Dec 18 2008
Obama’s inaugural choice sparks outrage
[CNN]
Prominent liberal groups and gay rights proponents criticized President-elect Barack Obama Wednesday for choosing evangelical pastor Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at the presidential inauguration next month.
Warren, one of the most influential religious leaders in the nation, has championed issues such as a reduction of global poverty, human rights abuses and the AIDS epidemic. But the founder of the Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, has also adhered to socially conservative stances — including his opposition to gay marriage and abortion rights that puts him at odds with many in the Democratic Party, especially the party’s most liberal wing.
“[It's] shrewd politics, but if anyone is under any illusion that Obama is interested in advancing gay equality, they should probably sober up now,” Andrew Sullivan wrote on the Atlantic Web site Wednesday.
People for the American Way President Kathryn Kolbert told CNN she is “deeply disappointed” with the choice of Warren and said the powerful platform at the inauguration should instead have been given to someone who has “consistent mainstream American values.”
“There is no substantive difference between Rick Warren and James Dobson,” Kolbert said. “The only difference is tone. His tone is moderate, but his ideas are radical.”
Dobson, a social conservative leader, is founder and chairman of Focus on the Family.
Linda Douglass, a spokeswoman for Obama, defended the choice of Warren, saying, “This is going to be the most inclusive, open, accessible inauguration in American history.”
Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights campaign, said Wednesday he feels a “deep level of disrespect” over the choice of Warren and is calling on Obama to reconsider the move.
“By inviting Rick Warren to your inauguration, you have tarnished the view that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans have a place at your table,” Solmonese said in an open letter to Obama that was released by his organization.
In his recent interview with Beliefnet, Warren also sparked outrage among supporters of abortion rights for criticizing those who have said abortion would be “safe and rare.”
“Don’t tell me it should be rare,” he said in the interview. “That’s like saying on the Holocaust, ‘Well, maybe we could save 20 percent of the Jewish people in Poland and Germany and get them out and we should be satisfied with that — I’m not satisfied with that. I want the Holocaust ended.”
Read more here.
[From me]
I don’t envy Rick Warren. He gets criticism from all sides. The far left thinks he is too conservative and there are people of the far right that write books and devote websites to destroy him.
I like Rick Warren. I think the man has a real passion to see people’s lives changed. I attended the Purpose Driven Church Conference in 2000. His church in Lake Forest, CA was impressive because the campus was “unimpressive.” In a country where mega churches spend millions of dollars on buildings that are used maybe once or twice a week. Saddleback is really very simple. There are large Sprung buildings (glorified tents) and simple but effective buildings. The lay people were well trained and knew the vision of Saddleback. They have baptized over 20,000 people since it’s existence. That represents over 20,000 lives who have been changed for eternity because of the ministry of Rick Warren.
I would dare say that most of the people who criticize him have never met him or attended a service at Saddleback. I loved my time in the Purpose Driven Church Conference and I also heard him last year at the Catalyst Conference. The man is passionate about seeing people come to Christ. I can’t control what non-believers say about fellow Christians but it seem to me the Godly thing for believers to do is to quit bashing their own leaders.
What do you think?
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I absolutely, positively 100% (can I get any more clearer?) agree with your words Kevin. I get tired of the “Warren bashing” by those who should support his efforts to change peoples’ lives. he chooses to mix it up with those who are opposite from his theological views and cultural views (AIDS, poverty, etc) and I applaud him for that. I don’t see him compromising as the latest Beliefnet interview attests. It is time for Christ-follower to stop shooting their own and offer some vocal support. I may not always agree with Rick but I highly respect him.
Question: Warren has proven his “conservative theology” time after time. What say the evangelicals about their last choice for president (I voted for him) and his views on universalism?
I’m not surprised by this. Our new Marxist regime will have to give some overture to the “conservative” Christian constituency in order to placate as many as possible. Its the equivalent of choosing the flavor of Kool-Aid you want to drink.
I have met Warren — gotten an autographed book even. He may be “conservative” but his theology is not.
“it seem to me the Godly thing for believers to do is to quit bashing their own leaders.”
He is not my leader nor do I look to him for leadership. Having done my own research (ie read his books) I’m surprised that negative views about Warren are so late in coming. When people ask for my opinion, I tell them they would do better to read someone else.
Scott’s last blog post..Jesus, Light of the World
For all the G & L tribe…one word of advice: GET OVER YOURSELVES!
The world does not revolve around you or your opinion. As a matter of fact, most of us just don’t care what you think! Really, we don’t!
M. Steve Heartsill’s last blog post..Is That Ringing I Hear?
If my life were subjected to the scrutiny that Rick Warren’s is, I’d fail much more miserably, I’m quite sure. I’m pretty tired of the conspiracy theorists attacking him, Billy Graham, Perry Noble, Steven Furtick, Mark Batterson, and any other Christian preacher who happens to be visible. That does NOT mean that he should not be held accountable for his words, actions, and teachings, but it DOES mean that I don’t think every Tom, Dick, and Harry Blogger has the right to toss the word “heretic” around like it’s candy at a cheerleader convention. Sure, he’s got some things wrong. So do I. I sinned just yesterday and I’m gonna have to fight again today to keep it from biting me.
I don’t even agree with my own pastor all the time, but I still support him 100%.
It cracks me up that the lefties are mad because Warren is too conservative, and the conservatives are mad because Warren is supposedly endorsing an abortionist. The man can’t win, like you said.
A lot of we Christians don’t have a freaking clue.
Bernard Shuford’s last blog post..The Bible
Scott,
I don’t get your kind of thinking.
Bill, Steve and Bernard,
great thoughts.
Kevin,
How so? Do you mean you don’t understand it? Or do you mean you don’t agree with it?
Scott’s last blog post..Jesus, Light of the World
If I can figure it out, I may post the article as well.
Rick Warren has had to face opposition from evangelicals for so long that it is probably just another part of his day. I’ve never understood why there is the continuous attacking of his teachings, beliefs, and actions. Probably some jealousy. It would be nice if Christians would work more together and see the faith that this man has.
Now, I’m disappointed a little in the man of change having a change in the inauguration. Having a Graham do the invocation is tradition! To me it should be as American as the Blue Angels flying over. The prayer is almost picked apart word by word as much as the speech. I’d rather have the one who has prayed for many President’s beginnings. At least, it will prepare us for a different style parade.
Scott,
What I don’t agree with is the attitude that Warren and others have bad theology. The man is being used by God to lead people to Christ. Criticism comes from believers more than the non-believers. That is sad. Christians are making money writing books against the man.
I choose to pray for him and celebrate what God is doing in his and others lives. The Apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:15-18
I rejoice that Christ is being preached period!
Janna,
Well said.
Janna…just an FYI. Billy Graham has said that his days of being the “pastor to presidents” is over…he graciously took his name out of consideration (due to his health issues) for having a part in the ceremony…
M. Steve Heartsill’s last blog post..Is That Ringing I Hear?
Kevin,
Thank you for the clarification.
I would like to note that I have not read any books critical of Warren. I came to my conclusions on my own after reading Warren’s works. (Yes, I have seen available articles and blogs critical of Warren.) But, for the most part, they do indeed seem to have a mean attitude about them and therefore in no way do I endorse them. I simply do not agree with Warren’s theology. (Hybels, Osteen, Dollar, Todd Bently, and Hinn — among others– also fall into my disagree-about-theology category).
I stand in agreement, however, with you in your verse selection — especially verse 18 — in regard to Warren.
Scott’s last blog post..Jesus, Light of the World
Of course the first choice would have been Dr Billy Graham, but his health is so frail, that one can understand why another choice.
Rick Warren is a superb choice, and I’m glad that President-Elect Obama chose him.
The extremes, on both ends of the social spectrum, need to step back, take 10 deep breaths, and then just shut up!
Phil Hoover’s last blog post..Happy 26th Anniversary to Chris and Andrea Fabry
I like Pastor Rick Warren. The man obviously in Obama’s eyes gained massive “street-credibility” when he hosted John McCain and Barak Obama at Saddleback some months ago. Celebrate Recovery, a Christian 12 step program started at Saddleback has helped millions with hurts, habits and hangups.
I am a Christ follower, and I love Jesus and His people….but many Christian people make me sick. Rather the way WE, rip apart OUR OWN, is what is sickening. Kudo’s Kevin on the verse selection. I too am very happy Christ is being preached.
In Christ
Andrew
Scott, what parts of Warren’s theology do you disagree with? I’m just curious. I’ve seen these comments made by people over and over but no one ever says WHAT they disagree with, just that they disagree with his theology.
Angie,
I disagree with what I consider to be works-based soteriology. I also do not consider theology derived from mystics et al. , so-called, to be safe and certainly not grounded in Scripture. And then some of those whom Warren continues to receive “mentoring” are also of questionable theological backgrounds such as C. Peter Wagner.
Yes, Warren is articulate and sells well. I appreciate the energy his church gives to the community. He certainly presents strong well intentioned arguments for his social agendas. And I don’t think he is evil. I just think he is, well, wrong.
For the inauguration, he will be a good showpiece for Obama.
I believe Kevin asked the question, “What do you think?”
Well, that’s what I think.
Scott’s last blog post..Jesus, Light of the World
Scott,
I don’t know where you get the idea that this man holds to a “works based soteriology.” I find his words and views quite different. I consider him the victim of a few legalistic and harsh people who take a few words he regrettably wrote in the book, The Purpose Driven Life, out of context.
If perfection is the standard, there isn’t a pastor on the planet who could stand. Well Maybe Phelps could….
In Christ
Andrew
In further defense of Rick Warren
from Warren….
“Celebrate Recovery is a biblical program…based on the actual words of Jesus rather than psychological theory,”
That doesn’t sound works based. Nor does it sound like green bubble-ub and rainbow stew.
Also
I’ve always been uncomfortable with…vagueness about the nature of God, the saving power of Jesus Christ and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Doesn’t sound like he is advocating a works based salvation to me either.
I am definitely soteriological because I do believe in the doctrine of Salvation through Jesus Christ. I am unsure what you think that word means but ….
As a socially liberal agnostic, I probably disagree with Rick Warren on just about every theological issue. Nevertheless, I don’t get the impression that he believes that Jesus is a Rebublican or that evangelical Christians are real Americans while the rest of us are out to destroy the American way of life. I do get that impression from James Dobson.
I am not a big fan of Obama’s choice but I respect the fact that he sees himself as President of all Americans, whether they voted for him or not.
Vinny’s last blog post..Wishful Thinking
Wow Vinny,
We agree on something. We are making progress!
Steve and Phil, yeah I know he is too old and said he wouldn’t anymore. His son has done it. Now, I of course would have been thrilled to have Anne Graham Lotz do it!
Kevin,
Dare we hope that it is a sign of things to come?
Vinny’s last blog post..Wishful Thinking
Scott, what new Marxist regime are you talking about? Have you ever lived under Marxism? I have, and it was NOT a pleasant experience. Just curious to know what your interpretation is.
I guess THIS has caused a firestorm too.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/melissa-etheridge/the-choice-is-ours-now_b_152947.html
Wow. Imagine the opportunity to witness to Melissa Etheridge. If I covered my world as well as Rick Warren is covering HIS, I’d have a lot less time to blog.
And more… http://www.americablog.com/2008/12/rick-warren-pulls-anti-gay-language.html
Bernard Shuford’s last blog post..Torn
Thanks for the links Bernard. The Huffington Post article was good.