Thousands of churches around the world are incorporating teachings found in two best-selling books and disseminated through seminars. Those two books, The Purpose-Driven Life and The Purpose-Driven Church, have taken the Christian community by storm. This phenomenon is the product of Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Valley Community Church in Lake Forest, Calif., situated at the base of the Santa Ana Mountains in Orange County. Warren's first book, The Purpose-Driven Church: Growth Without Compromising Your Message & Mission, has been popular with pastors and other church leaders as a manual on how to help their churches grow. Since its first printing in 1995 it has sold over one million copies. It offers to those church leaders Warren's methods for church growth which he has devised over more than two decades as the founding pastor of Saddleback Church. His second book, The Purpose-Driven Life: What On Earth Am I Here For?, is used as a study guide in small-group settings under the auspices of churches from virtually every denomination, as well as many non-denominational churches. It has sold 7 million copies in 12 languages since it was published in the fall of 2002. In it, Warren lays out a 40-day spiritual journey in which individual Christians are encouraged to examine their lives and to take up the challenge to become more mature and Christ-like. Warren's message is that everyone has a purpose in life; it is up to each person to find out that purpose and pursue it with zeal. Zeal permeates Warren's writing and speaking. There is no mistaking his determination to accomplish that to which he believes God has called him. Behind the self-deprecating manner in which he addresses his devotees lies a powerhouse of production. His brand of ministry has been likened to a melding of corporate business sense with spiritual fervor. He has even trademarked the term "purpose-driven." Without a doubt, Rick Warren is having the greatest impact upon churches of every theological persuasion since Promise Keepers first came on the scene in 1991. Warren's messages on how to bring maturity to the Christian's life and growth to the churches has been implemented by tens of thousands of churches worldwide whose pastors have attended Warren's Purpose-Driven Church Seminar over the past twenty years. Additionally, church leaders from scores of countries and some sixty denominations have ordered tapes of the seminar. All told, over 250,000 ministers worldwide have attended Warren's seminars. There is no questioning Warren's sincerity. Both those who agree and disagree with him would probably come to the consensus that Rick Warren truly believes he is on a mission from God. Easily, this is the most prolific enterprise for church growth that we have seen. Some have even likened this movement to a new Reformation. Kelly Walter, pastor of Rock Brook Church in Belton, Mo., says, "This is like being alive in the day of Martin Luther--and being able to meet him." Walter has made the trip to Saddleback every year for the last decade.(1) Warren himself has said, "The first Reformation clarified what the church believes--our message and doctrine. The current Reformation will clarify what the church does--our purpose and activities on earth."(2) In spite of the great success of Warren's efforts to reach every church with his message, he has his detractors. Dennis Costella, pastor of Fundamental Bible Church in Los Osos, Calif., said many struggling ministers see the purpose-driven strategy as a life preserver. "If more pastors from small churches would just be faithful and rely on God, he will bless that faithfulness," said Costella. "He's not going to to say, 'Let me see your stats sheet.'"(3) [See Article on The Church Growth Movement By Dennis Costella HERE] Warren's style is described as "laid-back," and casual. His attire even for Sunday morning services often consists of khaki pants and Hawaiian shirts. It is this casual demeanor that speaks to many who see him as just one of the guys. If he can achieve so much with his life, they reason, so can anyone. In spite of the fact that he oversees a 17,000-member church with an annual budget of $19 million,(4) Warren's focus is not on reaching millions directly (such as televangelists) as much as it is equipping individual pastors to reach their own churches and communities with his program for growth. Much of what Warren says is profoundly true. He has great insights into the problems that plague individual Christians as well as the churches as a whole. He has done his homework, and it is obvious that he has not spoken lightly, but rather determinedly in offering his solutions to those problems. He often offers clever clichés to make a point. One I really liked is "Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less." In the process of studying Warren's books, however, I have found many issues which must be addressed. If one is going to place oneself under the teaching of another, one must recognize those things that are not scriptural in order to keep from being misled. We will address these issues by looking at Warren's two best-sellers, The Purpose-Driven Life, and The Purpose-Driven Church. THE PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE Warren directs his book primarily toward Christians (although he does on occasion offer advice on salvation to non-believers). Generally, he assumes that the reader is a novice to the faith and must first take baby steps before he can walk. Yet he insists that every Christian should undertake the 40-day spiritual journey. For mature believers in Jesus it would be more of a remedial course in the faith, much of it really unnecessary. Warren offers a lot for the money: “By the end of this journey you will know God's purpose for your life and will understand the big picture---how all the pieces of your life fit together. Having this perspective will reduce your stress, simplify your decisions, increase your satisfaction, and, most important, prepare you for eternity”.(5)
My first response to this statement was that believers already know these things; they are already laid out in the Bible. But there is a difference between knowing and acting on the knowledge. The format of the 40-day journey is to read one chapter per day, then focus on the exercises at the end of each chapter. Each exercise consists of 1) a Point to Ponder; 2) a Verse to Remember; 3) a Question to Consider. Each element relates to the lesson of the particular chapter.
Transformed Lives
There is a problem any time an author makes claims about his work that are reserved for Scripture alone. Warren claims that his book will transform the lives of those who read it and interact with it: One reason most books don't transform us is that we are so eager to read the next chapter, we don't take the time to seriously consider what we have just read. We rush to the next truth without reflecting on what we have learned.(6)
For this reason the reader is encouraged to not just read the book, but to interact with it. In this way, we assume, it will transform our lives. As far as rushing "to the next truth," truth is not always what we rush to in men's writings. And nothing outside of Scripture can transform lives. There are many excellent books that have been written by solid believers throughout the ages. Many have afforded great insight into spiritual matters; many have encouraged believers to live for God; many have resulted in some changes in people's lives. But none of them can transform anyone's life. Only God's Word, ministered by the Holy Spirit, can transform lives. And then it must be with the consent of the life transformed. Authors often take more credit than their due by making such claims about their writings. Yes, they may give the glory to God and claim that they are merely instruments used by Him. But there is a problem any time an author makes claims about his work that are reserved for Scripture alone. No man's work--regardless of the good which results from it--is indispensable to God's eternal purposes. Concluding his introduction, Warren asks the reader to sign a covenant with him to commit the next 40 days to discovering God's purpose for his life. The Bible is clear that God considers 40 days a spiritually significant time period. Whenever God wanted to prepare someone for his purposes, he took 40 days: Noah's life was transformed by 40 days of rain. Moses was transformed by 40 days on Mount Sinai. The spies were transformed by 40 days in the Promised Land. David was transformed by Goliath's 40-day challenge. Elijah was transformed when God gave him 40 days of strength from a single meal. The entire city of Nineveh was transformed when God gave the people 40 days to change. Jesus was empowered by 40 days in the wilderness. The disciples were transformed by 40 days with Jesus after his resurrection. The next 40 days will transform your life.(7)
It is true that 40 days is a significant time period in several Scriptures. But God did not always use 40 days to achieve His purposes in someone. It is presumptuous to insist that, because these particular biblical events incorporated 40 days, reading his book's 40 chapters one day at a time will transform your life. (InPlainSite.org Note: The Bible does not maintain that whenever God wanted to prepare someone for his purposes, he took 40 days. See Footnote)
The question comes to mind: has everyone who has followed the formula been transformed? If they had been, the millions who have read the book would be making news today. It would have been better had Warren said, "The next 40 days may be used by God to transform your life. And that is a possibility. Provided the reader takes the scriptural portions of the book to heart and ignores the rest. But that is difficult when so much of the book is based not on Scripture as much as on human reasoning and misapplied or mishandled Scripture. Yet I would not say that God cannot use this book just as he has used many imperfect offerings of men to achieve His purposes. However, that does not excuse the men who misuse His Word; it merely testifies to God's sovereign ability to turn even the most gross evil into good for those who are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28). Taking The Oath The reader is also encouraged to partner with someone else as well as Rick Warren in order to solidify in their minds the importance of continuing the 40-day journey. What is it about religious men that they want to bring people into bondage to their programs? Scripture continually warns us not to take oaths, but religious men think their particular oaths do not fall under Scripture's prohibitions. Just about every religious movement that comes along has some covenant or oath it encourages (and sometimes demands) its followers to sign or verbally agree to. Ostensibly these oaths are for the spiritual benefit of the individual. But as soon as one is encouraged to act contrary to God's Word one has already taken a step backward in his spiritual growth. True, we enter into agreements all the time (mortgages, marriage, etc.), but these are legitimate contracts that are upheld by Scripture. Religious covenants between men, however, bring souls into religious bondage. Perhaps we can chalk it up to ignorance on Warren's part. Or zeal without knowledge. Or a lapse in judgment. In any case, it is a scary proposition that so many people have placed their spiritual growth in the hands of one who does not understand, or does not take seriously, God's Word on the matter of oaths. Questionable Bible Versions Warren insists that one must read from many translations and paraphrases of Scripture in order to truly understand what God is saying: ....I have intentionally varied the Bible translations used for two important reasons. First, no matter how wonderful a translation is, it has limitations. The Bible was originally written using 11,280 Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek words, but the typical English translation uses only around 6,000 words. Obviously, nuances and shades of meaning can be missed, so it is always helpful to compare translations. Second, and even more important, is the fact that we often miss the full impact of familiar Bible verses, not because of poor translating, but simply because they have become so familiar! We think we know what a verse says because we have read it or heard it so many times. Then when we find it quoted in a book, we skim over it and miss the full meaning. Therefore I have deliberately used paraphrases in order to help you see God's truth in new, fresh ways.(8) (Emphasis Warren's)
There may be value in comparing Bible translations, particularly in conjunction with Hebrew and Greek word studies. But it does not follow that just any translations---and particularly paraphrased editions---offer truth. In many cases they cloud the truth. No serious lesson can convey God's truth by using paraphrases as the primary source. Yet Warren overwhelmingly uses Bibles that are paraphrases or that incorporate a system known as "dynamic equivalency" or "thought-for-thought" rendering rather than true word-for-word translation. The Purpose-Driven Life contains over 760 quotations from fifteen Bible versions (not the "nearly a thousand quotations" Warren claims). The vast majority, some 570 quotes, are from five versions: The New Living Testament (NLT); The New International Version (NIV); The Message (Msg); Today's English Version (TEV, originally The Good News Bible); and The Living Bible (LB).
(InPlainSite.org Note: Why does The Message dump mystical New Age terms right in the middle of the Lord’s Prayer? See New Age Implications In The Message
The next three most quoted, a total of 151, are The New Century Version (NCV), The Contemporary English Version (CEV), and God's Word Translation (GWT). The balance consisted of a smattering of seven other versions: The King James Version (KJV); Philips (Ph); The New American Standard Bible (NASB); The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV); The Amplified Bible (Amp); The Jerusalem Bible (JB); and The New Jerusalem Bible (NJB). The last two are modern Roman Catholic versions. Many of the verses Warren uses from the modern versions completely change the meaning of the passage from that of any reliable literal translation. Yet Warren believes that modern translations and paraphrases are preferable to the King James Bible. So much so, that he states flat out that preachers should not use the KJV at all: Read Scripture from a newer translation. With all the wonderful translations and paraphrases available today, there is no legitimate reason for complicating the Good News with four-hundred-year-old English. Using the King James Version creates an unnecessary cultural barrier. Remember, when King James authorized the new translation it was because he wanted a contemporary version. I once saw an advertisement that claimed if King James were alive today, he'd be reading the New International Version! That's probably true. Clarity is more important than poetry.(9)
The King James Bible has its problems, particularly in the area where the meanings of words have changed. But it is no more poetry than is this writing. The world looks at the KJV as poetry because it doesn't want to take it seriously. Why does Warren adopt the world's understanding? True, King James wanted the people to have the Bible in their own language; it wasn't the "King's English." It was the language spoken by the common people. Part of his motive was to under-gird the strength of the Church of England of which he was the head. Even so, it was an honest translation that used the most reliable manuscripts extant at the time. Most modern versions use the Westcott and Hort Greek text, which is not the original Greek, but a consensus of only certain Greek manuscripts. And even where the Westcott and Hort texts are true to the Greek, many modern versions change the meaning to make it fit the theological persuasion of the ":translators" or "paraphrasers'." (InPlainSite.org Note: While it is true that The Message and The Living Bible are poor paraphrases, Not all scholars agree that the KJV is the most accurate of all the versions. The KJV has numerous errors. See Below) As we continue we will see several instances where these modern versions either confuse the meaning of the text or change the meaning entirely. But it is not a matter of preferring clarity over poetry; it is a matter of preferring clarity to the unvarnished truth. That unvarnished truth does not always fit the "seeker-friendly" model for church growth.
It All Starts With God Warren begins Chapter One of The Purpose-Driven Life with what I consider one of the most important truths relative to our existence and purpose on earth: "It's not about you."(10) The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It's far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by his purpose and for his purpose.(11) Warren rightly states that focusing on ourselves will never realize our life's purpose; we cannot discover life's meaning by looking within ourselves or by seeking self-actualization. He eschews the efforts of New Age practitioners and pop psychology as found in self-help books, even "Christian" ones, to come to a knowledge of the truth regarding one's purpose in life. He differentiates between being successful and fulfilling one's life's purpose. Unfortunately, the advice he offers is often counter to these claims. This is realized as he affirms his statements with quotes from unreliable Bible versions, in this case, The Message: Obsession with the self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. (Romans 8:6)(12)
Compare this with the KJV: The Message turns this warning against sin into merely being concerned with one's self-interest. It changes eternal life into a "spacious, free life" here on earth. It also changes spiritual death into a "dead end," as if the worst that could happen is that we would be unfulfilled rather than be damned. By quoting The Message rather than a reliable literal translation, Warren bolsters the very self-interest he claims to be against. The other quote in this passage is from Matthew 16:25 in The Message: Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.(13)
Compare this with the KJV: For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Perverted Versions Again we find a perverted version of Scripture. Jesus spoke of finding eternal life in Him, not finding our true self. He was not speaking about "self-help"; He was speaking about selfishness. Self-help has to do with finding the solutions to problems in one's life, whereas selfishness has to do with choosing one's own path in life. Additionally, to "find oneself" is a psychological term which means to achieve self-actualization. Just the thing Warren claims to be against. Warren states there are only two options to discover one's purpose in life: speculation or revelation. Speculation, he says, is the world's wisdom---"the best guess I can come up with." Revelation is found in God's Word.(14) No argument there. Unfortunately, he clouds God's Word with quotes from translations and paraphrases that do not convey the true meaning that an accurate translation would. Thus, in the long run, much of what he offers is the world's wisdom masquerading as God's revelation. In spite of Warren's excellent choices of words in turning the reader from self to God, his purpose is defeated by wrongly handling the Word of God. Warning against "pop psychology, success-motivation, or inspirational stories," Warren continues to lead the reader in just that direction by again quoting from The Message It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for: Long before we heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.(15) (Ephesians 1:11)
A proper understanding of this verse correctly translated includes the entire passage from Ephesians 1:10-12: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Nothing in God's Word suggests we can "find out who we are." That's a pop psychology term---again, the very thing Warren warns against. Paul was speaking about our being predestinated to an inheritance of eternal rewards, not about finding out who we are. See InPlainSite.org FootNote III In spite of Warren's excellent choices of words in turning the reader from self to God, his purpose is defeated by wrongly handling the Word of God. One cannot convey truth by including false representations of God's Word. And contrary to the "dynamic equivalency" (thought-for-thought) method if "translating" Scripture, there can be no accurate understanding of God's Word if the best attempt at word-for-word translation is ignored. All that is left are the fallible thoughts of the "translators." It renders useless anything the author has to say if he points his readers in the direction of tainted human reasoning passing itself off as a Bible "translation" or "paraphrase." You Are Not an Accident In Chapter Two Warren explains to us as if we were children that we were created by God for His purpose; we were not an accident. This is more suited for non-believers than it is for even new believers. It is so elementary as to be without purpose otherwise. Yet he speaks as if to believers and cites Scriptures that pertain only to Israel, such as Isaiah 46:3-4 as found in The New Century Version: I have carried you since you were born; I have taken care of you from your birth. Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I made you and will take care of you.(16)
Besides the fact that these verses pertain not to any individual, but to the houses of Israel and Judah, they were words of chastening, not encouragement. The full context reveals that God was telling Judah and a remnant of Israel that, in spite of their sins for which they went into captivity, He will again establish them in the land from which they had been exiled. While individual believers may trust that God will continue to carry them through adversity, these verses apply to the Israelite nations, many people of which died in their sins. God does not make such promises to non-believers---to whom this chapter and much of the book seems more suited. For just after this Warren says, (See Never Read A Bible Verse) But there is a God who made you for a reason, and your life has profound meaning! We discover that meaning and purpose only when we make God the reference point of our lives.(17)
True, but believers in Christ already know this; therefore we must assume that he is speaking to non-believers within the churches. No doubt there are many, but virtually all who attend the churches at least believe that God exists in some form or another. Yet it isn't until several chapters later that Warren suggests that if anyone is not a believer in Jesus he should say the "sinner's prayer." (See Is The Sinner’s Prayer Effective?) Following this statement, and to prove his point, he quotes The Message paraphrase of Romans 12:3: This is not even close to what the real Scriptures say: For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Substituting the word "guilt" for "sin" leaves the unsuspecting reader of such paraphrased versions thinking that feeling guilt is a sin in itself. (See Repentance) Remember the opening line in Chapter 1: "It's not about you." Yet by quoting The Message rather than an accurate translation of Romans 12:3, Warren makes it more about us ("what he does for us") than about God Himself. The real Bible warns us not to think of ourselves too highly. The "bibles" Warren uses consistently place man at the center. I found this to be a problem throughout the book. What Drives Your Life? Warren examines various forces that drive people's actions in life: guilt; resentment and anger; materialism; the need for approval. He contrasts these with the benefits of purpose-driven living. In the process, however, he makes some outlandish statements. One substitutes the word "guilt" for "sin" regarding Cain's slaying of Abel: .....Guilt-driven people are manipulated by memories. They allow their past to control their future. They often unconsciously punish themselves by sabotaging their own success. When Cain sinned, his guilt disconnected him from God's presence, and God said, "You will be a restless wanderer on the earth." That describes most people today---wandering through life without a purpose.(19)
Notice the pop-psychology applied here. Rather than implore the reader who may be suffering from guilt to confess his sins, the idea is completely ignored. Instead, the reader is told that by holding onto guilt he sabotages his own success. In the first place, people need to feel guilty until they confess their sins to God. Guilt plays an important part in bringing us to repentance, and asking for our Father's forgiveness as well as forgiveness from those we have sinned against. Why is this important element in dealing with guilt not addressed? In the second place, it was not Cain's guilt that disconnected him from God's presence; it was his sin. To substitute the word guilt for the proper word sin gives a false sense of security in remaining in sin. This error is further exacerbated by Warren's quoting of Psalm 32:1 from The Living Bible rather than from an accurate translation: What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven!...What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record.(20)
The word that The Living Bible translates "guilt" is the Hebrew pesha, which means rebellion, sin, transgression, trespass. An accurate translation would be "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." Substituting the word "guilt" for "sin" leaves the unsuspecting reader of such paraphrased versions thinking that feeling guilt is a sin in itself. Well, I suppose it is a "sin" to modern day purveyors of pop psychology in the churches. Just as we find that it really is about you in virtually every aspect of Warren's writing, we find it in his dissertation on people being driven by fear: Many people are driven by fear. Their fears may be a result of a traumatic experience, unrealistic expectations, growing up in a high-control home, or even genetic predisposition. Regardless of the cause, fear-driven people often miss great opportunities because they're afraid to venture out. Instead they play it safe, avoiding risks and trying to maintain the status quo. Genetic predisposition? Where is this found in Scripture? It may be a psychological theory, unproven at that, but it does not merit mention in a book that alludes to being God-inspired (it will "transform your life"). All such theories pander to the self-centered person who is looking for excuses outside himself for his sins and failures in spiritual matters. And the purpose for overcoming fear is so that they may become all that God intended for them to be. So, again, it is about you. Else why would Warren quote 1 John 4:18 from The Message to prove his point? Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life---fear of death, fear of judgment---is one not yet fully formed in love.(22)
What does an accurate translation say? There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
The Message goes beyond what God said. In doing so it changes the person who is not made perfect in love, to a fearful life that is not fully formed in love. The onus is taken off the individual and placed upon his imperfect life. Warren does well in addressing those who are driven by materialism and by the need for approval. And his turning the issue toward living for God is well stated: Without God, life has no purpose, and without purpose, life has no meaning. Without meaning, life has no significance or hope.(23)
But then he quotes from inaccurate paraphrased Bibles to support his position. Also, he misapplies Scripture once again by assigning Jeremiah 29:11 to the individual when, in truth, it is addressed to Israel regarding its return from the Babylonian captivity: "I know what I am planning for you...'I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.'"(24)
The KJV offers a better translation, one which is better kept in context for Israel than easily misapplied to individuals: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
This encouragement to the nation was stated in the context of commanding them to build houses and plan to stay in Babylon for the long term. It has nothing to do promising a better future for any individual.
Made to Last Forever Warren addresses eternal rewards for those who are faithful, which is important. Unfortunately, he gives the impression that eternity will be spent in heaven rather than on the new earth as Scripture states. This is found in his using The Living Bible version of Hebrews 13:14: An accurate translation of Hebrews 13:14 is found in the KJV (and other versions): For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
The idea that believers will spend eternity in heaven may seem a minor issue to some. That's because most Christians believe this due to faulty teaching by their pastors. But unless we properly understand the biblical view of eternity we may find ourselves misled on other issues. We will not be able to convey to others the reality of what God truly has in store for us. One of the reasons people are reticent to turn their lives over to Christ and to live for Him on this earth is because they do not like the idea of "pie in the sky, by and by." Were they told the truth, they would at least know that that idea is false. They would know that a new earth will stand for eternity, and that man was made to dwell upon the earth, not in heaven (Revelation 21). Notwithstanding this error, the chapter (four) in which it is found is one of the better chapters in this book. At the risk of appearing heavy handed in addressing the problems with Warren's philosophy, in the interest of space it is not possible to dwell on the good parts. Suffice it to say that it is more important to address the errors than the truths he presents simply because truth may be found in God's Word (and some inspirational books better than Warren's) without having to endure all the errors. Also, the purpose of this writing is to help believers sharpen their discernment so that they will not be so easily let into subtle deceptions.
Roman Catholic Mysticism One of the problems I find in many modern teachers' writing is their giving of credibility to those who are in serious error. Warren encourages his readers to practice meditation and contemplation a la Roman Catholic mysticism. (See Contemplative Spirituality) The classic book on learning how to develop a constant conversation with God is Practicing the Presence of God. It was written in the seventeenth century by Brother Lawrence, a humble cook in a French monastery. Brother Lawrence was able to turn even the most commonplace and menial tasks, like preparing meals and washing dishes, into acts of praise and communion with God. The key to friendship with God, he said, is not changing what you do, but changing your attitude toward what you do. What you normally do for yourself you begin doing for God, whether it is eating, bathing, working, relaxing, or taking out the trash.(25) (Emphasis Warren's)
This is in the context of "Becoming a Best Friend of God." Does God have "best friends"? If so, it isn't by practicing His presence (which is not possible) that one may become His "best friend." The esoteric contemplative lifestyle of Roman Catholic monks is not where truth is found. It is a deception that results in outward piety and inward feelings of spirituality. But it has no place in the life of a true believer in Jesus. The Holy Spirit lives within the believer to guide him into truth (if the believer will but trust God's Word and not look to men for the answers to their problems and sins in life). Yet we can no more "practice" God's presence than we can call Him down from His throne in Heaven. It is presumption to think that by practicing certain exercises with all good intentions we can call Him into our presence. And that is what "practicing the presence of God" is all about. This theory has worked its way into New Age Christianity (which Warren rightfully speaks against elsewhere). Unfortunately Warren's infection by Roman Catholic mysticism has clouded his understanding. Now he passes that clouded understanding on to the gullible and uninformed Christians who trust him. Brother Lawrence is not the only Roman Catholic mystic cited by Warren: Practicing the presence of God is a skill, a habit you can develop. Just as musicians practice scales every day in order to play beautiful music with ease, you must force yourself to think about God at different times in your day. You must train you mind to remember God. At first you will need to create reminders to regularly bring your thoughts back to the awareness that God is with you in that moment. Begin by placing visual reminders around you. You might post little notes that say, "God is with me and for me right now!" Benedictine monks use the hourly chimes of a clock to remind them to pause and pray "the hour prayer."(26)
Such statements give credibility to Roman Catholicism. This is not to denigrate the intention of the monks and other Catholic mystics. But their practices are not scriptural. To point to them as examples removes the barrier in some believers' minds toward separation from ungodly spirituality. Warren further endorses Roman Catholic mystics such as St. John of the Cross and Henri Nouwen, (27) the latter being a Catholic priest who blended psychology with Roman Catholic mysticism. Such mysticism fits well with New Age Christianity which sees any spiritual path as valid as long as it seems to result in some form of "spiritual growth." True believers do not need to consciously try to think of God throughout the day, It is something that comes as naturally as breathing. That's not to say that He is constantly in our thoughts, but we find His presence almost palpable as we consider the things we think, do and say. The Holy Spirit brings to mind the things He would have us know. Those who think they must purposely focus on God and practice exercises to accomplish it are, at best very immature, and at worst not true believers. They are religious people seeking euphoric experiences to validate their piety. Many of those who tout the Roman Catholic mystics, whether they are aware of it or not, have one foot in the New Age Movement, which also touts those same mystics. Richard Foster's Renovaré is one such organization. (See Media Spotlight's special report, Renovaré: Taking Leave of One's Senses.) Such mysticism fits well with New Age Christianity which sees any spiritual path as valid as long as one works for the welfare of humanity.
Shades of Pantheism One disturbing element in Warren's writing is his quote of Ephesians 4:6(b) from The New Century Version: This is a flat out lie from Satan. God is not in everything. That is pantheism. One would think that someone with Warren's intelligence and education would know this, particularly when he decries pantheism elsewhere in his book. Why in the world would he choose to use this version for such an important message? Here is what it really says: One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Yes, God in the person of the Holy Spirit dwells within the body of the true believer in Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:19). But He does not live within every aspect of His creation ("in everything"). This error alone is enough to dismiss this book and to warn people to stay away from Warren's teachings. If he cannot be trusted with such an elementary truth, how can he be trusted with so much more that he wishes to place upon the Body of Christ?
The Good Nullified By The Bad At the beginning of this writing I said that Warren offers some profound insights into God's Word. Unfortunately he also offers some profoundly poor surmising. In the following case it has to do with "friendship with God": Friends share secrets, and God will share his secrets with you if you develop the habit of thinking about his Word throughout the day. God told Abraham his secrets, and he did the same with Daniel, Paul, the disciples, and other friends.
When you read your Bible or hear a sermon or listen to a tape, don't just forget it and walk away. Develop the practice of reviewing the truth in your mind, thinking about it over and over. The more time you spend reviewing what God has said, the more you will understand the "secrets" of this life that most people miss. The Bible says, "Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him. With them alone he shares the secrets of his promises."(29)
This verse is taken from Psalm 25:14 in The Living Bible. An accurate translation says something different: The Living Bible changes fear of God to reverence and friendship with God. And why not? Nowhere does the "positive" approach to God's Word suggest that we should fear God. Although the word is most often used for fear in the sense of terror, even its most benign meaning---that of "reverential awe"---would be "negative" and may turn away some seekers. Better to think of God as a friend (which He is, and more---a Father), than to think He should be feared (as a Father). What secrets does God have that He has not revealed in His Word? It's true that He does reveal certain things to certain people at certain times (prophecy), but there are no guarantees that the more one meditates upon God's Word, let alone sermons and tapes, one will be privy to "secrets" outside of what He clearly states in His Word. Warren's statement assumes that sermons and tapes carry the same spiritual anointing as Scripture. They at least give that impression. New believers might come to expect that everything they hear in a sermon or tape is the truth. Some things I've heard in sermons and on tape are better left forgotten. Some things I've written and said are better left forgotten.
All For the Church It is to be expected that Warren, a pastor of a megachurch, would see things through the eyes of establishment religion---the clergy-laity model. He urges his readers to be supportive of their church and pastors, and to avoid what he calls "criticism." He leaves no room for the reality, or even suggests that believers often have legitimate concerns about teachings and practices in their churches. Rather than encouraging us to verify from Scripture the truth or falsity of what transpires, he encourages us to "Focus on what we have in common, not our differences."(30) The context is to work together regardless of personality differences, backgrounds, races and preferences, and we must agree. However, nowhere does he encourage his readers to "test the spirits," to be as the noble Bereans who consulted God's Word to see if what they were told is true. For a book that purports to lead believers into spiritual maturity, this would seem to be an essential element to the equation. It is never mentioned. Rather, the idea is given that unity is of paramount importance within the churches. Yet what can we expect from one whose ecumenical bent is so obvious in his glowing endorsements of Roman Catholic mystic? So much does Warren wish for unity that it is mandatory for all members of Saddleback Church to sign a covenant that includes a promise to protect the unity of the fellowship.(31) This is a powerful antidote against scrutiny. It places unity above doctrine and forbids anyone from openly challenging what the pastors say. They may be able to speak privately to the pastors, but they would be breaking their covenant (oath) by taking any serious errors before the congregation. Serious error tends to divide, not unify. Our unity must be based upon sound doctrine as well as love for one another: Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (Romans 16:17-18)
To overlook sound doctrine is not love; it is cowardice. But be careful! We are warned by Warren that dissent may well be motivated by pride: Anytime you feel you are not learning anything from a sermon or a Bible teacher, you should check your attitude, especially for pride, because God can speak through even the most boring teacher when you are humble and receptive.(32)
True. But where is the flip side? Could it be that many believers are not learning anything from sermons and some Bible teachers because they aren't being taught anything of substance? In today's pulpits, how much time is given to jokes, anecdotes, personal opinion and other non-essentials in relation to solid teaching on God's Word from a reliable translation? I suggest believers take a stop watch and note the percentages. They may be shocked to find that the time spent in the pew is largely wasted. In Chapter 26, "Growing Through Temptation," Warren offers much good advice on dealing with temptation. However, he makes a serious error with this statement: Step three is deception. Satan is incapable of telling the truth and is called "the Father of lies." Anything he tells you will be untrue or just half-true. Satan offers his lie to replace what God has already said in his Word.(33) (Emphasis Warren's)
Satan is quite capable of telling the truth, even with the exclusion of lies or half-truths attached. At least for the short term. Many people have been sucked into deceptions by hearing truths that can stand alone, yet at a later time are subordinated to deceptive teachings. Satan can be very "orthodox" in deceiving people into accepting religious institutions as God-ordained. The greatest deceptions contain the greatest amount of truth. To say that Satan is incapable of telling the truth is a poor approach at best. It would have been better had Warren said that Satan is very adept at telling the truth in order to lead into deception. To be fair, it's possible that is what Warren would say were he pressed on the issue. But regardless of intent, the fact remains that Warren's books are having a tremendous impact on millions of lives. I only point these things out so that those who trust them may have a better understanding and be able to avoid their errors. Warren's insistence that "God depends more on circumstances to make us like Jesus that he (sic) depends on our reading the Bible" is humanistic reasoning.
Psychological overtones Warren relies heavily on psychological integrationism in his job. His church incorporates multi-step programs based on the Alcoholics Anonymous model to deal with various sins which are treated as addictions rather than sin. The program they developed is called Celebrate Recovery and has been channeled out to many churches worldwide. The psychological model is evident in several areas in his books. His calling Samson "codependent"(34) overreaches the truth of Samson's problems, as does his saying that Gideon had "low self-esteem and deep insecurities."(35) Warren also touts the four-temperaments myth: The Bible gives us plenty of proof that God uses all types of personalities. Peter was a sanguine. Paul was a choleric. Jeremiah was a melancholy. When you look at the different personality differences in the twelve disciples, it's easy to see why they sometimes had interpersonal conflict.(36) (Emphasis Warren's)
The four temperaments theory originated in ancient myths and occult practices based on the zodiac. The Encyclopedia of Psychology says: Though the shifting patterns in the sky were first studied for the sake of finding portents of events that would affect the life of the group, a rationale for the relationship between personal traits and time of birth began to evolve well before the beginning of the Christian era. Central to astrological views of personality is the system of 12 patterns or types that correspond to the 12 signs of the zodiac. The 12 types may be viewed as including three modes of expression of each of the four elements noted by Empedocles, as there are said to be three air signs, three earth signs, three fire signs, and three water signs. This typology has enjoyed some popularity for over 2000 years.(37) (For more information, see Media Spotlight's Four Temperaments: Astrology & Personality Testing, and Psychology: Science or Religion) Warren's psychological bent is sprinkled throughout his book. These are just a few examples. He is also careful to place the feminine appellations in several situations where gender neutrality is evident. This panders to the feminist agenda to strip the male of preeminence, contrary to the Scriptural model. Perhaps this is why Warren uses several "gender-neutral" versions of the Bible to such great extent. Replacing "him" "he" or "his" with "person" or other neutral terms is the modern way of denigrating the male who was created in the image of God, and out of whom the woman was taken. It's a shame Warren has to acquiesce to this foolishness. Sadly, Warren's degree of deference toward women is lacking toward God and Jesus in his use of the lower case for the pronouns "he," "him," and "his" which counters centuries of Christian tradition. But this is in keeping with most of the modern Bible versions he quotes.(38) In general, I found that Warren is inconsistent. On the one hand he says that everything is about God, not about us. On the other hand, many of the positions he takes are positive affirmations of what he believes is man's intrinsic worth. In other words, God does everything for us because we're worth it: You were planned for God's pleasure. The moment you were born into the world, God was there as an unseen witness, smiling at your birth. He wanted you alive, and your arrival gave him great pleasure. God did not need to create you, but he chose to create you for his own enjoyment. You exist for his benefit, his glory, his purpose, and his delight. Bringing enjoyment to God, living for his pleasure, is the first purpose of your life. When you fully understand this truth, you will never again have a problem with feeling insignificant. It proves your worth. If you are that important to God, and he considers you valuable enough to keep with him for eternity, what greater significance could you have?(39) (Emphasis ours)
We don't argue with the first position---that everything is about God; much of what Warren says is absolutely true. But his approach to those truths makes them of no effect. It says that we should seek to please God in order to receive everything that God has for us. (Also See Self Esteem) Circumstances vs. The Bible Warren states that "God depends more on circumstances to make us like Jesus than he depends on our reading the Bible."(40) But we cannot know what God wants of us through circumstances unless we first learn what He wants from us from reading His Word. The same circumstances in life (Matthew 5:45). Only those who know God's will can conform their lives to His will. But the placing of Scripture second to experience fits into the belief that God doesn't really expect us to be perfect: I must choose to be honest with God. The first building block of a deeper friendship with God is complete honesty---about your faults and feelings. God doesn't expect you to be perfect, but he does insist on complete honesty.(41)
"Yea, hath God said...."? What does Jesus tell us? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)
The word translated "perfect" from the Greek is "teleios." Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words says this about "teleios": 1. teleios ^5049^ signifies "having reached its end" (telos), "finished, complete perfect." It is used (I) of persons, (a) primarily of physical development, then, with ethical import, "fully grown, mature,"<1 Cor, 2:6; 14:20> ("men"; marg., "of full age"); <Eph. 4:13; Phil. 3:15; Col. 1:28; 4:12>; in <Heb. 5:14>, RV, "fullgrown" (marg., "perfect"), KJV, "of full age" (marg., "perfect"); (b) "complete," conveying the idea of goodness withour necessary reference to maturity or what is expressed under (a) <Matt. 5:48; 19:21; Jas. 1:4> (2nd part); <3:2>. It is used thus of God in <Matt. 5:48>; (II), of "things, complete, perfect," <Rom. 12:2; 1 Cor. 13:10> (referring to the complete revelation of God's will and ways, whether in the completed Scriptures or in the hereafter); <Jas. 1:4> (of the work of patience); <v. 25; 1 John 4:18>. Notice that Jesus tells us to be as perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. The same word for both is teleios. Does "perfect" mean "perfected"? No. We will not be perfected until we are resurrected in our sinless bodies. But there are many Scriptures that tell us of the importance of being perfect in our relationship with our heavenly Father. In his letter to the Ephesians Paul defines what perfection is: And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind...
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:11-32)
If we will do these things we will be perfect before God. Is this impossible? Of course not, or else Jesus would never have told us to be perfect. But rather than strive to be perfect by the biblical definition, Warren tells us that we cannot expect to be perfect. All God really wants of us is honesty. And honesty means telling God what we think of him whether good or bad: It is likely that you need to confess some hidden anger and resentment at God for certain areas of your life where you have felt cheated or disappointed. Until we mature enough to understand that God uses everything for good in our lives, we harbor resentment toward God over our appearance, background, unanswered prayers, past hurts, and other things we would change if we were God.(42) Warren does go on to explain that we must choose to obey God in faith and trust Him to do what He says He will do even if we don't understand it. But just giving the idea that living perfect before God is not what He expects, contrary to His Word, combined with the idea that we should complain to God about His actions, does not result in maturity, but in excusing oneself for one's imperfections and sins. Nay but, O man, who art thou that replies against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? (Romans 9:20) Scripture tells us not to reply against God. Rick Warren tells us to do so. Scripture tells us to be perfect. Rick Warren tells us it isn't important to be perfect. It is just such unscriptural advice permeating Warren's work that renders it of little value. Yes, God may well use the truthful elements to work His will in one's life while blinding one to the untruthful elements. But this is given as a warning to those who wish to wholeheartedly trust any man with their spiritual lives. Test the spirits to see if they are of God or not (1 John 4:1)
Movements Come and Go In saying all this, I realize nonetheless that the Saddleback phenomenon is going to continue to increase in its influence until something else comes along to take its place. It seems as if every few years or so, some new phenomenon arises with the churches, promising the cure for the malaise that appears to exist within Christianity. We have seen the rise and decline of Promise Keepers, the Kansas City Prophets, the Toronto Blessing, the Brownsville Revival, the Vineyard Movement, the charismatic revival, Renovaré, and others, all carrying the promise that God was doing something "new" in our midst. If we didn't get on the bandwagon we were sure to be left behind as God changed the world and the "church" through these various revelations of His power. (Also See The Fad Driven Church) Some have been more esoteric than others; some more cerebral; some more emotional. All have declined in the Christian media's coverage as their luster wore off and other movements took their place. Today, Rick Warren's purpose-driven philosophy is the latest craze. But it, like all the others, is not a move of God. It is a move of man which like all the others, incorporates human wisdom with Scripture (or poor facsimiles of Scripture) in an attempt to achieve a hybrid Christianity that appeals to the ego. It may seem very scriptural (if one accepts the polluted Bible versions Warren uses); it may seem very godly. But with all the truth it presents come many worldly concepts that run counter to God's Word. This is even recognized by some pastors who use Warren's system. But what appeals to them is the bolstering of the clergy-driven religious establishment. This is the deep deception that has characterized all these movements within Christianity. The mother of these harlots is Roman Catholicism. It is no wonder then, that her daughters are beginning to once again adopt her religious trappings. The neo-evangelical push for unity with Rome finds fertile ground in Rick Warren's philosophy. And no wonder, considering that all the "men of God" he touts have been ecumenical to the core. Now, in view of Warren's claim that his book, The Purpose-Driven Life, will transform people's lives, those who have done his exercises might look back after one or two years and see if that is what actually happened. Or is their growth or lack thereof more the result of normal growth in the faith through Scripture study, prayer, fellowship and self-control. How many lives are truly transformed in relation to the number who have read this book? I suppose we'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, his books will continue to sell like hotcakes. | 
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