"Pastor" Rick Warren's Lie

Video is from the 2006 TED Talks

Comments

[JB]

Hmmmmmm. I am 'wired' to be a sinner. It's good to know God is taking pleasure in that.

[Reformation Nation]

I was thinking the exact same thing, JB. You took the words right out of my mouth.

[James]

The Imperial March is a nice touch. Rick Warren is truly the spiritual equivalent of Darth Vader.

[Rick Frueh]

Your creativity in this video reveals much more sad truth than many will understand. The one world church isn't coming - it's here.

[James]

Rick - I didn't get your comment about the creativity of the video. Can you explain what you meant?

[Glen]

Of course, if he was addressing BELIEVERS, I could see some truth in what he was trying to say....BUT, addressed to unbelievers, this is outright heresy!

And, I thought the Southern Baptist Convention was evangelical...?????

[Teresa]

I don't think this guy gets it. It doesn't what God made you to do if you are spiritually dead and on your way to hell. Let's get this right! Be reconcilled to God first through the cross and the payment of sin per Jesus Christ and all the rest will fall into place per the Holy Spirit!

You would think a pastor who purused the word once in a while would convey that to 5 + (?) billion people who may being hell bound and with out a savior. That is how he should use his platforms to talk and his power and his money and his fame. Is it his kingdom or God's? I always thought it was Jesus'.

[Paul]

Just gotta wonder what Hitler, Stalin, Bernardo and Homolka, Osama bin Laden or Kim Jong-il were "wired" for.

Warren checked his "shape" and figured he's "wired" to be an appostate so he could just be himself. The only one smiling or taking pleasure of his actions and saying "That's my boy Rick Warren." is Satan AKA, allah the All-Merciful One.

[Rick Frueh]

James - I meant that the music and the sublines were very creative and made the point that Rick Warren is not sharing God's Word but his own humanistic thoughts. To say that God gets a kick out of us being ourselves is wrong on so many levels.

Does God suggest that we don't need change? Are we not God's enemies? If we are not great speakers should we not be used of God in preaching (Paul). What Warren shared is a pitiful yet palatable main course of the humanistic musings of man's intellect.

Jesus Himself turned to His own disciples and told them that if their righteousness did not exceed that of the Pharisees they also would not see God's kingdom. That doesn't seem like God was amused by them as they were.

My comments were meant as a compliment to the creativity of the video recreation and the overall message of Rick Warren's unscriptural talk.

[Brent]

I guess Paul was to remain a Pharisee, and Peter was supposed to keep fishing...and Matthew was to continue to "make deals"...and on and on and on... that poor old Rich Young Ruler...he continued on in his "SHAPE" and wept at himself being himself.

Rick Warren! REPENT! I say again REPENT of your own thinking and extra biblical, FALSE teachings!

"Error, indeed, is never set forth in its naked deformity, lest, being thus exposed, it should at once be detected. But it is craftily decked out in an attractive dress, so as, by its outward form, to make it appear to the inexperienced (ridiculous as the expression may seem) more true than truth itself." - Irenaeus

"A heretic is a man who sees with his own eyes."

- Unknown

[Glen]

I wonder why the Southern Baptist Convention doesn't do anything about his teachings! His teachings certainly DO NOT line up with the Baptist Faith and Message which supposedly they adhere to.

[Lygia Bradnick]

This is the saddest thing Warren said to a non Christian audience. So, if a person is 'wired' to be gay he or she will go on being that? (Sorry, I'm not politically correct). What about being wired to have a bad temper? What about if being 'me' is being unfaithful? Or a lier? Or a pedophile?

Sorry, mr Warren,there is something VERY wrong with your preaching.

[PDLAbigail]

You people are so narrow minded. Grow up! Pastor Rick doesn't have to preach your fundamentalist version of the gospel every time that he speaks to non-Christians. God is the one who called him to speak to these people. He didn't call you. Pastor Rick is very humble and always spends time in prayer before he speaks to any group. The Holy Spirit led him to say these things. This wasn't evangelism it was pre-evangelism. It is this positive approach to speaking with unbelievers that opens the door for Pastor Rick to give a more complete presentation of the Gospel. God used this positive message for Pastor Rick to share the gospel with people privately after his talk. If he had just blasted them and told them they were sinners and they had to repent or burn in hell then he wouldn't have been able to privately share the Gospel with people afterward.

[paula]

"Some people have the misguided idea that God only gets excited when you're doing 'quote' spiritual things like goind to church or helping the poor or..."

Some people get the idea that God is only pleased when we have faith, Rick...

And here I thought he was interested in solving all the problems of the poor. Wonder why Rick doesn't stop promoting his peace plan if God is excited about him just living his life. hmm. talking out of both sides of your mouth again Rick?

[paula]

Glen -- the SBC is truly going downhill-- they don't want to disown their cash cow Rick Warren, and yet they're all worried that reform theology is making inroads into the SBC, that people are being evangelized and reform theology baptist churches are being more 'successful' than they are! (because the reform evangelists don't water down the message and mix it with all kinds of psychology and mysticism! doh! But they can't see that.)

[Isaac]

You know that you are in trouble when someone begins they're post with "you people..."

I understand where you are coming from PDLAbigail, I really do. That's great if Ps. Rick had an opportunity to share the gospel later on because of what he said - but unfortunately that does not excuse WHAT he said.

Rick said things about God that simply are not true - especially concerning unbelievers. And to claim Holy Spirit inspiration on Mr. Warren's behalf despite what he said not being in the Holy Scripture is very interesting indeed. In fact it is an appeal to authority, so that no one can question what Rick says.

I'm sure, Abigail, that you don't for a second think that everything Rick says is true. And that being the case is it not wise to evaluate what he says in the light of scripture? Have you seen anything in the bible indicate that God is chuffed when he sees unbelievers being themselves (i.e. storing up wrath for themselves)? I pray that God truly does use what Ps. Warren said despite the content and graciously saves some of those people.

[James]

PDLAbigail the Holy Spirit would never tell anyone to say anything that was contrary to scripture. The Bible tells us to test the spirits. What Rick Warren said contradicts the clear teaching of scripture therefore it wasn't the HOLY SPIRIT that inspired him to say what it said. It was an UNHOLY SPIRIT that did that.

[PDLAbigail]

I've seen and experienced the fruit of Pastor Rick's ministry. He has done more to expand God's Kingdom than any of you whinny complainers. It is so easy for you to sit behind your keyboards and tear people down. I think you people are just jealous of how God has powerfully used him while you toil away in your narrow minded judgmentalism. Pastor Rick has helped starving children in Africa, he is a global leader in the battle against AIDS, he's taught hundreds of thousands of churches how to be purpose driven and transform themselves from irrelevant dead traditional churches into vibrant seeker-sensitive churches that are relevant and meet people where they are at. If you really loved God then you'd stop with these narrow attacks on Pastor Warren that are only based in your narrow minded interpretations of the bible and see the good fruit he is producing and praise God for it!

[James]

PDLAbigail are you related to Richard Abanes?

[Tim Brown]

Where was this video shot? All I saw on the state was a reference to 2006, I think.

[Tim Brown]

*The Holy Spirit led him to say these things.*

Then the Holy Spirit is contradicting His own Word...

[Chris Rosebrough]

Tim,

The video is from the 2006 TED Talks

[Tim Brown]

Abigail:

1 Since when does numbers = true converts?
2 Since when does humanitarianism = evangelism? I mean, even athiests help the hungry, don't they?
3 Since when does helping the liberals hand out condoms in Africa (not preaching ABSTINANCE) mean he's helping with AIDS?
4. Since when is it BIBLICAL to help Synagogues and other "Houses of Worship" become Purpose Driven (Remember Synagogue 3000?...it doesn't matter if your Buddhist, Baptist or Jewish!)

Rick Warren is a false teacher. I don't care one bit if he has 5 followers or 5 Billion. The only thing that matters is "Is What He Teaches Biblical". The amount of books he sells doesn't validate his message.

Get a good Bible (not the Message or the New Living) and READ It.

[Tim Brown]

Thanks, Chris

[Tim Brown]

Oh, and Abigail? When you get that good Bible, make sure you have it RIGHT SIDE UP.

[Mark]

PDLAbigail is very typical of the Saddleback crowd. Sorry to say, and I'm not trying to single her out, but she singled herself out by going on about this. Having been at Saddleback, I can tell you that their fuming anger against fundamentalists is stronger than anything I actually hear from fundamentalists as myself. They are PDL fundamentalists, as Chris brought up in another thread. If it the PDL and Warren, then it is God. If it even questions something that might be off even a little, then they sink their teeth into you with more anger than you'll hear from anyone.

They have put Rick Warren in place of Jesus. Anytime an idol is attacked, those worshiping the idol come at you with all kinds of anger and fangs.

[Shannon]

Matthew 7:13 (Amplified Bible)

" Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it. " - Jesus Christ

[Tim Brown]

Here's a post for PDLAbigail. Seems Ricky is openly calling for Religious Pluralism! Feel free to use the graphic...I think it's overdue.

[Mrs. Pilgrim]

No one is so narrow-minded as one who rejects the truth because of what he or she "feels."

[Tom R.]

Tim - What's the problem with the New Living Translation? I read it along with the NIV and NRSV and have found it to be a great translation. I'm closer to being with you on the Message, although I don't mind that as cross-reference material, either.

As for PDLAbigail's comments - Look, clearly Rick and the PDL ministry have been meaningful in her life. Abigail, maybe you can tell us a bit more? I think we need to be careful about ripping her apart with comments implying that she doesn't know the right way to hold a Bible. That's mean-spirited...we can do better here. I would agree, Abigail, that Rick, Saddleback, and PDL have done a lot of good things, supposedly in the name of Jesus - feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, loving the alien and the orphan, etc. You allude to some of this things yourself.

But listen to the clip again - What Rick is preaching there is not Biblical, it's Ricklical. It's his own version of what he thinks the Bible says (or what he wants it to say). Some of us are so frustrated by the PDL because it seems like more of the same. Does that mean everything he does is wrong? Probably not - but Jesus warns us in Matthew 12 that even if we cast out demons from a person, if there is no real heart change (if true preaching is not heard and accepted), then more and more powerful demons will return to that person. There will be no life change; things will in fact become worse.

This, I think, is the dangerous line that Rick (among others) is walking.

[Jude]

PDLAbigail,

The Holy Spirit do not lead anyone to lie for God cannot lie.

[carol Y]

PDLAbigail,

I guess I'm one of your "whinny complainers" (but I promise I'm not a horse).
I've been through all the PDL stuff and I have been to Saddleback. I can tell you that all the good works and transitions to get numbers in churches, synagogues, and wherever else do not get people to Heaven. "Pastor" Rick has his script down very well but he's not helping anyone. In fact, you probably haven't heard this but many, many churches split because of his "teachings." Just that fact alone is proof that his drivel isn't from the real God but a made-up god of which many people want no part. His god is a "cool guy" that we can make into any image we want.
First, take Tim Brown's advice and get a real Bible. Don't rely on what's flashed up on the screen in your church. Then take a break from PDL for a while and do some research. Isn't your eternal life worth it? Test Warren's spirit. I've done my homework on the PDL for years. I've seen and experienced its devastation first-hand. Do you think the real God wants thousands of people leaving their churches because the pastors aren't preaching sound doctrine? (I don't know but I'll bet you think the word "doctrine" is outdated or wrong.) Do you believe God wants to split churches because the "pillars are holding them up?" Does the real God want "blessed subtractions?" What pastor Rick is saying is "let's get all the people who know better out of the way so they won't cause problems." That's the real fruit of Warren's ministry. How can you trust Rick Warren when he thinks it's fine for people to leave a church? What you said in your last post about Warren's
accomplishments aren't helping people spiritually. Especially
the part where you said that "hundreds of thousands of churches" are becoming purpose-driven. You are being brainwashed into thinking that traditional churches are dead. They are really being stolen.
"Pastor" Rick really missed an opportunity in this video. He's trying to be so politically correct that he ends up with no substance at all. It's all fluff. But then that's what Warren is all about.

[Andrew]

"Oh, and Abigail? When you get that good Bible, make sure you have it RIGHT SIDE UP."

How do comments like this help your position? Can people disagree without being rude?

[Fleur]

Hmmm Rick..

What if I'm *wired* to be a rapist, or a theif, or a liar, or murderer or perhaps a paedophile?

Maybe I was made to be a blaspheming atheist..or even an idol worshipping heathen?

Is God smiling down at me being me then?

[Tim Brown]

Tom:

Thanks for asking. The NLT is *Not* a translation, it is a paraphrase. Yes, I own one, and there are times I read it. But I don't use it for serious study, as I would an NIV, NASB or KJV. It greatly softens many teachings. Not as bad as the Message, no.

My point to Abigail comes from Warren's reliance on the ABUSE of the NLT. He quotes liberally from that and the message, and even then he misuses even what is in those by not quoting full passages when "the rest of the verse" would render his point void.

I am not against the NLT per se, but I personally tend not to use it and when I do, it is with care. After all, it is a paraphrase.

[Tim Brown]

Tom:

You are right about my comment. It comes from "PDL Fatigue", I think. Yes, it was overboard.

Also, check out Luke 8, I think, where it explains why Jesus began speaking in parables...the NLT softens it, the Message nearly reverses it...making it sound like "Poor me, I did all I could...telling stories and drawing pictures but they still don't get it". No, He did it as judgement against them.

Abigail, please accept my apologies. But please take tom's advice.

[Chadm]

People lets be civil here. We may have disagreements with PDLAbigail, so should we rip her to pieces? Or speak the truth IN LOVE? Man, I think some of you would have stoned Paul. :0) I'm not putting PDLAbigail in the same league as Paul by no means. I'm putting some of ya'll in tha category as CRUCIFY HER,CRUCIFY HER,CRUCIFY HER.

[Mark]

Chadm:

I don't see anyone "stoning" PDLAbigail. And Paul would have exposed her and Rick Warren publically, and ridiculed their "doctrines" continually. That I am sure of.

Frankly there's no point in anything that Warren said on this "message" of his. It accomplishes nothing. The more I hear the garbage coming from these self-appointed "spokesmen of God" the more I believe in this: What you win them with is what you win them to. And what Warren is winning people to, is humanism.

And I don't care anymore whoever thinks I'm being "unloving". PDLAbigail and Warren are both UNLOVING for passing off the lies of Satan. I'd rather hear the tough talk of the first apostles in the Bible, than the soft soothing words of Satan from Warren and his blind followers.

[Tim Brown]

Hey Mark?

Here's a little extra support for ya from Paul...

"...And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. 13For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve." 2 Cor. 11:12-14

[Lisa]

I attend a church that became PDL back when it first came out. Our church thought that numbers = successful church. They hopped on the PDL bandwagon and lots of people left. Then the PDL church hopped on the Emergent bandwagon and it literally split the church.

Was our church "stolen"? NO! God was separating the wheat from the tares. Feel blessed because you are that the PDL lies have not misled you. So many are being misled down the wide path that leads to destruction. We should really be praying for God to open PDLAbigail's eyes to the evil she is deceived by.

And God NEVER LIES. He NEVER contradicts himself. Everything Jesus said agrees with the Father. The Holy Spirit ALWAYS agrees with the Father and the Son. How can the Holy Trinity disagree with itself? It can't. RW's teachings are heresy and of the Devil. Period.

And he sure does feed starving children. And makes sure to hand them a copy of PDL instead of the Bible.

[carol Y]

Tim,
I completely understand PDL Fatigue. I have a bad case of it. I lived with it without consent WAY too long and I'm trying (with God's help) to de-tox. It's sort of like second-hand smoking.

[Shma]

The Bible says not to add to or take away from the Word!!!

The NLT could be used as a comentary but not as the Word of God.

The message is an out right lie. I have read verses in it & the NAS & NIV & KJV. It twists the Word of God!!!!!

PDL is a cult. Anything that strays from the true Word of God is a cult. Satan like to mix a little truth with a lot of lie. Good works does not make a person a Christian.

[Sam]

"Did you know God smiles when you be you?"

Isn't that the whole problem... Us being us
can only motivate a holy and just God to throw us into hell and crush us forever!

"God gets pleasure watching you be you, why, because he made you!"

Does God enjoy watching us rebel against him? Does he look down from his throne and boast to the angels of his children spending a lifetime building an empire made out of ash while all the time ignoring Him?

"Look at what's in your hands Your Identity, Your Influence, Your Income"

How's this for identity... "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." Joh 8:44

How's this for influence... "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." Joh 15:5

How's this for income... "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mar 8:36

I think we should spend less time listening to people who both the "professing christian" and secular world admire and speak well of and more time in the Word - saturating ourselves in Truth, listening to the words of Christ, and being transformed into His image!

"Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets."

[frank]

I think it is sad as a pastor, to see another pastor have access and attention of so many unsaved and blow the opportunity. I know when I preach a funeral and I know there's tons of unsaved there and the person who passed was a believer, I make sure everyone there knows the person is in heaven and how they can get there...that the only way is through Christ.

If this was the first time I'd seen Waren, I'd say he had an "off day." But the fact is, the numerous times I seen or read about his public speaking, he preaches a VERY generic message that would be incapable of offending the most hardened unbeliever. His messages, much like Purpose Driven Life, are extremely man-centered, humanistic messages with just a tad of scripture thrown in to make it sound "Christian." Fact is, he is a self-help teacher with slightly Christian flavorings. His messages are much different than secular self-help speakers and authors. I know Rick means well...I just wish he'd get to preaching the gospel and the whole counsel of God!

[James]

It's interesting. What counts is that we "make the world a better place." The "enemy" wants us to believe that our problem is that we just need to "act" (hypocrite=actor) like Christians not actually repent and trust in Jesus Christ.

Whether it's the legalists wanting to legislate people into this hypocrisy or Warren's gentle encouragement to voluntarily become hypocrites it will leave many people hearing the Lord one day say, "Depart from me, I did not know you."
Tragic, very tragic.

[carol Y]

Lisa
You're absolutely right. The heartbreaking part is that the tares now have the only church I had ever known. The first time I went to that church was when I was a week old. My parents and grandparents were members there before I was even born. My husband was the music director and we went through extremely hard times being forced to please everyone except God. We saw our church fall apart and we couldn't do a thing about it.
We now attend a church of another denomination because our former churches' denomination has almost been totally taken over by PDL.

[Chadm]

Lisa- nice posts. Very imformative, done in love and compassion. Good job keep it up. We can all learn alot from Lisa....

[Tim Brown]

Thanks Carol. As a blogger, I get Warrenites who submit livid comments. And of course they NEVER will read or listen to anything that questions Warren. That is why I have a "Cults" label for posts on my blog. If you can't question your leader, that is an elemental part of a cult.

Lisa:

I'm wondering if maybe PDL isn't part of the "Powerful deception" mentioned in II Thessalonians (chapter 2?}... possible I suppose.

[Tim Brown]

Weren't these people being themselves?

[Lisa]

CarolY- My heart is so heavy for your situation. Please allow God with His Holy Spirit to comfort your heart. Continue to lean on Him for all things. Pray for the Lord to lead you to a Bible teaching and preaching group of believers. Remember, even your ancestors "planted" a church long ago-the church you had to leave. Feel blessed that you were called out of the deception and lies. Our church is now rebuilding with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone.

And Tim Brown- Yes, I often wondered if PDL is the "great delusion" foretold in 2 Thessalonians. Or, PDL was the road to Universalism and the Anti-Christ. I just read these blogs and thank God that our family was brought out. We are having to work very HARD to rebuild our church----but it all starts with giving everything to the Lord in prayer, all of us falling face first before the Throne of God, and getting rid of what the world considers success. The only success we desire is "Well done, good and faithful servant" as we bow before the throne in heaven, singing praises to our King for all eternity.