Ministry News

‘America’s Pastor’ on the Hot Seat—Again

Details: Published on Tuesday, 23 December 2008 09:27; Written by Marcus Yoars

QUOTE: “You don’t have to see eye to eye to walk hand in hand. … Three years ago I took enormous heat for inviting Barack Obama to my church because some of his views don’t agree [with mine]. Now he’s invited me.” —Saddleback Church’s Rick Warren, on accepting an invitation to deliver the invocation at the president-elect’s inauguration ceremony. Not surprisingly, Warren has been derided by gay-rights activists for his opposition to same-sex marriages, and most major news outlets have been quick to point out his recent comments in a BeliefNet interview in which the pastor compared the “redefinition of marriage” to include gay marriage to legitimizing incest, child abuse and polygamy. Even those who agree with Warren’s stance on same-sex marriages have questioned his acceptance to speak at the ceremony. Troy Newman, president of the pro-life group Operation Rescue, says the move is “tantamount to placing [Warren’s] stamp of approval on Obama and his policies that stand in direct opposition to biblical truths.” In response to his critics, Warren stated: “Hopefully, individuals passionately expressing opinions from the left and the right will recognize that both [President-elect Barack Obama and I] have shown a commitment to model civility in America. … I am honored by this opportunity to pray God’s blessing on the office of the president and its current and future inhabitant, asking the Lord to provide wisdom to America’s leaders during this critical time in our nation's history.” [latimes.com, 12/18/08; charismamag.com, 12/19/08; AP, 12/21/08]

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Comments

0 #6 Apostle W.E.Dutcher 2009-11-17 04:47

Don't complain about what you permit.

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+1 #5 Tommie Turner 2009-09-02 07:39

The Bible also tells us that the whole does not need a physician, but the sick does. If you only fellowship or pray with someone that you agree with, then how do you ever win a soul. As far as character goes, whether you agree with his politics or not, have there been any personal scandals in President Obama's life?

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+1 #4 Christopher Thompson 2009-08-20 01:36

Carol Brown tells it right . How can we walk in the light if we are not showing others to do the same Matt 5:13-16. Our President knows Pastor Warrens position. Jesus ate with who Matt 9:9-13? Have we forgotten The Great Commission Matt 28: 16-20? So, go spread th salt as we all have been commissioned to do. God bless you all and God bless America.

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+2 #3 Carol Brown 2009-04-02 14:02

The strategy of infiltration is the way to go when it comes to taking the message of the Kingdom of God into every sphere of the society. We are God's ambassadors. The church must not retreat to the point of ceasing to become salt, since for salt to be effective and be the preserving and flavoring agent it must penetrate. Nothing influences salt but salt influences whatever it touches. In this present darkness the light needs to shine brighter in order to pierce and dispel it. '"A man can receive nothing (he can claim nothing, he can take unto himself nothing)except as it has been granted to him from heaven. (A man must be content to receive the gift which is given him from heaven; there is no other source". Said John the Baptist in John 3:27. I commend Pastor Warren

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+2 #2 Gale Caudill 2009-01-27 11:45

I am not a big big fan of Rick, However I think he does need to go out in to the highways and Bi Ways to get the word out of what is right and wrong. I thank God someone is not ashamed to speak what they beilieve even if it is against a small amount of people who want to live a perverted life. Keep up the good work Rick and keep doing what you have been called to do at this time.

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+2 #1 John Burton 2008-12-25 08:38

I'm sure a deeper conversation would add some clarity to Rick's quote, but as it reads it's not all together biblical. The bible tells us quite the opposite- "Can two walk together unless they are agreed."

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