The 'ism' behind Warren-e-lism
I carefully read through each of these
articles just last week and I did find them refreshing but I do
have a disagreement with their views on Rick Warren's concern for
evangelism. I have watched many videos and heard many audios of
Rick Warren and without fail he never gets to the issues of
evangelism; quite the opposite, he willingly avoids the issue.
Rick may be telling others at conventions and conferences
something different but I am most deeply disturbed by his public
presentation.
Rick Warren and many other postmodern types of ministries have
approached evangelism from a new paradigm. The model has changed
from using the Word of God, to building relationships and becoming
friends and then eventually Christianizing them, not to a real
conversion in Christ, but to the tune of a different gospel, even
a different (view of ) Christ altogether. I have seen this
happening as the major emphasis on evangelism has changed through
the efforts of the International Congress on World Evangelization
and the Lusanne Covenant. YWAM has been using this same model for
years through the input of C. Peter Wagner and Fuller Theological
Seminary where Rick Warren was involved. A course is being taught
internationally called "The Perspectives Course" and this is being
embraced by all denominations across the board as the new view to
evangelization, throwing out the biblical models as not being
relevant any longer.
When asked directly, Rick Warren avoided the opportunity on the
Larry King show to bring the real message of salvation to those
watching, and when Larry King pushed him on this issue, Rick
changed the subject and rushed into telling a story having nothing
to do with Larry's attempt to get Rick to speak of Jesus Christ. I
think Larry King even realized something was not quite right here.
Some of my emails have come from people who have left Saddleback.
They tell me hardly anyone carries a Bible anymore and the gospel
is not being preached, and the writers of these emails have said
they were
encouraged not to carry their Bibles or to use personal evangelism
with anyone on the Saddleback campus and even in their approach to
evangelism in their communities. This caused them to look
elsewhere for a Bible believing church.
How long will we continue to pander and flatter each other and not
face or speak the truth concerning one another. We support each
others ministries so as to be spiritually and politically correct
at the expense of the many souls perishing because of the need to
enhance our image and build our own kingdoms to impress each
other. We have written many times to ask the question with no
answers.
Anyway, these are just a few of my concerns with this behemoth
ministry of PD programs that lead us only to an increase in
ourselves and a decrease in the real Jesus Christ.
Steve Muse
Eastern Regional Watch
http://www.erwm.com
Bud Press is a Christian Investigative Researcher and the Director of Christian Research Service. As a service to the body of Christ, Bud provides information, documentation and referral on a wide variety of issues to individuals, companies, pro-family groups, outreach ministries and the Christian news media.
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