Rick Warren is the head pastor at the Orange County based mega-church Saddleback Church where the average weekly attendance is around 20,000. Warren has also authored a number of christian books including the Purpose Driven Life and many others in the Purpose Driven series. His ministries extend around the world and Warren has been invited to speak at a number of events to represent the American Church including Ted.com and the inauguration of the secular President Barack Hussein Obama. With such an extensive outreach to the global community and in such public view of the media, Rick Warren has a special obligation to properly represent the orthodox Gospel and not another Gospel. What is Rick Warren teaching? Is it biblically accurate? This blog will examine those questions.
- Rick Warren has lied about his position on same-sex marriage and on national television undermined his entire congregation as well as the Messianic teaching on marriage.
Before the passing of California Proposition 8 which confirmed the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman (Prop 8 had nothing to do with banning anything), Rick Warren issued a statement:
Then, in a vicious backpedal on the nationally televised Larry King Show, Rick Warren distanced himself from his statement saying:
There is obviously a huge contradiction here and immediately we should be examining Warren’s credibility but many faiths like Islam and Mormonism actually condone lying if it’s done to further the faith. Let’s compare this with what is written in the prophetic texts of orthodox Judaism and Messianic Judaism (aka: christianity). After all, Rick Warren teaches “christianity” in a huge church and delivers the message of Christianity to a large number of followers. If a christian is indeed one who follows Christ (Messiah) as written about in the orthodox texts, we must examine a christian teacher against accepted christian texts. For example, in Colossians, Paul writes about the behavior of one who follows the Messiah (Yeshua) in the following way:
“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Col 3:9-10
This is consistent with what is taught in the Old Covenant as well:
“Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness.” Ex 23:1
“Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, or use your lips to deceive.” Prov 24:28
So initially in judging Rick Warren we see that in lying or turn-coating against his own teachings and statements, he is also betraying the Gospel of which he claims to be a teacher. Regardless of what your personal views are on the topic of gay-relationships and lifestyles, Warren clearly lied about his position on the matter and he has been called to task by the christian community and the gay community alike. Christians decry his deliberate misleading from christian scripture while gays take note that christian conservative pastors cannot be trusted.
Furthermore, homosexuality is not supported by the Gospel of Jesus and this is well known throughout most of the country. While the person trapped in homosexuality is to be loved and respected and ministered to (provided there is a repentant heart), there are small pockets of homosexual activists that seek to explain away segments of scripture such as Sodom and Gomorah and Romans 1:27. However, the very existence of these arguments validate the disagreement between the traditional view of biblical marriage and the very new and post-modern view on homosexual relationships (this blog will not cover the “gay” issue in depth). For example, if there was no perceived contradiction between homosexual relationships and the Bible, why would there be a need for arguments to re-explain Sodom and Gomorah and Romans 1? So in terms of what christians believe and Rick Warren’s teaching that as a christian teacher he does not disagree with it, again we are left with a huge gap between scripture and Warren.
- Rick Warren denies teaching the doctrine of ruach hakodesh (the Holy Spirit) and the role Yeshua plays in the life of the believer.
Instead, Rick favors a new gospel created by his ministers and published in his book- The Purpose Driven Life. On page 212 of Warrens new bible The Purpose Driven Life (joke), he writes:
“Let me be clear: If you’re losing the battle against a persistent bad habit, an addiction, or a temptation, and you’re stuck in a repeating cycle of good intention-failure-guilt, you will not get better on your own! You need the help of other people.”
To a humanist this may sound exciting- even truish. Secularists from Karl Marx to Michelle Obama all lay claim to the power of socialism for healing our bad habits and ridding society of its ills (it’s therefore surprising that socialism has been the major destructive force of the 20th century, but I’ll cover that in another blog). However, Rick Warren is not teaching humanism per se nor is he supposedly a preacher of socialism. Instead Rick Warren is a bible teacher and one would assume his teachings come from the bible. Unfortunately, the bible does not on any occasion lend support to the doctrine of “other people” but that freedom from an addictive sin is found in the Messiah.
“Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:34-36
“…because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death”. Rom 8:2
Here we see how Yeshua (Jesus) and Paul teach that only God can set a person free from sin in contrast to Warren who teaches that “other people” can set a person free from sin. To the contrary, the bible teaches that we battle 3 enemies: the world, the flesh, and the devil. In this regard, Warren actually offers a false witness in teaching that our enemy (ie: the world) is actually who can help us!
Warrens book The Purpose Driven Life is severely riddled with false teachings and humanistic feel-goodery based not on biblical teaching but instead on bumper-sticker mentality. While covering all of his book would be hard to do, I’ve listed links below that will demonstrate the work done on exposing Rick Warren and his humanism.
View the search engine results here.
- Rick Warren spoke heretically at the widely received and much viewed TED convention.
In an unprecedented opportunity to reach a pagan audience, Rick Warren spoke at TED about what makes God happy. In continuing a humanistic philosophy of works and feeling good, Warren misled hundreds of people (and thousands who have viewed the film) on what the bible teaches. Instead, Rick delivered a message that had wreaked of mass appeal. For those unfamiliar with TED (technology, education, design), it is a conference of speakers attended by some of the worlds most influential thinkers and doers. A largely atheistic bunch, TED Talks usually center around the latest scientific advancements, philosophy, and music. Speakers have included Bill Gates, Richard Dawkins, and Julia Sweeney (ok, so maybe not the most influential thinkers but they are certainly God-haters). In his talk, Rick said the following:
“Did you know that God smiles when you be you. Some people have the misguided idea that God only gets excited when you’re doing “spiritual things” like going to church or helping the poor or confessing or doing something like that.
The bottom line is that God gets pleasure watching you be you. Why? He made you. And when you do what you were made to do He says ‘That’s my boy!’, ‘That’s my girl!’
You’re using the talent and ability that I gave you… So my advice to you is look at what is in your hand, your identity, your influence, your income, and say its not about me, its about making the world a better place.”
According to this message, God is happy when I use my God-given ability to speak and influence to lure a young child into my car. God is happy when I use my gentle nature to molest a small girl or when I use the steady hands he gave me to torture and skin a stray cat. Additionally, God is happy when I use my body as a sex toy for money. After all, he gave me a body that is attractive to others. These facetious examples of heresy go on and on but culminate into his last line about making “the world a better place.” This is humanism at it’s core. Im reminded that Adolf Hitler believer he was making the world a better place as did Margaret Sanger. As followers of Yeshua, we are too escape the world for
“from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.” Mark 7:21-22
And John reminds us
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15
Now a skeptic might say that based on the above scriptures, christians are separatists and they would be correct. As a follower of The Way, redeemed from my debauchery and sin by the grace of God through the sacrifice of Yeshua, I want nothing to do with the world. If being in a “better place” means living according to American capitalism, Russian socialism, Western liberalism, and post-modern philosophy then- no thanks! Should you come across a christian who disagrees, I would invite them for tea after the rapture (i guarantee they’ll be able to accept the invite). But I digress.
Perhaps more damning than his heresy of being in the world, Rick Warren purports to know what makes God happy. Thankfully, we have prophetic texts which have been tested against skepticism that actually show us what makes God happy. For example, in Hebrews 6 we read:
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
And again in John 3:18:
“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
Here we see that is impossible to please God without faith and that faith must be placed in the Messiah Yeshua- the only son of the living God. Rick, however, failed to mention this message for a group of intellectuals and instead chose to fill their minds with non-sense. Easily refutable non-sense too! Warren’s message not only reflects on Yeshua poorly but reflects the church body poorly. In Ricks position, orthodox christianity looks splintered, broken, and inconsistent which it is not. Orthodox Christianity (aka: Messianic Judaism) is just fine. It’s all the other types of heretical “christianity” that are a mess 🙂
- Lastly, Rick Warren has embraced the ChrISLAM movement- a syncretist movement designed by enemies of the Cross to further the idea that we “all worship the same god.”
Perhaps the most concerning of the Warren Heresies is his conviction to serve the false god Allah. On more than one occasion Warren referred to Allah as the God he serves even signing a statement from Yale University claiming to “seek peace” with Islam by accepting that at the core, Islam and Christianity worship the same God. You can view the statement here: VIEW STATEMENT
This statement is foundational to the movement to unite Christianity and Islam together in a move called syncretism and referred to popularly (at this writing) as Chrislam (an obviously non-creative word that represents the blending of the two faiths.) Rick Warren not only signed the statement but in addressing the nation in prayer for the inauguration of President Obama, Warren addressed the Messiah as Isa- the name given to Yeshua by the Moslems who believe he was a liar, a heretic, and a prophet (huh?) and not the son of God. Here, Warren has not only abandoned Adonai but also his Messiah Yeshua. Furthermore, in a speech to a Moslem community, Rick said:
“I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD.”
“and after they have been destroyed before you, be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods, saying, “How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same.”
- Here’s the bottom line:
This blog has taken a substantial amount of time to compile and write. I’ve done my best to find the best sources of information and provide links to videos and articles but it is not possible to compile all the criticism that Rick has received from the “christian” or Messianic community. In his defense, Rick has said nothing. Rather, he continues to ride further and further into this dark area of apostasy without any concern for the souls and minds of his congregation. Rather his congregates remain trusting and largely shallow (a comment I qualify based on my experience with many Saddleback attendees- though not all. If you are currently attending Rick’s church I urge you to leave now. For help in finding a biblical church please write to me personally. I’m in Oceanside, Ca- not far from Orange County. I’d be happy to help you look for a biblical church and am familiar with many in the area).
Rick Warren is no more a solid Christian teacher than any Hindu or Muslim teacher. The only difference is that we don’t expect a Hindu or Muslim scholar to teach the bible. We expect those who call themselves christian to preach the bible. When a pastor like Warren brands himself in the name of Yeshua and preaches a false gospel, it’s time to leave.
But not until after sounding the alarm.
The Apologetic 
October 10, 2011 at 3:27 am
I do not think moving in the direction of Chrislam is a good idea – this is a false and very dangerous religion, I don’t believe God is in favor of this at all, there is one trinity, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost ….
February 7, 2013 at 10:56 pm
This man likes popularity. May the Lord deliver us from popularity. What did Jesus have to say about that ? May God spare me from judging – sure – but then let Him deliver me from humanism.
Let us NOT bridge the world and the church with a secularist gospel.
There can be NO peace between the world and the church. Human cleverness will never build a temple for the Lord but crumble like all man-made constructions.
People… may the Lord put the old man to death so that Christ will be manifest in our broken lives.. It is THIS message that needs emphasing. This is the ONLY Gospel the bible knows. May the Lord bless Mr Warren, but I will have NO part in it.. Lord help us LOVE this man and pray for him. But what a pain he has made to his own soul with his own human cleverness. Ohhhh boy.. what a lesson this is to us all.
November 25, 2016 at 9:22 pm
As someone who attended Saddleback for over 20 years and watched person after person who had dedicated their lives to Saddleback by leaving corporate positions for less money to serve under King Rick as he is known by many who “know” him be fired; people who were effective and loved in their roles as ministry leaders, as someone who was never asked a single question after decades of leadership and ministry service when a false accusation was made against her, but given the cold shoulder by people at the “top” I can say without pause that what people are picking up on is that something isnt right. They may not understand what is not right however, but as someone who knows I am telling you that Saddleback is a business (they have teams who pushed the book sales and had to make quotas for PDL and these people are hand selected and you have to know someone, for a while, who is close to the top to be hand selected ~ I know, I was one), and Saddleback does not care about people. Rick will tell you, find Jesus here and go find another church to make room for new people, this way he never has to be accountable, he doesnt have to truly lead the flock. I could go on and on but the bottom line is people are finding flaws in his speaking and teaching b/c they know something is off, they are right, but what is off is really so much simpler, he is a self promoter (which really who cares) but the problem is Saddleback hurts people deeply and many of the staff that is there now is not in alignment with gospel but the one world religion thinking. It has gone this way due to Rick’s lack of oversight and need to be powerful, he constantly name drops from the pulpit, its disgusting. I was feeling like I needed to leave when everything went south for me, it was God moving me but it was still so painful to be treated as if I was nothing to a place that I served for 2 decades, with a spotless record. God first but people from your church should still know better.
November 8, 2011 at 5:42 am
I am shocked and disappointed to read all of this about Rick Warren.
Chrislam is in direct violation of the bible .One thing for sure all of the money he has made on his books isn’t going to save him.
Just think of all of the people he is leading down the wrong road, and there is only way to get to God.
February 7, 2012 at 8:30 am
This is all made up! Don’t believe everything you read on the internet!
February 8, 2012 at 6:08 pm
Mariya- if you want to believe that this is “all made up” you are welcome to. Im not here to convince you and actually I agree with you in that- we should not believe everything we read on the internet- including radical statements like “this is all made up.” John instructs us to “hold to that which is good” and other verses call us to “be Bereans” and to “be not deceived.” The Bible instructs us to do our research as I’ve done here (and many others have done as well). Are you following that Biblical principle? In other words, where is your evidence that this is “all made up?” This article is well researched and validated. The facts came from Warren’s own book, published newspapers, and contracts that Warren signed. Are you saying the photo’s were “made up” as well? What is that assumption based on? Mariya- when you post that I made all this up you are calling me a liar and I won’t allow you to do that. I wont allow you to chastise me in a public forum where my kids can read. I won’t allow you to confuse other Christians and non-believers because you have a religious faith in Rick Warren. Provide your proof as the Bible commands or withdraw your statement. To do otherwise is to live in public sin.
March 9, 2012 at 2:58 pm
If you are a true Christian, you would not be gossipping and spreading false accusations, especially taking quotes out of context and not even going to your brother and confronting him of these accusations as it is biblically required. Stop doing the work of the Devil and spreading false accusations about Pastor Rick. Repent now so you can get right with God and continue to do the work He has called you to do. I go to Saddleback Church. I certainly do not believe Yahweh/God and Allah are the same. I believe Jesus is God. Stop reading stuff on the internet and go directly to Saddleback Church and contact Pastor Rick or any of his Pastoral Staff and confront them personally, instead of reading stuff on the internet. Don’t let the Devil get a foothold of such slander and false accusations. And I say this with all due respect and brother love 🙂
March 9, 2012 at 5:59 pm
David- If YOU were a “true Christian” you’d come to me and confront me instead of slandering me on the internet 🙂 See how you’ve demonstrated you’re own hypocrisy? In your response you’ve not only contradicted yourself but you’ve rejected the Biblical command to not judge the salvation of a proclaiming brother (Matthew 7). Now I’d never actually use the “true Christian” argument against a brother because it’s a sin- but you have… Interesting. I guess that is the fruit of Saddleback church. I hate to tell you this brother, but I went to Saddleback and I saw the sin in the youth groups, I saw the congregation sleeping around and getting drunk in the bars, I saw Rick Warren cower to radical homosexuals, and lie on national TV. Now, after having written an extensive study on the head pastor there I’m attacked by the same congregation that I left so long ago. You all are so much more worried about Rick than you are about God and His Word. Please, if you’re going to call me torepentance, do your homework before ranting on my blog. Im sure you’re a strong brother but your church is weak and your pastor will be responsible for that. Follow Christ first.
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March 12, 2012 at 12:02 am
I think you may have a good point. After all has been said I dont have any way of determining who is lieing. Rick Warren has written some good stuff. Accept the good and read the scriptures for yourself and let God speak to you the truth. Terry.
February 25, 2014 at 4:41 am
No, it isn’t “all made up”; I have read that one book – The Purpose Driven Life”, and it is FULL of false teaching, humanism, etc. The guy is a false teacher, just as we were warned about.
September 4, 2020 at 5:14 pm
You were imbued with a mind that is able to reason and make choices and like the Bereans, you possess the ability to verify what you read. Verify what the author has written before denouncing it based solely on your emotions.
February 14, 2012 at 4:53 am
I did enter a fake email adress—so why do you say i did? I had a huge note for you which has been erased because of your rejection of my e-mail address which was true and completely valid! Aaaargh! Come on!
February 19, 2012 at 8:54 pm
This is absolutely the most idiotic blog I have ever read. Talk about taking something someone says and turning/spinning it around. Unbelieveable. The truth, as they say, is in the pudding. I have attended Saddleback Church since 1988 and I can 100% guarantee that Rick’s teaching is totally in and of the bible. Anyone can take something someone says out of context. It happens all the time. Come on people, wake up!! If you want to know what Rick Warren preaches, then come to our church and listen for yourself. Let yourselves be the judge. Pick a series and listen as one sermon may not show you. You then have the freedom to walk away on your own knowing the truth. Do not let someone else tell you and convince you who someone is. This goes for anyone.
February 19, 2012 at 10:48 pm
Hi Nancy. You have no idea what church I’ve been to or currently attend so I’d appreciate you sparing me your accusations. Also, Im not sure what you mean by “out of context.” Are you saying that Mr. Warren meant something biblical when he used the Islamic names for Christ and for God the Father? Or was he not lying on CNN? If so, what is your basis for that belief? Please share it. Ive received some critique for this blog but the support for Rick has not been supported with any kind of fact. It’s just emotional. I am very open to hearing a legitimate argument in support of Rick but no one has offered one 😦
December 9, 2012 at 2:20 pm
There is no support for false teachings….. Rick Warren can now be received as Public Enemy #1 to the Christian Faith. Jack Vanempy has many documents to support this claim. Be careful not to fall into false teachings in these last days…. Seek the Holy Spirit for direction and confirmation. The sheep shall know the voice of the shepared.
June 17, 2020 at 12:03 am
Allah is actually not the Islamic name for God, Allah is the Arabic name for god and Arabic speaking Christians literally say Allah.
March 31, 2014 at 5:23 pm
The followers of Jim Jones, David Koresch, Jim Baker, Adolf Hitler, as well as the members of Heaven’s Gate and Westboro Baptist Church believed in their leaders too.
Although I am not trying to compare Warren with any of the above, I do want to reiterate that many people – who truly believed in what they were doing – have been misled by false prophets or charismatic personalities.
My wife and I were very active in a Christian/Disciples of Christ church; we were on various committees, did missionary work and served on the Diaconate. However, when board members recently bowed to the world and authorized gay marriage, we left.
It didn’t matter how much we liked the church, or how much good it had done, it took a path in direct contradiction to scripture. In essence, if we had stayed there, we would not serve God. Ergo, if you’re not serving God, you’re serving satan.
I have never attended Saddleback Church, or met Rick Warren; however, I have heard and read comments by WARREN, which clearly indicate his alliance with Islam and blaspheme of God, by asserting that the God of Abraham is the god of Islam (Allah).
BTW: I bet you have never built a watch or a clock, but you still know how to tell time, right? Well, even though I haven’t been to his church, or met Warren personally, I still recognize a false prophet when I see/hear one.
Set pride aside, read the bible – CAREFULLY and completely – and I bet you’ll see the same things so many others do.
June 17, 2020 at 12:06 am
Allah is actually not a name, its just the arabic word for god. all gods are called allah in arabic, for example thor would be called thor Allah of thunder, zeus would be Allah of sky etc Allah is a contraction of the Arabic al-Ilāh, “the God.” The name’s origin can be traced to the earliest Semitic writings in which the word for god was il, el, or eloah, the latter two used in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament)
January 30, 2018 at 2:27 pm
I attended Saddleback and was part of a women’s group and concur with the author of this blog. I do not whatsoever believe Rick Warren is sound. From one end of his campus to the other, Warren is lifted up. His appearances on Oprah and associations with other New Age adherents is deadly. He is indeed a self promoter.Changing the gospel into a formula. Forcing others to fall in line. I RAN!!!
February 25, 2012 at 8:47 pm
truth! ye shall be hated by all men for Jesus name sake! not loved and followed by untold hundreds of thousands! ye shall be cast out as evil by all men! not lifted up as something when nothing! beware of those who pray standing in the most important seats in the temples! they like to be called pastor,teacher,rabbi and other titles as these! this man, does not bear the fruit of the lords chosen! when you pray, you will not pray as the hypocrites do in the temples! you will go into your closet! each word spoken by Jesus, this man does and teaches the opposite of truth!
outwardly he does appear to be beautiful,outwardly he does appear as a righteous man, outwardly he likes to be greeted with titles of men! be warned, beware of false Prophets!
February 25, 2012 at 9:06 pm
this is about you rick! if this is false! then let the fruit of Jesus Christ and his words become known to all man!
#1.open thy store house, and let all who has need take as he has need! as it is written!
#2.give all you have to the poor, pick up your cross, and follow Jesus! blessed are the poor!
#3.compel men to go into their closet to pray as it is written,and reject praying in the temples,as warned by Jesus!
#4.come no more in your own name unto men! as it is written,your name is of no profit to any! only Jesus!
#5.pray no more before men! as it is written! or prepare to receive the greater damnation,as it is written!
#6.see your self travel all over land &sea to win converts, and know you do opposite of what is written!
#7.are you a mediator between god and man? if not, then what are you? who do men say you are?
#8.when one calls,and said here i am,come,i will show you the way to Jesus,go not with him! ye believe this?
#9.would you compel any,to enter into the vow of another man? such as Jacob? and his vow to god ?
#10.show all men where Jesus told any man to give anything to him! why ye do opposite of truth?
these very simple fruits of the lord Jesus,shall be very simple rick! show all your fruit! i see them !
February 27, 2012 at 10:11 pm
My church participated in the 40 days of purpose years ago and I still have my book. Your claim that Warren states that others can free you from sin is erronous at best. Page 212 of the Rick Warren’s “The Purpose Driven Life” centers around the scripture that points to the importance of having a friend helping you up when you fall. It is found in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. It:reads as follows: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Warren is discussing the importance of having a friend who you can confess your sins to, who can pray with and for you, who will encourage you when times get tough. This is also found in James5:16 which reads as follows: “Therefore confess your sins to each other, pray for each other so that you might be healed. The prayers of the righteous man are powerful and effective.”
I hope others will get their facts straight before they spread this type of false information. It is sad that we are suppose to be representatives of Christ, yet we tear each other apart.
October 5, 2013 at 4:58 pm
Very good
February 5, 2014 at 10:01 pm
The King James Version does not say “confess your sins” in James 5:16, but “your faults” one to another. The Catholic Church promotes the wording of the new bible versions such as you use. Rick Warren thinks the KJB should be tossed out as it is too condemning and offensive. He never says hell, through the blood, reborn again, repent of your sins as you are a sinner who needs to be cleansed by the blood of Christ.
Would you be willing to stand up in front of your small group and confess all your sins? I thought not. It is not biblical. Also, coming to church to be made to feel good about yourself is not the reason to go to church. God wants us to accept Him through His Son and then worship Him in reverence, not in worldly, loud, (louder the better according to Rick W.) music.
Also, stop taking scripture out of context like the master mixer upper himself, Rick Warren. This is very dangerous and not bibilical according to Paul.
May 1, 2012 at 6:24 am
Our Father in Heaven is a Living God . Forget the world,be not part of it ,nor conform to it. Feed on The Word OF God , that Jesus Teach’s you. If your not feeding on the Word of God consistently that is you reading it , if not then what’s more important in your life. God or the world ( witch is also the in between of both ).. (Deu 6:5) And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Jos_22:5 But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.
June 6, 2012 at 5:13 am
True christian is not a fault finders nor gossipers, so stop criticizing each other and think about yourselves. no one is prefect.
October 10, 2012 at 8:05 am
Titus 1:7-10
“Since an overseer (pastor) is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He MUST HOLD FIRMLY to the trustworthy message AS IT HAS BEEN TAUGHT, so that he can encourage others by SOUND DOCTRINE and REFUTE THOSE WHO OPPOSE it.
10 For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group.”
2 Timothy 4:3-4
” For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
Titus 2:15
“These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and REBUKE with ALL authority. Do not let anyone despise you.”
Titus 2:1
“You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.”
Proverbs 27:5
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.”
1 Timothy 5:20
“Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning.”
To protect the doctrine of the One true Gospel of Jesus Christ.
To pursue righteousness, even though we will never attain perfection in this life.
Being good will not get you to heaven. Believing in Allah will NOT get you to heaven. Teaching people that they should be ok with others believing in Allah is an eternal death sentence for those poor people who have put their trust elsewhere from the Lord. Whomsoever believes in the Son, shall have eternal life. They will be in heaven. Not because we love people, even though we are called to. If you love people, then be strong enough to let them know the truth: Jesus Christ is the only way to escape eternal suffering. . . Teaching any other Gospel is an eternal death sentence.
Don’t give into sloppy agape.
July 7, 2012 at 5:24 am
Let me take a moment to correct something here. You are right in that Pastor Rick issued a statement however urging Christians to support Prop 8 however what was not mentioned was that he made that statement to his congregation only and the link you have to that article states that clearly. This article makes it as if he made that statement nationally which is not true. So when he says that he never attended a meeting or never made a statement or endorsed Prop 8 he was not lying. Now I agree with you when you talk about false prophets however it seems to me you’re doing the same exact thing that you’re accusing Pastor Rick. I can tell you for a fact that Pastor Rick makes it clear in his messages to the congregation that marriage is between a man and a woman and he does not condone homosexuality. As for the reference to page 212 where he talks about needing other people to overcome a bad addiction or temptation is not a “new gospel”. If you continue to read further you will learn that he is referencing a passage from Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” Reference is also made to how Rick talks about how God smiles at you for being you and how helping the poor and confessing is misguided. Misguided? You’re kidding me right!! Have you read Matthew 25:35 “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,” Isn’t that part of the Great Commission that we’re commanded to do. Aren’t we supposed to “confess our sins to one another so we can be healed”. And yes we are not to focus on ourselves because it is not about us. The bible makes it clear that when we focus on ourselves and own desires the less that we focus on God. As far as the statement of his “conviction to serve Allah” the false God, is misleading and it shows that time was not taken to read the actual statement itself. The whole underlying tone of the statement that he signed is to reach out to our “neighbor” as “he who does not love his neighbor does not know God” and “he who does not love the brother who he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen”. So when Rick signed this statement along with all of the other pastors they were signing it to show that they are reaching out to their “neighbor” as God has commanded us in the hopes that they can be brought to Christ. But they can’t be brought to Christ if we continue to stand on the sidelines and do nothing. There have been numerous cases of Muslims who were converted to Christianity. We are told to “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone”. It was also stated that in light of all of the “criticism” Rick has not responded to any of this and why should he? He will be judged by his own God and the same measure that is use to judge Rick will be used to judge YOU. I agree with KD, It is sad that there is still slander among us Christians however too we still live in a broken world . “Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy.” Psalm 101:5 Stop the slander and false accusations and love thy neighbor as thyself!
December 9, 2012 at 7:41 am
EB, your comment helped me understand Rick in the right direction. This is much needed, I was just starting to read Purpose Driven Life suggested by my friend, just before that, googled Rick Warren landed in this page, confused as to whether read the book or not. I will continue with good intentions now. I appreciate your insights and God given understanding. Thank you.
January 1, 2015 at 8:10 pm
So he didnt lie because he only said it to his church. Wonder how many true Christ
ians there really are.They wrest the word to thier own destruction.Warren and the catholic church are bringing in the one world religion prepare yourselves the end is near even at the door.
March 16, 2016 at 3:13 am
you are definitely correct Larry..one world religion is coming with Vatican and their cohorts including rick warren will wage war to the true believers of Christ
October 23, 2012 at 10:03 am
brothers/sister pls….spread the kingdom of God and the good news…instead of wasting time finding fault with the brothers
November 29, 2012 at 12:17 pm
It is your responsibility to be vigilant of false prophets. Or anything that is not according to the gospel.
It sounds like the previous commenters are putting their faith in a man rather than showing discernment.
Christians overlooking and compromising core beliefs along side those who don’t know better are eroding the principal truths of the word of God within the church.
February 7, 2013 at 10:36 pm
Its a shame that humanism and the gospel are all one and the same thing to many believers. So much for Paul not using human wisdom. Some are full of human wisdom and are not ashamed.
Is Jesus just another label ? Oh boy.. could anyone die for such a human-centred gospel ? Show me ONE martyr anywhere in the world led by this man’s type of teaching !
I believe it impossible. Sorry my brothers.. I simply do not believe it.
December 17, 2012 at 12:51 pm
As a Minister of the Dutch Reformed Church in the Netherlands(Reformed) I do not agree with the attacks on Pastor Rick Warren.If you follow the SaddleBack Church, and look to thé creeds, it is not in any opposition of the Apostolic Creeds or Confessions. People are blaming Rev.Warren because he did not use enough thé word ‘Cross’ in his books.I ask the critical people, even the Apostle Peter did not write a lot about the Cross of Jesus Christ in his letters, but is he not one of the fundaments of the early Church and a testifyer of the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ?
Why are people always putting dirt on a man, a Christian, who reached not only in the USA,but also in Europe millions of people?I can prove that many people are changed by heart through our Lord Jesus Christ by the books of Rev.Warren.I as an European Christian Minister, who sees himself as orthodox, declare that Rick Warren is ok.There is nothing wrong with his Ministry.Remember a collegue who did have people in his Chruch,young Christians, and they read dirty stories about Reverend Warren.They came tot he Pastor and said:’ we will not enter anymore your Congregation, because you are promoting Purpose Driven.Than the Pastor asked: give me one word or page in these books which are not orthodox? They couldn’t. So they were mislead bij Christians who always see in other people thé devil.Let us stop this gossip, this is not fruitfull for the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
June 17, 2020 at 12:10 am
many of his beliefs are unscriptural. he believes you don’t have to go to through christ to go to heaven, he teaches that there are many ways, there are plenty of other false beliefs he teaches
January 8, 2013 at 9:10 pm
Hi, I just wanted to say thank you for saying the truth about Rick Warren sir and don’t be upset with the people who are being hateful toward you because they are attacking YOU as a person. Calling you a gossiper and questioning your salvation. The point in greatly missed here. This article wasn’t attacking Rick warren personally it was all about his ideas and teachings. When one is attacking the person and not the idea it is called an ad hominem attack. That’s not the case here as is in the comments below.
January 8, 2013 at 9:21 pm
One as a bible believing Christian can’t and should not compromise the gospel whatsoever. What Rick warren is doing is WRONG and that’s all there is to it and he is taking thousands down with him. Addressing our Lord as Isa is horrendous because the Isa of the Quran is not the same as the Jesus of the bible and Christians should know that Allah is NOT the God if the bible. Allah is the pagan moon god and many Islam converts will tell you that Muslims hate the God of the bible. Hence all the Christian persecutions in the Middle East. There is one man I forgot his name forgive me who converted to Christianity. Was well on His way to be top dog with Osama bin laden who stated that Muslims WANT to get into the Christian church, not to become Christians but to attack from the inside and look, Chrislam. It’s sad. Jesus never wanted this to happen. One slip up no matter how you try to deny it, is a HUGE slip up and could cause millions to stumble
January 8, 2013 at 10:00 pm
Good for you Anna… 😉
June 17, 2020 at 12:19 am
Allah is simply the arabic word for god, go to an arabic speaking christian church and guess what they call god? oh yea they call him Allah, moreover the claim that allah is the name of a pegan moon god was simply a way to say that Allah isn’t the arabic name for god, which is absurb because the Quran itself condemns moon worship. Chapter 41 verse 37 of the Quran, titled Fussilat (Explained In Detail) reads:
And of His signs are the night and day and the sun and moon. Do not prostrate to the sun or to the moon, but prostrate to Allah, who created them, if it should be Him that you worship
some scholars have argued that the epithet “the god” was first used as a title of a moon god, but this is purely “antiquarian” in the same sense as the origins of the English word “god”:
Some scholars trace the name to the South Arabian Ilah, a title of the Moon god, but this is a matter of antiquarian interest…It is clear from Nabataean and other inscriptions that Allah meant ‘the god’
The word “Allah” was used by Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews in Arabia before the lifetime of Muhammad and is the translation of the phrase “The God” as used in their Greek scriptures to mean God
Those who claim that Allah is a pagan deity, most notably the moon god, often base their claims on the fact that a symbol of the crescent moon adorns the tops of many mosques and is widely used as a symbol of Islam. It is in fact true that before the coming of Islam many “gods” and idols were worshiped in the Middle East, but the name of the moon god was Sîn, not Allah, and he was not particularly popular in Arabia, the birthplace of Islam. The most prominent idol in Mecca was a god called Hubal, and there is no proof that he was a moon god.
January 8, 2013 at 9:32 pm
Also, stop defending the man and defend the Truth. Which is what this man is doing. This is precisely what Christ did. He preached the gospel and so the Pharisees wanted to crucify Him. For speaking truth. Check yourself people. Defend what is right not what is wrong. Many things that sound right and tickle your ears are most of the time wrong. Paul told us to beware of those types of teachers. My pastor said, I attend Calvary chapel by the way, He said that in wanting to spare people’s feelings pastors and such have watered down the gospel. The gospel is offensive it has always been, and in trying to no offend anyone, these pastors are comforting people into hell. Rick warren may be a nice person from time to time but God doesn’t care about that as much as He cares about His message going out, His true message. Please people, think with your brain not your feelings. What feels right isn’t always right. Do research, a slip up like all these mentioned above, are huge.. They may make people feel bad but its the truth guys. And Paul did say it was okay to judge those within the church if they’re in the wrong so this man isn’t doing much wrong. I think that’s all from me. Thanks and may God lead us into complete truth always. Love you (: Ana
March 5, 2013 at 7:19 pm
Why on earth does the article say, “While the person trapped in homosexuality is to be loved and respected and ministered to (provided there is a repentant heart)”?
Ephasis on the “provided there is a repentant heart”.
Please don’t write an article like this and then completely contradict what God has asked us to do. We are called to love ALL PEOPLE! We are all sinners, some of us are forgiven, some not yet, but either way, we are to love all, even if they are not repentant. How can a person ever be led to Christ if we do not display his love?????
That seems to me to be a very important thing to have overlooked.
Wow! Please spend more time reading your bible and less time looking for ways to bring other beleivers down.
Matthew 22:37-39
37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is first and greatest commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
There is no exclusion in that 2nd commandment. Love your neighbor. No matter what.
Further more…
Matthew 5:43-48
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers,[a] what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?”
Love your neighbor and your enemies and those who are unrepentant, just as Jesus did!
Love and blessings to you,
HMS
March 5, 2013 at 7:43 pm
As a Chaplain I pray for all of God’s creation but it is also my duty to make aware of decite and to warn others of false teachings in these last days….. I read my Bible as well. I choose to support people as people but I will not support there decisions.
Blessings.
March 5, 2013 at 7:48 pm
Yes I understand you don’t support their decisions and I agree. Maybe you just worded things and didn’t mean that they shouldn’t be loved and ministered to, if they are unrepentant?
HMS
March 5, 2013 at 7:54 pm
I don’t attack others but I do stand on the word of God. Stand on something or fall for anything. There is always escape from what you are consumed of and what temps you. But you have to come with a spirit of truth in asking God for direction and not your own agenda.
Blessings
March 5, 2013 at 8:04 pm
I agree but you are not really responding clearly to my comment
thanks for trying
blessings
March 5, 2013 at 8:09 pm
Repentance and redemption is for all of us. All should be ministered to and loved but how that love is received is not up to me. I don’t recall ever stating that we should not help those who steer from the truth. I support Rick just not his teachings.
Much Love
March 31, 2013 at 10:26 pm
Some of you have forgotten that all men, no matter how godly, spirit-filled, even chosen, can be wrong, misled, misguided, but still used in mighty ways by God to bring the message of salvation to those who need it (uhhh, Paul…Simon Peter…) . This is the miracle of the Holy Spirit at work in our imperfect lives. All of us walk a path of revelation that ebs and flows like the tide. We don’t know all truth at the moment of salvation. We dig, and pray, and live, and the Holy Spirit reveals truth at His will at His timing, not ours. I praise God for the message that Rick Warren has shared with so many and the lives that Christ has changed as a result.
March 31, 2013 at 11:47 pm
Paul & Peter were not false teachers , we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. Yes! But beaware of false teachers. His teachings have been proven to decieve. Awake!
April 7, 2013 at 8:31 am
I wonder what you think now that Warren’s son has committed suicide.
April 7, 2013 at 12:21 pm
As a Chaplain who works in crisis care I can only say that it is tragic on every level when a young life is cut short. We all have an opinion of Rick and the things he says or teaches that we may not agree with but Rick is not the only one to loose a child from suicide. The national average of teen suicide is one every 5 hrs. But you never hear of that on a presidential address. Pray that Christ be with them in there time of loss.
April 7, 2013 at 9:54 pm
Rick Warren has opened the door to Satanic influences and his son chose death over life and. Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
SUICUDE is robbing God of His glory and mental disorder is an excuse for not being spiritually healed. Suicide robs God of His glory. How do I know? I was depressed for over 7 years, til JESUS totally set me free. Depression and madness is a result of a troubled soul. Psalm 23 teaches that we walk in the valley (lonely and depressed placed) of the shadow (spiritual ignorance) of death. Then it teaches the LORD IS MY SHEPARD as he alone can feed our souls the green pastures which HIS LIFE giving spirit his truth the water of life (the Holy Spirit) Luke 1:79
to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
Mathew 5:15 And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid.
April 7, 2013 at 11:43 pm
The Bible also says the Lord will not put upon you more than ye can bare. Have you ever been under the attack and oppression of an unclean spirit? One of suicide? I battled that deamon for 3/4 of my life. So, Judge not for thy is judged by thine own judgement. I don’t agree with Rick or his teaching but I will support a person for being a person but it does not mean I support there decisions. We are to pray for our enemies not curse or judge them. We are under grace but the Lord commanded one thing of us and that is to LOVE one another……. Good for you for being delivered from that spirit but what are you doing with it besides judging others in haste?
April 8, 2013 at 6:40 am
Wow really who is judging all the things u have said but this is my last reply because u don’t. have time to judge yourself before you eat me up like pastor Warren continue fighting . I don’t think that you are awesome I think you are most certainly Horrible and aught to be told.
April 8, 2013 at 6:44 am
Stop hitting on Rick his son is not him hopefully satan will never knock at your door turely I am just angry that we have chosen a time like this to let all the bile out of guts
April 8, 2013 at 12:20 am
Jesus is the way of victory. Judas who betrayed Jesus and didn’t repent turned to suicide. To make a righteous judgment is to know Rick his false and his son chose to self murder himself. No one who kills themselves when we really look at scripture is to going to heaven. As far as unclean spirits and demonic attacks. Gods word teaches us how to battle and be victorious. Jesus and the apostles went through SOO much more then Ricks son, yet they never turned to suicide. Otherwise Jesus wouldn’t have said “in this world you wiil have trouble, but take heed I’ve overcome the world” and Paul wouldn’t have been able to say follow me as I FOLLOW CHRIST”
April 8, 2013 at 7:08 am
No one is debating if Rick son is right well I am not neither do I think that Pastor Rick has supported his son killing himself all I am saying to you deep scholars and spiritualist our brother need our support.Please stop the bathching!!!!Please! Please!
April 8, 2013 at 12:27 am
Mark…Gods word judges not. If Ricks Son can turn to suicide then Jesus is useless to turn to. You judge what Gods word reveals as erroneous. Therefore you are ignorant and putting on false teachings and suicide.
April 8, 2013 at 7:12 am
Don’t be the most ignorant no one is satins it is right for his son to kill himself but speaking to people Luke you is beating a dead horse youul will still see and hear what you want may God bless you no more comment think what you want.
April 8, 2013 at 12:33 am
That is Gods word judges, not I…..
April 8, 2013 at 12:42 am
You keep saying, love, love, love. Who is saying not to love? Its because of Gods love TRUE servants of God are willing to EXHORT<REBUKE<EDIFY. I don't care what your title is, as it seems to me, you tickle ears more then properly feed souls. Proverbs 27:5 An open rebuke is better than hidden love!
Tell me why was Jesus crucified? What drove the religious hypocrites and godless crazy about Jesus? John 7:7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil.
The world doesn't mind ear ticklers, but the world hates Gods true servants.
April 8, 2013 at 1:01 am
There you go judging again…..? Careful you don’t know me & you are way out of your depth! I didn’t say love, love, love? Jesus did! Read your Bible. I don’t know what unclean spirit your were consumed by but it still sounds like you still have some on ya! Come on in the waters fine…………
April 8, 2013 at 6:56 am
What are you talking about? You beat up on Rick so y r you telling me that I ldon’t you.you don’t anybody either.You know everything it seem Paul said we should know no one in the flesh
April 8, 2013 at 6:27 pm
Did not Jesus say to make a righteous judgment? When it comes to truth I place Gods word above men’s claims, titles and opinions. Jesus came to give life, Satan comes to kill steal and destroy. Ricks son rejected Jesus with his decision for death. This is exactly what suicide does, it leads people to try to justify their sinfully selfish act. Murder in all forms is wrong in Gods eyes, the thing about suicide is people cant repent of it. America is filled with watered down hucksters. Rick needs to repent of his insolence as he has positioned many with his feel good trash. Gods word warns us that curses will befall people if they do no obey…Deuteronomy 28:28“The LORD will smite you with madness and with blindness and with bewilderment of heart;
There’s a reason Jesus became a curse for us, that he paid the price and if we don’t love him with all our hearts, minds and souls we wont reap blessings of peace od heart mind and soul.
April 8, 2013 at 1:12 am
We get it YOUR AWESOME!!!!!!!
April 8, 2013 at 6:28 pm
Jesus is awesome. Many in America have lost sight of that and is filled with spiritual perverts, filled with human worshippers.
April 8, 2013 at 1:15 am
You sound like the kind of person who likes to toss the first stone……?
April 8, 2013 at 6:49 am
I agree with you. You seem to be the only one who understands may the love of God consumes you. ZGid bless you.You are already blesd
April 8, 2013 at 6:51 am
what is awesome about him????????????????????????????????????
April 8, 2013 at 6:47 am
Answer it yourself brother you certainly have all the answers u r good at tearing people apart.
April 8, 2013 at 1:35 pm
I was joking about his awesomeness….. lol
April 8, 2013 at 6:30 pm
Jesus turned over tables to expose the false ways of his day. You don’t reject me, you reject truth. Ephesians 5:11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
April 8, 2013 at 1:41 pm
King Saul was God’s annointed and he killed himself…….?
April 8, 2013 at 6:40 pm
And? He was being a wicked example and God warned Him. 1 Samuel 16: 1Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have selected a king for Myself among his sons.”
14Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD terrorized him.
23So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the harp and play it with his hand; and Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil spirit would depart from him.
Gods word warns us, its a dangerous thing to fall into the hands of the living God, which is why Gods word warns us over and over…to obey Him. Gods will is that none shall perish but that all should come to the knowledge of the truth. Yet if we do not honor the truth and we walk contrary to God, He will walk contrary to us.
April 8, 2013 at 2:26 am
We should be careful whom to listen to and to follow. For it is written there will be many false teachers/prophets that will arise. What they’re teaching may sound right, sugar-coated… but is it really biblically correct? I know we should pray for one another but as Christians there should be no middle-ground. Either we are for the wrong or for the right! We really need to pray for Ptr. Rick. I’m not proclaiming myself as righteous but we need to let others know who is teaching falsely.
April 8, 2013 at 6:27 am
True,sinc e you want to be so correct.Did we forget about trying to win our brother in the spirit of love. When we are throught ripping him apart hopefully we can put him back together again. We thank God we have a saviour that is not like man whose mouth can bless and then curse we are so good at that. We should take try taking the beam out off our own eyes.:
April 8, 2013 at 6:33 pm
Amen Leah. People act like Rick hasn’t been warned and rebuked. He has many, many times, yet he persist in rebellion to God and teaching falsely. Those who place Rick before truth are actually an enemy of truth. Stand for truth no matter what the world says. 1 John 5:4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
April 8, 2013 at 6:16 am
Its a shame that we have chosen a time like this to post our views about the pastor in the event of him being right or wrong may we truely have mercy
April 11, 2013 at 6:13 pm
You can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time. No one is perfect but Christ. Christ Crucified, in the grave for 3 days, rose again, Savior of the universe of universes, Jesus Son of God and Emerges out of of God as the Light. After that, everything falls apart as no two teachers are exactly alike will say the same things. Because we’re human (sometimes unfortunately). Okay, I don’t like something or two sometimes, same with every teacher. Just because I don’t like what someone says, isn’t it going to kill my chance at salvation? Work out your salvation with fear and trembling on a daily bases. Be alert and discern. That’s why we desire first the Knowledge of God because no one is perfect. Discern and dissipate. As far as money, Islam etc..who is in control hear? Eventually, we are all instruments of Gods good person, even the evil ones. I like it more when a teacher might not be exactly in agreement with everything I think, keeps me on my toes. After all, if everything someone said I agreed with, I wouldn’t learn anything.
April 11, 2013 at 6:31 pm
” its not about me, its about making the world a better place.””. The more I read this, the more holes I’m finding in your arguments as well, so I works both ways. He is writing under the premise that Christians are reading this for one thing. I also noticed something thought that I have earnestly desired to research. There is very little in the new testament about homosexuality… ‘practice homsexuality’. In context, from best I can find out (which is hard to do perfectly since perfect records are scare from that time), he was talking to all kinds of sects who worshipped false gods, some of for which homosexual acts were performed as a part of idolizing. Practicing homosexaulity is a lot deiffetn the being homosexaul. He also wrote about going against their natural inclinations. If same sex orientation is natural for some one, then is that a sin? Jesus also mentioned, “For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others–and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.” That says a mouthful. Those who practice it could well be other sex oriented who were continuoulsy sexaully curious or were bi-sexual and married by were going others of the same sex rather than their marriage partner. it is just way to easy to read into what is not there. I’ve also read that perhaps Paul was homosexual himself! Sounds absurd, what is the ‘thorn in his side’ His ego or something more? Was he ever married? Jesus said, “not to go by appearances” because his sword penetrates bone and marrow and goes to the heart. That is what he cares most apart. I’d think our sexaulity would be of little concern at all.as long as it is honestly in love. And I could care less what the U.S. law says about marriage being between a man and a woman. When did we fall into man’s laws? Wasn’t that what started it so long ago with the Jews? Creating things that aren’t there? I guess all men are gay that Love Jesus? Who says two men can’t love each other in any way and want to get married so they can have the same rights as God hating atheists?
April 12, 2013 at 12:16 pm
This article was written 2 yrs. ago and I believe that the author doesn’t mean to send “bombs” to Ptr. Rick especially at this time. As I’ve said I’m not professing myself as a “goody goody” person. A brother in the church pointed out to me that I should be careful of Rob Bell from Marshill church. Because I was not aware that he’s teaching falsely. I didn’t take it as a negative thing but am thankful for the concerned of my brother in Christ to me. We should not tolerate someone even if that someone is a brother/sister in Christ. I know all about loving your bro. and sis. and one way is by rebuking that person. Just because someone is popular whatever he or she says is correct.
In our church now we are studying the book of Timothy. It is not only in Timothy’s time that there were a lot of false teachers but also nowadays. A lot of “prosperity” gospel preachers. Because people today are so concerned with themselves. Its all about me feeling good. And why they go to this certain church to be “healed”. But if we read the bible. Being a true follower of GOD and as a true Christian, life is not a bed of roses. Be careful when someone “twists” GOD’s word, to suit the selfish need of man. No wonder they are popular.
April 17, 2013 at 5:39 pm
[…] was about to inquire further until I found this. We are not made Christians by the denominations or the abominations we belong to.- Ravi […]
August 3, 2013 at 10:51 am
A lot of the statements and quotes were ambiguous. I do not know very much about this pastor. However, there is one thing that is quite concerning to me. The document he signed from Yale. At first there didn’t seem to be anything wrong with it, I mean who doesn’t want peace and love(even if we know that it is impossible, its still nice to think about)? But as that document progresses it seems to me that at first they use “God” as a blanket term(which is bad enough because it makes our God(YHWH) equal their god(Allah). Then they progress into phrasing it in a way that makes both gods the same(making it one god that we all worship differently). Its absolutely possible that I misread that article, but my spirit is telling me otherwise. I am in no way capable of stating the status of Rick’s salvation, that’s between him and God(the trinity). Either way we should pray for him that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which does know the status of Rick’s salvation, will deal with him accordingly; whether that means taking him out of a leadership role in ministry and bringing him to salvation, or blessing his ministry. I would like additional information on this though.
August 5, 2013 at 4:03 pm
I am sorry to read all that has been said about Rick Warren. Be careful what you say about your brother because if you do you will find that Rick’s teachings come from the bible. The congregation knows exactly that. I am not to convince you of anything but the Holy Spirit is always present when I attend Saddleback church. I drive 2 hours each way to hear God’s message through Rick Warren. When I leave the church I filled enlighten and feel very much close to our heavely father, Jesus our Lord and the Holy Spirit. Couple years ago I became a Chrisitian and received the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is within us at all times and you are never alone. When I meet a brother (believer) I feel the connection right away and I can go to any Christian church or anywhere in the World and recognized who is with God or not. Anyone can find wrong if you want to find wrong. Satan is attacking all churches to divides us because he has little time. This world is so broken, but when we have the Holy Spirit we find contentment, peace, hope and God. No one has to tell you what we need to do. Automatically we want to volunteer and be part of a good thing. God is the only one that will judge and by accepting his Son Jesus Christ as our savior, we are save. When we read the Bible the Holy Spirit will help us understand it easier. Pastors are trying to help us and for the last seven months that I have attended Saddleback Church, one of my daughters got baptized which she was a very lost soul, my husband and I talk about God for hours every day. When I leave the church I don’t want to leave. Always feel filled with the Holy Spirit and just want to go out there and be part of a good thing. This was hard to find. We need more people like Rick Warren. Prior to becoming a Christian by the Holy Spirit I couldn’t find unity with any church, now I Do. God be with all of us and be the best God wants us to be. Surrender to God, trust him, believe in him because he is the truth and the only hope for Salvation.
March 31, 2014 at 5:32 pm
A broken clock can give the correct time twice a day…..????? He is out of depth and he is not sound. Be careful…. The devil sends angels of light.
September 4, 2020 at 5:16 pm
Jesus and the apostles called out erroneous teachings. It is our responsibility to do so and ensure people aren’t eternally lost.
September 22, 2013 at 4:15 am
Warren is a phony Charlatan. Clearly from his statements, he does not know who or what god is. He is the phoniest of false prophets, a self serving greedy blow hard who prayed every day for 27 years for god to “heal” his son. Enough said
October 23, 2013 at 5:43 pm
[…] on, the second listing (that is not a video is from The Apologetic. The last site was self aggrandizing, accusing Warren of being a member of Illuminati, toward […]
February 25, 2014 at 4:47 am
Having read a book of his, and having watched videos of him talk, I have no doubt this man is a false teacher. Take that as you will, but discernment is my gift, and I feel obligated to share what God allows me to know. Those trusting him are either not well versed in their Bibles, or they are those that want their ears tickled. I am goad some have seen through the mask, and pray that more will. We all know, though, from the Bible, that some will stay, and be led astray.
April 1, 2014 at 5:15 pm
Yes. Rick Warren is a false prophet filled with the spirit of the AntiChrist. He has his ideas of what God is like and what God thinks about his people. He presents them as Biblical truth, using small pieces of 10 different translations of scripture to cherry-pick what he can twist to suit his arguments. Just look in the guy’s eyes. Dark. This man’s soul is host to a multitude of demonic spirits. Rick Warren is among the likes of Joel Osteen and Oprah Winfrey promoting feel-good philosophy/theology to give the power to change your life and future to the created instead of the creator.
Warren never places emphasis or even mentions sin, repentance, cross, crucifixion, resurrection, hell, damnation, judgement, etc. It’s all love, goodness, joy, sugar-plums, and candy-canes.
Cling to the truth.
†disciple†
March 15, 2016 at 12:45 am
The truth is, God loves us first! He loves us so much that no one can ever fathom! Once you experience God’s love everything will start to change! And that is why these persons (which you called antichrist) would want to share to people, how it feels to be filled with God’s love!
May 14, 2014 at 12:48 am
I believe everything typed made a ton of sense.
However, what about this? suppose you added a little content?
I ain’t suggesting your information is not solid., however what if you added
something to possibly grab folk’s attention? I mean Is Rick Warren a false teacher?
| The Apologetic is kinda boring. You ought to glance at
Yahoo’s front page and watch how they create article titles to grab
viewers to click. You might add a related video or a related
picture or two to get readers interested about everything’ve written.
In my opinion, it could bring your website a little bit more interesting.
September 6, 2014 at 2:24 pm
You people can keep your blinders on all you want and continue to live in your self-made paranoia. For me, this man has done nothing but point me in the direction of sound Biblical teaching and has totally enhanced my Christian walk. If you don’t want to hear messages of love, faith-building, and increasing your Biblical knowledge to enhance your life then go listen to someone else. I can’t wait to meet Mr. Warren and thank him for all he has done to add to my life…all from a BIBLICAL perspective.
September 6, 2014 at 3:02 pm
Its sad Joe.. that you know so little of the Bible that you would believe Rick Warren is a biblical teacher. Remember that in that last day you will be responsible for your own theology and wont be able to say “Rick Warren deceived me.”
September 6, 2014 at 9:43 pm
It is truly shocking that anyone who stands behind Rick Warren’s heresies as Biblical doctrine could accuse anyone else of having “blinders” on. Jesus told sinners to repents because the Kingdom of God had come to them. Anyone not covered in Jesus’s blood shall burn in hell where the worm dieth not. You won’t hear any of this from false prophet Rick Warren.
Rick Warren would place the power into the hands of the created. Rick teaches the same witchcraft Joel Osteen teaches: Think positive. God loves you. Your words control your future.
Isaiah said I am a man of unclean lips from a people of unclean lips. Jesus said rip your eyeball out if it causes you to sin.
September 26, 2014 at 1:45 pm
I have written two books exposing Rick Warren’s teachings and his Global Peace Plan, and devoted this website to his false teachings. Update: Warren’s fraudulent claim about his PDL book investigation
September 27, 2014 at 4:37 pm
[…] about 12 different ways of studying the Bible. For example; Devotional, topical, thematic ect. Is Rick Warren a false teacher? | The Apologetic Reply With […]
December 5, 2014 at 6:02 am
thanks for the facts i cant imagine the damages this man is causing but it comes down to the facts always keep up the good work god bless
March 16, 2015 at 7:12 pm
Forgot to fill in my info & redo my message. I come from a southern Baptist background. I took the workshop on The Purpose Driven Life. When I read the first chapter I realized this was alien to anything I was taught growing up. Very humanistic. So different from what Billy Graham taught. I am so glad that people are seeing what is false & what is true. Feel sad writing this but you need to stand up for the truth.
April 5, 2015 at 3:39 am
Hi I was unable to view the statement signed by Rick at Yale University on your article. Can you please update the link? 🙂 Also I can’t believe Rick Warren uses The Message Bible. It is a terrible translation that defiles God’s word. http://www.av1611.org/kjv/mess_bible.html
June 1, 2015 at 11:57 pm
Here is a history lesson to help you to understand that there is a difference between Gospel contextualization and a redefining of the Gospel.
February 5, 2016 at 3:18 am
This is a great article. This rick warren character is using Christianity to serve his on agenda. He is a false teacher and will be judged by the one TRUE GOD. Thank you for writing this.
March 5, 2016 at 3:49 pm
What makes you say that? I’m curious? i really doubt you’ve ever been to saddleback church at all.
February 26, 2016 at 3:42 pm
David,
You should visit our service or go online and find out who we really are; we are a follower of Jesus Christ called Christians. Your article is completely false and I don’t need to explain to you why. All you have to do is think opposite ways to all your criticism towards to Pastor Rick Warren. Nonetheless, you really need to repent and ask for forgiveness and wisdom from God Himself. You should not judge His good servant with malicious rumores and made up stories, you will be judged greatly. I am going to pray for your soul to open your spiritual eyes to see the truth.
God bless and Jesus loves you.
Janet
Saddleback church member
Criticism based on hearsay is not helpful; it is gossip. Uninformed criticism will usually wind up embarrassing the critic when the truth is revealed (see Proverbs 18:13). The self-righteous Pharisees criticized Jesus based on their own faulty standards; truth was not on their side. We can properly be critical of what the Bible is critical of. Second Timothy 3:16 says that Scripture is profitable for reproof and correction. In other words, God’s inspired Word leads us to critically analyze everyday situations.
Beware of a critical spirit
There is a significant difference between helping someone improve and having a critical spirit. A critical spirit is never pleased. A critical spirit expects and finds disappointment wherever it looks. It is the opposite of 1 Corinthians 13: a critical spirit arrogantly judges, is easily provoked, accounts for every wrong, and never carries any hope of being pleased. Such an attitude damages the critiqued as well as the critic.
Biblical criticism is helpful, loving, and based on truth. Correction is to be gentle. It comes from love, not from a sour personality. Galatians 5:22-23 says the Spirit wants to produce in us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If criticism cannot be expressed in keeping with the fruit of the Spirit, it’s better left unsaid.
By got questions org.
March 3, 2016 at 11:50 pm
I think you are filled with envy, so you talk a bunch psychobabble, in hopes of ruining Pastor Rick’s reputation.
March 5, 2016 at 3:46 pm
Dude this is the most misleading and untrue article I’ve ever read. This person either has a personal issue with Rick Warren or just totally missed the boat due to their own ignorance. I pray people are smart enough to see right through this. The person who wrote this should be ashamed of themself or selves. It’s sad to see attacks on people that bring so much good to this world. All Saddleback preaches and teaches its biblical. Try taking their foundations class it is pure scripture and yes they aren’t as judgmental about it as ultra conservatives because we are all human and flawed but that’s ok. We have to keep going to God to continue to grow and understand or purpose for each of us individually with him. Saddleback is about teaching everyone not only it’s members how to get in sync with God and grow.
March 12, 2016 at 8:37 pm
I don’t believe it….I love Pastor Rick and saddleback teachings…it’s all Biblical. . And all the truth!
September 24, 2016 at 3:08 am
Does he say Mary and Joseph were never married . Is that Biblical?
June 23, 2018 at 11:29 pm
Amen
March 15, 2016 at 12:36 am
I think everything (Warren’s statements and views) is interpreted in a wordly manner. I don’t believe that it was his intention to tell people, “go on your world ways!”. Follow/like his facebook page and you will see how he focused on eternity and having a deeper relationship with God.
The conviction of the Holy Spirit will tell you the real message!
July 29, 2018 at 6:56 am
I live here in the middle east and I am truly blessed God used me here. I didn’t finish the article brother but I understand the points before reading this. However John 8:7 & Romans 3:23, Pastor Rick Warren is not perfect but God used him to enlighten me on how I can share the Gospel to my colleagues and turned to the Bible for proper guidance. I haven’t read PDL and about the Books they push to sell, its not for there own gain but its to support in spreading of the Gospel to the ends of the earth. He even mentioned that people has different ways of knowing God you may know God through someone’s book but it always still goes back to the bible. And about the transgender people I believe God will display His power through them and all over the world there are transgenders who are already accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior and realized their sins. Grace and Mercy is what brought people to Christ not because of the works of men. We are just mediums and conveyor of the Gospel. About the Pastors statement on television in America, I don’t know about it but its nothing significant, what matters is Pastor Ricks Conveys about God and He is bring many people to Christ our Savior.
July 29, 2018 at 7:30 am
I don’t comment here to catch the attention of writer of the commentators but let us also rebuke ourselves in how we treat or talk to one another, I agree to the mission of the blogger to turn always to the bible and not always depending on the preacher. But also to the blogger and other commentators, stop looking on the mistakes of others but rather check your own. I don’t know the motive of this article but instead of accusation on anyone I would rather read your testimony of how Gods word and your experience as follower of Christ. How is your heart everybody who commented?
October 10, 2018 at 6:54 am
Lol, blogger got put in his place. Praise God.
May 24, 2020 at 3:48 pm
Too many people worship their denomination and or their church leaders more than God.
Matt. 18 is about confronting someone who has sinned against you. It is not about confronting false teachers.
Paul publicly confronted the leadership at Corinth before he met with them in private.
obscurantism is not a spiritual gift.
Boldly defending the faith is a command not a request.
Bereans were noble because they took the time to research for themselves.
Most of the Warrens defenders never bothered to nobly research before they attacked the author.
Interesting question: how many of you, who confronted this author, met or spoke in private before attacking him publicly?
Methinks thou dost protest to much and to hypocritically. Have you removed the beam from your eye?
July 27, 2020 at 12:13 am
I do not think your arguments are strong enough to convict a person as false teacher. Your passage does not mention anything about “salvation”, ” trinity”, “inerrancy” , etc. which are fundamentals of christianity. You are just mentioning some ideas you do not agree with and declare someone as false teacher.