Thoughts on the John Piper-Rick Warren Issue

I hesitated to address this issue because of the many reactions to this issue, for which it has quickly become a very divisive issue. However, now that I have had more time to think about it, I feel it warrants a few thoughts. I will not get too lengthy, however, so if you would like a more detailed analysis, check out the twitter feed for some links to some well written articles on this matter.

First, for those not familiar with the issue, let me provide a brief synopsis: John Piper’s ministry, Desiring God, holds a national conference each year and invites a number of preachers to attend and speak at the conference. Traditionally, the speakers are very aligned in thinking and theology with John Piper’s views. Thus, they are generally noted Calvinists and either Reformed theologically, or fairly close to it. However, John Piper has on occasion broken from that norm and invited people a little further from that line of thinking. In this case, inviting Rick Warren has ignited a firestorm of criticism of John Piper because Rick Warren is a far departure from the type of ministry and in many cases, the actual belief system of John Piper and those who appreciate his ministry. Some would say that Rick Warren is even an enemy of the faith. And even if not, much of the way he practices his ministry is extremely questionable, so many people are upset that he is being given this stage. So, that is the issue.

As for me and my reaction, I have felt a mix of emotions since I heard the news. Initially, I was shocked and reacted quite negatively to it. I then swung to the complete opposite spectrum and actually began to think of this as a good thing. I have now settled my thoughts a little and believe it is probably unwise to go forward with Rick Warren as a speaker at the event, but that partially depends on the context of the speaking engagement. If this event were a debate or placed in the context that we are hearing an opposing view, it would likely be fine. However, I would be adamantly opposed to this if Rick Warren was actually speaking during a normal church service. That would not be okay because a pastor of a church should guard the flock from false teaching, particularly in a worship service. Should Rick Warren speak during a worship service, then that would send a clear indication that his teaching is approved. I personally have too many reservations about Rick Warren to feel comfortable with that happening. So, here is the question: Is the Desiring God conference akin to a worship service? Or, is it basically a forum for learning theology in the same manner that a theology class, or even a debate might be? I have not been to a Desiring God conference, but I have listened to some of the messages from past conferences and I am aware that they also worship in song at the event. Further, I believe the very aim of the conference (found here) affirms the fact that this conference is not a mere intellectual exercise. Thus, I have to come to a point where I feel uncomfortable with Warren’s presence at the event.

I am hesitant to use language stronger than this at this point, but I nonetheless felt it worthy to at least evaluate this issue. I am hopeful that this works out well and that John Piper is able to create a context for Warren that doesn’t mislead those in attendance about Warren and what he presents. I will be praying for that. In the meantime, I will be praying that we as Christian conduct ourselves in a manner that is worthy of our calling as we debate this issue.

Cal Thomas Article Misses the Gospel

Cal Thomas wrote an article this week titled, Uncovering the Cover-Up about the problems facing the Catholic priesthood. It was an interesting article with a few valid points, but overall misses the gospel completely. And while I understand that Mr. Thomas was not aiming at portraying the gospel, I believe he nonetheless should have, especially given the subject matter. He also was too willing to lump all protestants into one pile by associating protestantism with pastors that most protestants would argue do not fairly represent their beliefs. The differences are worth noting between the structure of the Catholic church (singular) and that of the protestant churches (plural) and it is within those differences that the real problem with his article lies. The Catholic church structure is failing to address problems within its’ ranks. The protestants as a whole have no such singular structure. Anyway, it is worth a read, even if it was poorly reasoned.

And for what Cal Thomas should have said: He should have acknowledged that the answer to this problem is found in the gospel itself. The problems faced by the Catholic church are the same problems faced by every organization, group, and person. We are sinners who have broken the laws of God. It is only the grace of God found in the death of Jesus as a substitution for us that we can be saved. Protestants are right to point this out to the Catholic church, as well as any other pastor, preacher, priest, cleric, or religious leader, regardless of denomination or belief. This includes fellow protestants. This is a judgment, but it is not condemnation. No, it is pointing to the cliff in front of them as the solution to that pending condemnation. Jesus said “He who has not sinned cast the first stone.” And then he told the adultress that he does not condemn her. And yet, he did not stop there. He also told her to go and sin no more. Jesus offered forgiveness, but he did not ignore the sin.

A Recommended Article on Joel Osteen

Those who know me, know that I am not a fan of Joel Osteen.  I would rather deal with Richard Dawkins in his worst fit of rage than Osteen because at least I can get Christians to listen about Dawkins.  With Osteen, too many Christians don’t have ears to hear.  And so it is for this reason that I am referencing an important article.  If you are a fan of Osteen, please take the time to read it.

Here is an excerpt from the article (linked to here) on Joel Osteen:

Although explicit proponents of the so-called “prosperity gospel” may be fewer than their influence suggests, its big names and best-selling authors (T. D. Jakes, Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen, and Joyce Meyer) are purveyors of a pagan worldview with a peculiarly American flavor. It’s basically what the sixteenth century German monk turned church reformer Martin Luther called the “theology of glory”: How can I climb the ladder and attain the glory here and now that God has actually promised for us after a life of suffering? The contrast is the “theology of the cross”: the story of God’s merciful descent to us, at great personal cost, a message that the Apostle Paul acknowledged was offensive and “foolish to Greeks.”

Episcopal Bishop Nominee is also a Buddhist

A news story is starting to circulate in Christians news circles and beyond about an Episcopal Bishop who is also a Buddhist.  As Christian News Wire reports, “An Episcopal priest who has received a Buddhist lay ordination has been nominated for the position of bishop in the Diocese of Northern Michigan.”  The article can be read here.  What is disturbing about it is not just the lack of clarity in holding to two faiths that are antithetical to one another.  No, if you take the time to read up on the story (here is a good resource), you will find that this bishop nominee is utterly confused in all matters of the Christian faith.  There is a point where ones’ beliefs simply collapses upon itself into absolute nothingness.  This goes to a greater issue that I have actually been writing an article about that you can look for soon.  Effectively, most of Christianity is confused and it is because of a number of overarching problems relating to our theology.  More specifically, it demonstrates something missing in our approach to theology.

Satire of Modern Youth Ministries

Pastors, Please Listen to This!

I listened to Albert Mohler’s sermon at the Shepherd’s Conference and it was a well needed message for pastors.  I recommend it for everyone, but especially pastors.  You can find it at the link below.

http://www.sbts.edu/media/audio/Mohler/20090305_Mohler.mp3

The message was an indictment against much of the preaching found in many of our churches.  We need bold preachers of God’s Word and not the silliness that is so often found.

'Less Than 1 Percent of Young Adults Hold Biblical Worldview'

The Christian Post is reporting on a new survey that shows that less than one percent of young adults (defined as 18-23) hold to a Biblical world view.  The Barna Group defined a Biblical world view as ”believing that absolute moral truth exists; the Bible is completely accurate in all of the principles it teaches; Satan is considered to be a real being or force, not merely symbolic; a person cannot earn their way into Heaven by trying to be good or do good works; Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth; and God is the all-knowing, all-powerful creator of the world who still rules the universe today.”

I doubt anyone is shocked by this.  Young people, even within so called churches, are bombarded with reletivism and lousy proclomations of the gospel.  Instead, they get fluffy, weak-minded, flat, and frankly dumb preaching that is not centered on the gospel.  If they cannot get it from their church, they definitely are not going to get it from the world.  What is more, the weak church is simply going to be absorbed into the culture with no distinction between them and the world – which is painfully evident in so many churches, both locally here in the Tampa Bay Area and across the U.S.  The only good thing that I can say is that the true church will become all the more clear.

Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church

“Description: Preached Wednesday, October 22nd at the Revival Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Paul Washer delivers a urgent appeal to the Christians and Churches in North America that many have been believing a false gospel and have false assurance of their salvation. He lists 10 indictments against the modern Church system in America. This is a historical urgent message, tell others and spread the message. We need a reformation and revival of a biblical standard!”

Hear the sermon here.

Plagiarized Preaching

Here is a video produced by Wretched Radio that is simply amazing — and I mean that in a bad way!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdMdnMfM6d8&e

Galations 1:6-10

Given the current state of affairs in the American church, here is scripture that should cut to the core:

6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel- 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.