CRN.Info and Analysis

The Internet Monk re-considers Warren:

Michael Spencer re-considers his past criticisms of Rick Warren. Its a fair article, and one the watchdoggies would do well to read with an open mind. From the article:

Finally, Warren is a model of personal integrity. I can’t imagine what it’s been like to go from being a church planter, to a leader of a moderately innovative growing church, to the best selling author in the world. It’s true that Warren isn’t John Piper, but he’s not Joel Osteen either. I’m listening to Warren as I type, and there’s been more of the Bible’s central message in the last 3 minutes than I’ve ever heard from Osteen.

Warren’s critics hate the fact that he uses so many different translations when he shares all those Bible verses. Good grief people. Listen to yourselves.

Warren is honest. He’s not comfortable as a media star. He doesn’t play the “generic spiritual leader” role very well. He’s learned how to use his opportunities to point clearly to Christ. I seriously doubt we’ll see Warren doing a Ted Haggard anytime soon. He seems to be the very basic, down-to-earth person he’s always been.

So there you have it. I’m eating crow on this one. Warren is an average preacher. I’m not convinced that his seeker sensitive methods are dependable Biblical. But I am convinced he’s a good man, with a good ministry, who presents the Gospel, encourages pastors, starts churches, demonstrates compassion and lives with integrity.

These days, that resume goes a long way.

I read a post over at Slice of Laodicea that caused me to think about how we Christians should view the world. Ingrid laments the fact that another school teacher ran off with a student and other ills that plague our society. She also says that her 11 yr. old son cannot go into a public bathroom without fear of perverts and I agree. Of course the category was listed as “culture wars” whatever that is.

But should we as Christians complain that our culture makes our lives more uncomfortable? Paul spoke of the sins of his society but that is different than complaining that the sinful culture interferes with our Christian lifestyle. Isn’t lamenting our predicament both unchristian and at the same time showing our desire for an easier lifestyle? I’m not sure I ever heard Jesus complain that the sin around Him restricted His lifestyle. The world will continue to get worse, but we should not complain about it based upon our own personal discomforts.

And of all things she brings up the “Woodstock” generation of which I was a part. But by God’s grace I was wonderfully saved not by hearing the complaints about my lifestyle from those who had the providential fortune of being brought up in a Christian home, no, I would have rejected that as spiritual arrogance. I was saved by someone who shared the good news that Jesus saw past my lifestyle and gave His life for me. I believe pride is the most unattractive sin of all in God’s eyes since it discounts God’s grace. Go ahead and complain and keep itemizing the sins of the lost, but remember Jesus did something more about it than just complain, He loved them and gave Himself for them. I consider it an honor to represent His life in the midst of such sinners. 

I encourage everyone to follow “Pastor” Silva’s advice:

do yourself a favor and just avoid this short missive over at Apprising Ministries.

I copied exactly what he said and it speaks for itself.

This goes beyond bizarre. The Roman Catholic Church has its shroud and now the Lutherans have Luther’s corpse. OK, I do believe that many of the articles at CRN deal with gnat size issues while in fairness they also deal with substantive issues as well. But in this article they link to an article that claims the exhumed body of Martin Luther had “rolled over” in his grave over the centuries. And the contention is that Luther rolled over in his grave over the liberal departure of the Lutheran church from Luther’s original teachings.

You know we always thought they had an obsession with dead theologians but now we know those same corpses are listening and reacting to the plight of the church. This article was categorized under “satire” so I can assume it was tongue in cheek, partially. But I think that maybe the reason that Luther rolled over in his grave was due to the kindness that the church today has shown to Jews.

See, satire too.