness NOT be removed?

After this, I just lost all interest in the book.

Just my thoughts,

Pam

Yes, I am still trying to work out what I think about healing and suffering, but there is something that naturally recoils at things like that. That said - Jesus himself prayed almost exactly that prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane - Father if it is possible to take this cup from me - but not my will but your will be done.

Because Jesus did pray that prayer does it mean we don't have to? Or because he did does it mean we might need to follow him and pray the same?
It is the same with the phrase "take up your cross and follow me" - what is that all about?

Sorry I may be going off on a tangent here - if so ignore me!! Just thoughts in my head...

From Glory to Glory · #18 23rd November 2005, 11:49 PM

Originally Posted by Kebisoni

Yes, I am still trying to work out what I think about healing and suffering, but there is something that naturally recoils at things like that. That said - Jesus himself prayed almost exactly that prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane - Father if it is possible to take this cup from me - but not my will but your will be done.

Because Jesus did pray that prayer does it mean we don't have to? Or because he did does it mean we might need to follow him and pray the same?
It is the same with the phrase "take up your cross and follow me" - what is that all about?

Sorry I may be going off on a tangent here - if so ignore me!! Just thoughts in my head...

I understand what you are saying, but Jesus never prayed "Lord, if it be thy will, please remove this sickness from this person" because He knew it already WAS His will and it should be the same with us. Jesus' prayer in the Garden had nothing to do with us praying for the sick now. Yes, we must take up our crosses daily, but we do not need to bear, or "take up" what Christ already bore for us, which includes sickness. Taking up our crosses may involve persecution or some sort of hardship or struggle for the kingdom, but it does not involve what Jesus already paid for.

Thanks for writing!

Pam

godson777 · #19 25th November 2005, 12:43 AM

Jesus himself prayed almost exactly that prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane - Father if it is possible to take this cup from me - but not my will but your will be done.

We should only pray "If it be thy will" in certain types of prayer. If our prayer is a petition to change or recive things we should never say "If it be thy will" because we should always know whether or not it is God's will to do it. It also shows a lack of faith that I have received it NOW, and these prayers are activated by faith.

If our prayer is one of seeking God about direction and Jesus was doing before he went to the cross, then it is okay and appropriate to pray "If it be thy will".

When it comes to healing, that is a prayer of petition and we know according to the Word that he wants us healed. Anyone who prays God heal me "if it is thy will" will not receive healing because they don't know the Word which has rendered them unable to pray in faith.

TraciFisher · #20 25th November 2005, 03:30 AM

The Purpose Driven life has helped me so much- and I'm happy that many individuals and churches are doing it-

We need to make sure we don't follow anyone blindly or discount (and be a part of) discounting their helping of Christians.

Honestly, I'm so thankful to God for the Rick Warren books and I believe that God is moving and using him and I see growth in Christians because of it...

I also believe that the Body of Christ is a culmination of Christians-- from every denomination who are living a life as close to Christ as we can. Keeping our hands clean... loving our brothers and sisters... truly loving and not judging or picking them apart or holding them to higher standards than we would like to be put to ourselves.