It’s fun to hate on Rick Warren
Something about the human nature that you’ve no doubt seen or experienced, and the chances are good that you’ve done it: Most of us have probably gone on record in social networking either by blogging or twittering or “facebook statusing” to make some sort of reactionary statement against something that has either happened to them in the past or a perceived popular notion that easily has another side that’s been apparently neglected by whoever came up with the notion.
I’m thinking about this because recently I’ve seen many people take a few jabs at Rick Warren in the Facebook world. Now I understand taking jabs at some extremes like the KJV only position or preaching against alcohol or any number of insane extreme personal convictions that are not backed up by Scripture but simply by the Holy Spirit convicting an individual (this of course is not wrong, and I applaud those who have different convictions from others), but come on, Rick Warren?
The guy preaches what he preaches, and it is the gospel, gives away 90% of his income, and so now countless numbers of people decide that this guys fluff, why? Because he’s not reformed or uses his influence to reach far outside of the church? One thing I’m learning about the church and myself: We need to pick on someone. We have a desire in our hearts (clearly not from the Spirit, so where’s it coming from?) to find what we assume is a weakness in someone because of what they didn’t say or what their book didn’t point out, and we call them out. I call them out.
Enough of that crap! I’m not doing it anymore. If someone’s preaching a gospel that’s different than the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus, that’s one thing. But Fellowship Church in Massachusetts will not be known for our who we pick on or who we call out. We are called to build up, and encourage, and esteem others better than ourselves. And that starts with me.
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Right on, Marty.
Defining ourselves by who and what we are against is an act of laziness and cowardice. It's a way to create a faux community as people are deluded into thinking they have a connection really only end up with hate between them.
It takes conviction and bravery to step up and state what we are for. It builds real communities that have a meaningful bond. I'm with you!
“If someone’s preaching a gospel that’s different…”
As a former Roman Catholic and now SBC pastor, I’d say the Roman Catholic Church assuredly does preach another gospel.
So this will give you perspective as to why some of us oppose Warren’s sinful ecumenicism: (I took out the web page this links to because I’d like those who disagree to write why they disagree rather than pointing to another page. Thank you. Marty.)
Love this post Marty!! Absolutely couldn't agree more when it comes to speaking unkindly of other leaders, pastors, or ministries. One thing I love about our church and pastor is he is forthright in saying that we will not speak against others in this manner. We will be known by what we are for rather than what we are against. I'm challenged to live in the same way!!
sorry for the late post, I seldom read blogs anymore…my bad!! thanks for making me think…