Truth or Lie's Rick Warren's Moral Facade
Truth or Lies?
Rick Warren's Moral Facade
By Berit Kjos - April 9, 2009
Home
Emphasis added
"'Hear this now, O foolish people, without understanding,
who have eyes and see not, and who have ears and hear not:
Do you not fear Me?’ says the Lord. ‘Will you not tremble at My presence...?'
But this people has a defiant and rebellious heart;
They have revolted and departed.
They do not say in their heart, 'let us now fear the Lord our God,
Who gives rain... in its season...'" Jeremiah 5:21-24
In an article titled "Rick Warren disavows support for Prop. 8," Jim Brown writes,
"California mega-church pastor and author of The Purpose Driven Life Rick Warren says he apologized to his homosexual friends for making comments in support of California's Proposition 8, and now claims he 'never once even gave an endorsement' of the marriage amendment."[1]
During a recent CNN interview on Larry King Live, Warren assured his host that-
"During the whole Proposition 8 thing, I never once went to a meeting, never once issued a statement, never -- never once even gave an endorsement in the two years Prop. 8 was going."[2]
But he was lying! According to Brown, Pastor Warren had "issued a clear endorsement of the marriage amendment while speaking to church members." Ponder Warren's stated position two weeks before the Prop. 8 vote on November 4:
"The election's coming just in a couple of weeks, and I hope you're praying about your vote....
"Now let me say this really clearly: we support Proposition 8 -- and if you believe what the Bible says about marriage, you need to support Proposition 8. I never support a candidate, but on moral issues I come out very clear.
"This is one thing, friends, that all politicians tend to agree on. Both Barack Obama and John McCain, I flat-out asked both of them: what is your definition of marriage? And they both said the same thing -- it is the traditional, historic, universal definition of marriage: one man and one woman, for life. And every culture for 5,000 years, and every religion for 5,000 years, has said the definition of marriage is between one man and a woman.
"Now here's an interesting thing. There are about two percent of Americans [who] are homosexual or gay/lesbian people. We should not let two percent of the population determine to change a definition of marriage.... So I urge you to support Proposition 8, and pass that word on. I'm going to be sending out a note to pastors on what I believe about this."[3]
So where does Pastor Warren actually stand on this issue? What is the source of his moral cues? God's Word -- or forceful leaders who have traded His unchanging Truth for today's evolving moral pragmatism?
His recent statements suggest a total moral U-turn. According to Brown, Warren regrets his earlier position. "There were a number of things that were put out. I wrote to all my gay friends -- the leaders that I knew -- and actually apologized to them. That never got out," he admitted.
Those "gay friends" may serve him well in today's global battlefield for fame and power. As America follows Europe into a moral freefall, Warren's spiritual leadership fits right in. So did his attempt to offer a non-offensive interfaith prayer at Obama's inauguration:
"Help us to share, to serve and to seek the common good of all. May all people of goodwill today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy and a more prosperous nation and a peaceful planet. And may we never forget that one day all nations and all people will stand accountable before you...."
I wonder what kind of accountability Warren referred to. It surely wasn't Biblical. Yes, God will hold us accountable -- but to His standard, not to the shifting standards of Warren or Obama, who approve immorality and despise God's Truth. Look at what God says:
"'Woe to the rebellious children,' says the Lord,
'Who take counsel, but not of Me,
And who devise plans, but not of My Spirit,'" Isaiah 30:1
"...the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.... Professing to be wise, they became fools.... Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves.... God gave them up to vile passions. ... And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased [depraved] mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness." Romans 1:18-32
"Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination?
No! They were not at all ashamed; nor did they know how to blush.
Therefore they shall fall among those who fall;
At the time I punish them, they shall be cast down,' says the Lord." Jeremiah 6:15
As American sovereignty fades under the darkening shadows of an anti-Christian world government, few are prepared to stand firm against the forces that are eroding America's Christian foundations. Instead, the vast majority -- whether they identify with Christianity or not -- have dismissed God's Word and warnings. Making His view of sin irrelevant, they have distorted the true gospel of Christ: the "good news" of redemption from the legal judgment that we (sinners) deserve. Apart from that Biblical gospel, the cross and the resurrection become meaningless.
We can't manipulate Truth without facing consequences. We can't justify sin without blinding ourselves and confusing others. And we can't receive new life in Jesus Christ (regeneration) without--
His merciful (undeserved) grace
Spirit-given conviction of our sins and our continuing enslavement to sin
His substitutionary and atoning death on the cross -- taking the punishment of our sin
In the light of that transformational Truth, we see the cross and the resurrection as the center of history. Everything the Old Testament promised pointed forward to the cross. And all the New Testament promises are based on the cross -- and point us to the resurrection and eternal life in Jesus Christ. As He told us,
"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'" John 14:6
"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7:13-14
Yet, countless "Christians" have claimed to follow Him -- even as they scorn that narrow gate:
"...he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep." John 10:1-5
"...certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ." Jude 4
"Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock... to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears." Acts 20:28-31
No wonder Paul's warnings were accompanied by tears. Many in his beloved churches were caught up in sensual sins and unholy distractions. Distorting the cross and despising "the narrow road," they ignored the call to die to self and share Christ's suffering.
"The wide road" is well traveled in our times. Popular, amoral, and tolerant of everything but God's Word and way, it is paved with nice-sounding intentions and a feel-good "common ground." But it actually leads to arrogance, hostility, division and destruction. After all, "the whole world lies under sway of the wicked one." John 5:19
What then will we choose? The world's compromising highway and delightful illusions -- for this season of time? Or the narrow way that leads to eternal life with our wonderful Lord for all eternity?
"...many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ; whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame -- who set their mind on earthly things.
"...our citizenship is in heaven from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body...." Philippians 3:18-21
Rick Warren's Moral Facade
By Berit Kjos - April 9, 2009
Home
Emphasis added
"'Hear this now, O foolish people, without understanding,
who have eyes and see not, and who have ears and hear not:
Do you not fear Me?’ says the Lord. ‘Will you not tremble at My presence...?'
But this people has a defiant and rebellious heart;
They have revolted and departed.
They do not say in their heart, 'let us now fear the Lord our God,
Who gives rain... in its season...'" Jeremiah 5:21-24
In an article titled "Rick Warren disavows support for Prop. 8," Jim Brown writes,
"California mega-church pastor and author of The Purpose Driven Life Rick Warren says he apologized to his homosexual friends for making comments in support of California's Proposition 8, and now claims he 'never once even gave an endorsement' of the marriage amendment."[1]
During a recent CNN interview on Larry King Live, Warren assured his host that-
"During the whole Proposition 8 thing, I never once went to a meeting, never once issued a statement, never -- never once even gave an endorsement in the two years Prop. 8 was going."[2]
But he was lying! According to Brown, Pastor Warren had "issued a clear endorsement of the marriage amendment while speaking to church members." Ponder Warren's stated position two weeks before the Prop. 8 vote on November 4:
"The election's coming just in a couple of weeks, and I hope you're praying about your vote....
"Now let me say this really clearly: we support Proposition 8 -- and if you believe what the Bible says about marriage, you need to support Proposition 8. I never support a candidate, but on moral issues I come out very clear.
"This is one thing, friends, that all politicians tend to agree on. Both Barack Obama and John McCain, I flat-out asked both of them: what is your definition of marriage? And they both said the same thing -- it is the traditional, historic, universal definition of marriage: one man and one woman, for life. And every culture for 5,000 years, and every religion for 5,000 years, has said the definition of marriage is between one man and a woman.
"Now here's an interesting thing. There are about two percent of Americans [who] are homosexual or gay/lesbian people. We should not let two percent of the population determine to change a definition of marriage.... So I urge you to support Proposition 8, and pass that word on. I'm going to be sending out a note to pastors on what I believe about this."[3]
So where does Pastor Warren actually stand on this issue? What is the source of his moral cues? God's Word -- or forceful leaders who have traded His unchanging Truth for today's evolving moral pragmatism?
His recent statements suggest a total moral U-turn. According to Brown, Warren regrets his earlier position. "There were a number of things that were put out. I wrote to all my gay friends -- the leaders that I knew -- and actually apologized to them. That never got out," he admitted.
Those "gay friends" may serve him well in today's global battlefield for fame and power. As America follows Europe into a moral freefall, Warren's spiritual leadership fits right in. So did his attempt to offer a non-offensive interfaith prayer at Obama's inauguration:
"Help us to share, to serve and to seek the common good of all. May all people of goodwill today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy and a more prosperous nation and a peaceful planet. And may we never forget that one day all nations and all people will stand accountable before you...."
I wonder what kind of accountability Warren referred to. It surely wasn't Biblical. Yes, God will hold us accountable -- but to His standard, not to the shifting standards of Warren or Obama, who approve immorality and despise God's Truth. Look at what God says:
"'Woe to the rebellious children,' says the Lord,
'Who take counsel, but not of Me,
And who devise plans, but not of My Spirit,'" Isaiah 30:1
"...the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.... Professing to be wise, they became fools.... Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves.... God gave them up to vile passions. ... And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased [depraved] mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness." Romans 1:18-32
"Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination?
No! They were not at all ashamed; nor did they know how to blush.
Therefore they shall fall among those who fall;
At the time I punish them, they shall be cast down,' says the Lord." Jeremiah 6:15
As American sovereignty fades under the darkening shadows of an anti-Christian world government, few are prepared to stand firm against the forces that are eroding America's Christian foundations. Instead, the vast majority -- whether they identify with Christianity or not -- have dismissed God's Word and warnings. Making His view of sin irrelevant, they have distorted the true gospel of Christ: the "good news" of redemption from the legal judgment that we (sinners) deserve. Apart from that Biblical gospel, the cross and the resurrection become meaningless.
We can't manipulate Truth without facing consequences. We can't justify sin without blinding ourselves and confusing others. And we can't receive new life in Jesus Christ (regeneration) without--
His merciful (undeserved) grace
Spirit-given conviction of our sins and our continuing enslavement to sin
His substitutionary and atoning death on the cross -- taking the punishment of our sin
In the light of that transformational Truth, we see the cross and the resurrection as the center of history. Everything the Old Testament promised pointed forward to the cross. And all the New Testament promises are based on the cross -- and point us to the resurrection and eternal life in Jesus Christ. As He told us,
"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'" John 14:6
"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7:13-14
Yet, countless "Christians" have claimed to follow Him -- even as they scorn that narrow gate:
"...he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep." John 10:1-5
"...certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ." Jude 4
"Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock... to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears." Acts 20:28-31
No wonder Paul's warnings were accompanied by tears. Many in his beloved churches were caught up in sensual sins and unholy distractions. Distorting the cross and despising "the narrow road," they ignored the call to die to self and share Christ's suffering.
"The wide road" is well traveled in our times. Popular, amoral, and tolerant of everything but God's Word and way, it is paved with nice-sounding intentions and a feel-good "common ground." But it actually leads to arrogance, hostility, division and destruction. After all, "the whole world lies under sway of the wicked one." John 5:19
What then will we choose? The world's compromising highway and delightful illusions -- for this season of time? Or the narrow way that leads to eternal life with our wonderful Lord for all eternity?
"...many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ; whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame -- who set their mind on earthly things.
"...our citizenship is in heaven from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body...." Philippians 3:18-21
posted by Tim Wirth | 11:05 AM
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