Rick Warren

[RINO 72]

I love my Pastor just as most (I imagine) of you do.I go to a church that is about 25 months old.I play in the worship band and serve in any way I can in other areas.So, Im plugged in,my family(even my in-laws) are plugged in as well.This is a come as you are,seeker friendly church about to move into a new building in September.

My pastor has a real appreciation for Rick Warren.I didnt even know who he was until our smaller groups went through a Rick Warren "Life Management" class.This was a six week training course on how to handle your money,your time, and your talents in a Godly way.During this course my Pastors messages were very "in-tune" to what was being taught by Warren, on Sundays.

I found the course to not only be incredibly boring but lacking any true Gospel message.I know there are some folks in my group who desperately need to understand their sin problem and have a true understanding of the cross and what it meant.
Im not saying my Pastor does not preach the Gospel because he does,but their are times where the "Purpose driven church" pops up and they lose me.

So, my question is am I giving Warren an unfair wrap? Do I need to read "Purpose Driven life"? Thanks

 

[NOTurTypical]

I'm torn on the issue, I have heard that Rick Warren is a "Kingdom Now" Dominionist. And yet, I found one of his stories/books on the web very edifying for me. I guess it's best not to judge him, so I'll keep myself from forming an opinion. I dunno.

 

[Buzzy]

I was on the fence on Warren till I read Purpose Driven Life and found out that Jesus Christ is mentioned only once. I was literally repelled by the book and won't listen or read anything of his any more.

 

[Jerushabelle]

I love my Pastor just as most (I imagine) of you do.I go to a church that is about 25 months old.I play in the worship band and serve in any way I can in other areas.So, Im plugged in,my family(even my in-laws) are plugged in as well.This is a come as you are,seeker friendly church about to move into a new building in September.

My pastor has a real appreciation for Rick Warren.I didnt even know who he was until our smaller groups went through a Rick Warren "Life Management" class.This was a six week training course on how to handle your money,your time, and your talents in a Godly way.During this course my Pastors messages were very "in-tune" to what was being taught by Warren, on Sundays.

I found the course to not only be incredibly boring but lacking any true Gospel message.I know there are some folks in my group who desperately need to understand their sin problem and have a true understanding of the cross and what it meant.
Im not saying my Pastor does not preach the Gospel because he does,but their are times where the "Purpose driven church" pops up and they lose me.

So, my question is am I giving Warren an unfair wrap? Do I need to read "Purpose Driven life"? Thanks

Why read the writings of a man when we have the writings of our God? Just a thought. I mean, it's like reading Lucado. It reads good, feels good...sometimes...sort of....but...

 

[RINO 72]

Why read the writings of a man when we have the writings of our God? Just a thought. I mean, it's like reading Lucado. It reads good, feels good...sometimes...sort of....but...

well, I agree.But very few actually read God's word.We (my family) come back to the house after church to have lunch, and if there is any talk of the service it is always about someone who got up and shared their testimony and how their lives have been changed.They seem to be really into the human drama and not so much the Gospel.Actually the men never speak about the service or anything relating to God after church.I think it's great this church can draw people in (yes I know only the father draws) who normally would never go to church but tweeking the service to appeal to them may be doing more harm than good.

 

[SharonL]

I had not studied Rick Warren much, but I do have his book 'Purpose Drive Life' - however I have not read it - started a couple of times, but for some reason have not advanced any farther than a few pages.

I don't have an opinion as yet, but I have heard some disturbing things about his belief, not knowledgable enough to name them as yet, but lets all do our research before we come to an opinion.

 

[holyrokker]

Rick Warren is not an evangelist. The study groups like the one you've mentioned are designed specifically for Christians.

An unbeliever can benefit from them as well, because they are based on Biblical principles.

If an unbeliever participates in one of these groups, then you have an opportunity to share the gospel with that person.

 

[Bella Vita]

I am torn on him also. I like some of his stuff but not so much others. This is why it is better to do your own research not just take the word of another pastor to many people do this today. I do like that he gives back though he unlike many money hungry pastors of mega churches doesn't take a check he has given back every penny he has ever made to his church and to Christian organizations. So for that I think he is awesome.

 

[mrmccormo]

I can't make an informed judgment on Rick Warren's theology (which a Christian expected to do. Judge theology, not the man). I don't want to make a judgment on Warren himself and then have God ask me "why did you judge my servant, Rick Warren?"

All I can say is that Rick Warren's teaching fall flat for me, and since his teachings are not centered around giving a brand-new Christian the things they need to know, his teachings are inappropriate for a "seeker sensitive" class. His teachings would be better for Christians who are grounded in the Word and who have a bit of maturity.

 

[mdseverin]

I am reading A Purpose Driven Life right now. I'm on Day 12 of 40, so it's too early to judge. It starts out with a great message, God created you for a specific purpose. It's pretty hard to argue with that. What I find very annoying is he uses The Message and similar versions to express his point. I am constantly checking the footnotes to look up the real bible verse. I will post more of my thoughts as I read. Right now it's too early.

 

[Bella Vita]

I am reading A Purpose Driven Life right now. I'm on Day 12 of 40, so it's too early to judge. It starts out with a great message, God created you for a specific purpose. It's pretty hard to argue with that. What I find very annoying is he uses The Message and similar versions to express his point. I am constantly checking the footnotes to look up the real bible verse. I will post more of my thoughts as I read. Right now it's too early.

I agree I can't stand The Message it's not real scripture at all it is paraphrased scripture. I actually had someone the other day trying to tell someone to use that for Bible study I was like no bad advice for an in depth Bible study The Message is a terrible. LOL

 

[Handmaid for Jesus]

Our church was under the sponsorship of another large church while we were in the mission stage several years ago. They wanted us to complete the 40 days of purpose, so we did. And I too was turn completely alerted to the humanism that was being taught. The Message Paraphrase is the Bible for the secular humanist imho.I have not heard Pastor Warren, but I am sure he believes he is doing the Lord's work.

 

[mdseverin]

Halfway through APDL. I don't see anything wrong with what Warren is writing.

I was a little put off in the very beginning because he said this wasn't a self help book, but it really does reads like one. He also has a few plugs for his other books and materials that turned me off. The biggest complaint is using The Message way too much.

He does have a good message to preach and it's probably a good read for someone not familiar with Christ or the church. For anyone else, I would not recommend it because you probably know and do this stuff already.