Consequences
of Rick Warren’s Reform Program
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Consequences of Rick
Warren’s Reform Program Prof. Johan
Malan, Middelburg, South Africa (July 2008) Rick Warren’s
ideological approach and religious dogma have the potential of causing
substantial political, economic and religious turmoil in countries where
his proposed reforms are instituted. He advances a religiously-based
social order (or new world order, in a wider context) which is aimed at the
establishment of unitary structures with the vision, capacity and means to
drive reforms toward greater unity, prosperity, and harmony in society. Church
leaders are specifically challenged to join hands and promote the emerging
social order which promises a better life to all. In the
process, non-compromising evangelical churches are purposely invaded
and changed – or either, if they stubbornly refuse to cooperate – discounted
as obsolete forms of “vintage Christianity.” In this way conservative,
biblical Christianity is discredited and undermined. The following
facts about Warren’s training, his associates, religious convictions and
ideological approach should be considered to better understand his objectives
and strategies: Positive
thinking. The ideology of positive thinking was passed on form Norman Vincent Peale, to Robert Schuller,
to Rick Warren (http://www.bibleguidance.co.za/Engarticles/Peaceplan.htm).
This
way of thinking focuses on the positive aspects of good but ignores the
antithesis of evil, sin, judgment, etc. In a Christian context, positive
thinking leads to a non-offensive gospel in which nobody is called a
hell-deserving sinner. All people are regarded to be inherently good.
Positive thinking also distorts the gospel message since the cross and the
shed blood of Christ, which are manifestations of
God’s judgment upon sin, are avoided in preaching. For more info on this
soulless gospel, see http://www.bibleguidance.co.za/Engarticles/RickWarren.htm Promoting the
emerging church. Warren made a very big impact in favor of the emerging
church. A staggering number of 400 000 preachers in 163 countries have
been trained through his purpose driven network. For his skills in leadership
training, Warren gives the biggest credit to Peter Drucker
and Bob Buford. He collaborated with both of them. In an interview he said
that stability in any nation is dependent upon a strong and healthy
government, a strong and healthy business sector, and strong and healthy
churches. He likened it with a three-legged stool. With a view to promoting
this view he travels to various countries to address government leaders,
business leaders and church leaders to make them aware of their
responsibility to work together in realizing the objectives of stable,
prosperous, and purpose driven nations. Rick Warren addresses church leaders
of all denominations on the subject of social transformation – including
Mormons and Catholics – and often emphasizes that doctrine is not as
important as remaining focused on service to the community. Read more on his
commitment to the emerging church: http://www.bibleguidance.co.za/Engarticles/Emerging.htm A vision for
Africa. Both Rick Warren and the like-minded Bruce Wilkinson have a
vision for Africa (http://www.bibleguidance.co.za/Engarticles/Africanvision.htm).
Wilkinson
focused on South Africa and Swaziland, but underestimated the nature of
African politics and ethnicity, and his plans soon ended in disaster (http://www.bibleguidance.co.za/Engarticles/Dream.htm).
Rick
concentrated on Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya, but there are no indications of the
feasibility of his program. The dividing factors in multi-ethnic African
countries are simply too deeply-rooted to be instantly replaced by unifying
mega-structures. Dominionism. Warren is totally committed to promoting a
man-made kingdom on earth before the second coming of the Lord Jesus. This
vision clashes with biblical eschatology, which warns of a deteriorating
world that is heading for the great tribulation under die rule of the
Antichrist. Not only is Rick’s non-offensive gospel at variance with the
evangelical doctrine of salvation, but he also discourages his supporters to
study biblical prophecies. The inevitable result is that they end up with a
form of godliness which denies the cross and the regenerating power of the
Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 3:5). This humanistic dream offers no spiritual
advantages, much less a social utopia that stands any chance of uplifting the
sick, poor, unemployed, illiterate, and politically deprived millions of
Africa. |