(15) Lifting Sails Or Revving Outboard Motors
by Orrel Steincamp, The Plumbline, Volume 9, No. 1, January/February 2004
In New Testament evangelism the wind of the Spirit always blows in concert with the message of the cross.  In the apostolic record true evangelism--the authentic message of Christ's death and resurrection--was not only Spirit-directed but Spirit-attended.  In Paul's systematic description of the Gospel in Romans, we find the content of the Gospel he preached.  He did not just refer to the cross in passing, but he explained the Gospel, giving a detailed account of what Jesus accomplished at the cross.  It was this message that Paul relied on, this message that Paul was confident the Spirit of God would endorse.  The cross in New Testament preaching is always presented in the context of man's sin and presented as the only remedy for man's sin.  There is absolutely no reliance on any other attraction to draw people to Christ.  Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.  This is the purpose of Christ's death on the cross.  He paid the penalty for man's sin--it was finished at the cross.  This is the Gospel; the New Testament suggests no other purpose for Christ's death and resurrection. In stark contrast New Paradigm churches focus more on the cross as a source of resolving a whole host of personal problems.  This is not to deny that God does, according to His will, often resolve many personal problems, but this is a by­product of Ms grace in our lives.

(16) The Vanishing Gospel by Dave Hunt, The Berean Call Newlsetter, 2/04
And to attract those thus corrupted, many of the largest and fastest-growing churches mimic the world in "seeker-friendly" and "youth-oriented" services that exploit sensuality and compromise the truth.

(17) The Gospel: A Method or a Message?  - How the Purpose Driven Life Obscures the Gospel by Bob DeWaay, Critical Issues Commentary, January/February 2004
Each of us must choose between a man-centered, man-made method loosely derived from parts of the Bible and the clear message of the gospel. Rick Warren promotes the former ...

(18) The Seeker Friendly Way Of Doing Church by T.A. McMahon, The Berean Call, 3/1/2004
A large part of the evangelical church has developed a pleasure-laden, cruise ship mentality, but it will result in a spiritual Titanic. Seeker-friendly church pastors (and those  tempted to climb aboard) need to get on their knees and read the words of Jesus to the church of the Laodiceans (Rv 3:14-21). They were “rich, and increased with goods,” yet  failed to recognize that in God’s eyes, they were “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Jesus, standing  outside their church, where they had unwittingly displaced Him, offers them His counsel, the truth of His Word, which alone will enable them to live their lives for His pleasure. There can be  nothing better here on earth, and for all eternity.

(19) A Bridge Over Other Waters by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 3/27/04
What really becomes the purpose of this essay contest by Templeton? I see this as a way to merge Christians with those of other faiths in a common goal - a focus on purpose. A global spirituality is fast becoming the norm, the question we have to ask ourselves as Christians is whether we will  participate with them.  See the Templeton Essay by Sandy Simpson.

(20) What's Wrong With The 21st Century Church? by Dr. Robert Klenck, August 8, 2000 
This is a synopsis of much of what the seeker-sensitive or church growth movement (CGM) is all about, and it is enough information to convince any with ears to hear that this movement is something that true Christians should avoid at all costs. Read the Synopsis, Article 1 and Article 2.

(21) The Pied Pipers Of Purpose by Lyle D. Leslie, Sarah H. Leslie and Susan J. Conway, 4/04
Pragmatism in church transformation and the church growth movement are carefully studied and compared to biblical principles.

(22) Outcome-Based Religion by The Cutting Edge, 2004
One of THE major signs that the End of the Age is truly approaching is when you see the great majority of Christian churches falling away from the Fundamentals of the Faith. A pastor or church leader that knowingly moves away from teaching the "full counsel" of God, and begins incorporating unbiblical and human elements in his services and his teaching, is literally -- and Biblically -- opening the door to Antichrist. How many well-meaning pastors have ever thought of this sober fact as they lead their churches into areas that are not Biblical?  This is a series of articles on the background of the "new paradigm" churches.

(23) Is The Change That Has Come Over The Church Come Over You? by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 5/04
Anyone aware of our post modern world with its multi-faceted spirituality is seeing a change taking place. We are also observing the practices inside the church change. It has never been so quick and fortified than in the last few years. Since a good portion of the church has refused to be educated or understand other belief systems, an attack has been systematically launched, a concerted effort by those who are in the new age or sympathetic to the new age movement.

(24) The One World Religion (United Nations Inclusive Church) by Joseph R. Chambers, D.D., D.S.L.
The present Evangelical guru is Rick Warren. Listen to this quote from his multi-million dollar best seller. He starts by quoting a New Age writer and then adds his own endorsement. "Naturalists are most inspired to love God out-of-doors, in natural settings.  Sensates love God with their senses and appreciate beautiful worship services that involve their sight, taste, smell, and touch, not just their ears. Traditionalists draw closer to God through rituals, liturgies, symbols, and unchanging structures. Ascetics prefer to love God in solitude and simplicity. Activists love God through confronting evil, battling injustice, and working to make the world a better place. Caregivers love God by loving others and meeting their needs. Enthusiasts love God through celebration. Contemplatives love God through their adoration. Intellectuals love God by studying with their minds. There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to worship and friendship with God. One thing is certain: You don't bring glory to God by trying to be someone he never intended you to be. God wants you to be yourself. 'That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship.' " (The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren)

(25) 165 members ousted from Gardendale Baptist (After the pastor changed over to the Rick Warren "Purpose Driven Life" model) by The 165 members, 8/04
Members of Gardendale Baptist Church voted Sunday to expel about 165 members from their congregation because they did not support the leadership of the church's pastor, according to a church spokesman and several ousted members. Read this related article by Paul Proctor.

(26) Exceprts: Deceived on Purpose: The New Age Implications of the Purpose-Driven Church by Warren Smith, Discernment Newsletter, July/August 2004
The following is an excerpt from Warren Smith’s latest book, Deceived on Purpose: The New Age Implications of the Purpose-Driven Church. Warren Smith is a former New Ager who became converted to Christianity 20 years ago. Since then he has been warning Christians, through writing and speaking, that dangerous New Age doctrines are subtly creeping into the churches. In his most recent book, which is being offered by Discernment Ministries, Smith recounts the considerable influence that the Rev. Robert H. Schuller has had on the ministry style and teachings of Rick Warren. The mystical leaven of New Age teachings, which Robert Schuller controversially introduced the church several decades ago, is now being reintroduced and assimilated into mainstream evangelicalism through the writings and activities of Rick Warren. Deceived on Purpose is a book with an easy reading style that should be given to pastors and parishioners everywhere. The following is an important excerpt from the book, Chapter 3. It chronicles a noteworthy example of how Rick Warren’s "seeker sensitive" emphasis can lead straight into dangerous metaphysical New Age doctrines. (From Chapter Three)

(27) Deceived On Purpose by Warren Smith
Warren Smith is a former New Ager who became converted to Christianity 20 years ago. Since then he has been warning Christians, through writing and speaking, that dangerous New Age doctrines are subtly creeping into the churches. In his most recent book, which is being offered by Discernment Ministries, Smith recounts the considerable influence that the Rev. Robert H. Schuller has had on the ministry style and teachings of Rick Warren. The mystical leaven of New Age teachings, which Robert Schuller controversially introduced the church several decades ago, is now being reintroduced and assimilated into mainstream evangelicalism through the writings and activities of Rick Warren. Deceived on Purpose is a book with an easy reading style that should be given to pastors and parishioners everywhere. The following is an important excerpt from the book, Chapter 3. It chronicles a noteworthy example of how Rick Warren’s "seeker sensitive" emphasis can lead straight into dangerous metaphysical New Age doctrines. 

(28) The Purpose Driven Cult by Robert Velarde, The Door Magazine, ONLINE EXTRA, July/August 2004 
Noted consultant Dr. R.W. Tramin has helped hundreds of cult leaders find purpose for their organizations. The book The Purpose-Driven Cult grew out of Dr. Tramin's thousands of hours of experience as a motivational consultant for cult leaders, gurus, psychics, fringe Christian group pastors and others. Tramin Enterprises, Inc., is headquartered in the Cayman Islands, with holdings in Zurich. Dr. Tramin holds an earned Ph.D. This article was adapted from the forthcoming book The Purpose-Driven Cult. 

(29) Extra Information On "The Purpose Driven Life" by T.A. McMahon, The Berean Call, 10/04
Following are T.A. McMahon’s brief notes and comments on The Purpose Driven Life [TPDL] as of 10/8/04. He is in the process of doing a further review of the book, to which he will add contents periodically. Check back for updates.

(30) Does The Purpose Driven Life Present the Gospel? Sunday, December 05, 2004 by Dave Hunt and T.A. McMahon

(31) What Could Be Wrong With 40 Days of Community? Sunday, December 12, 2004 by Dave Hunt and T.A. McMahon

(32) Rick Warrens' interview on Larry King Live by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 12/28/04
A revealing interview on Warren's belief on other religions and salvation.

(33) Is The Purpose Driven Life a 'How to Book?' Sunday, January 16, 2005 by Dave Hunt and T.A. McMahon

(34) Spirit Led Or Purpose Driven? by Berit Kjos, 11/03
When church leaders use energizing music, emotional stimuli and short, light messages to satisfy the flesh with its "felt needs," they tend to obscure our deeper spiritual needs. Fed a diet of simplified sermons designed to please everyone, both seekers and believers may lose their appetite for the solid Biblical teaching which -- by His Spirit -- produces conviction of sin, genuine repentance, actual regeneration, true spiritual renewal and the continual joy of walking with Jesus.

(35) Consumer Christianity by T.A. McMahon, The Berean Call, 2/1/05
What do I mean by consumer Christianity? Generally, it is any attempt to build the kingdom of God or build up the individual Christian (or attract the potential convert to Christianity) b means and methods that appeal to the flesh, i.e., the deceitful and self-serving heart of man. It had its beginning in the Garden of Eden when Satan manipulated Eve into disobeying God while believing she was enriching herself (Gn 3:1-6). Read Part 1 & Part 2.

(36) The Bluring Of Linies & Shame For The Gospel by Tim Challies, 3/05
As you may know, Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback
Community Church and author of The Purpose Driven Life has begun to write a monthly column for Ladies Home Journal. This ought to be an exciting opportunity for a professed Christian, for this space is generally
reserved for articles dealing with "spirituality"
which equates to New Age (or, as it is more commonly
know, New Spirituality). In fact, this month the
Ladies Home Journal has an article entitled "The New
Spirituality" which traces the change in American
attitudes towards religion in the post-9/11 era. The
article speaks of interfaith services and features an
interview with John Edward (the supposed psychic
medium). Alas, it seems that Warren is squandering this
opportunity, writing a column more consistent with
pop-psychology than with the Scriptures.

(37) It's Your Choice by Paul Proctor, 3/11/05
James Sundquist, author of a great new book entitled, “Who’s Driving The Purpose Driven Church?” (Which I highly recommend, by the way) recently sent me a copy of Rick Warren’s column from the March 2005 edition of the Ladies Home Journal. What makes this particular piece a must read for any Christian, is how perfectly it illustrates what Pastor Warren REALLY believes and/or wants YOU to believe. 

(38) Learn To Love Jesus Christ! by Sandy Simpson, March 2005

(40) The winners of the Power of Purpose essay contest by Mike Oppenheimer, 7/2 
Who won the Templeton prize on the essay. (Also see this essay submitted by Sandy Simpson.)

(41) Why on earth should you be reading this Bible? - The Purpose-Driven Bible by Rick Warren & Eugene Peterson by The Sacred Sandwich, 2005
A necessary spoof on, what is sure to be, Rick Warren's next marketing enterprise.  Since he already has the highest selling book, apart from the Bible, why not combine both ideas to make even more money?  After all, Rick is already selling Purpose-Driven Bible Covers so that you can never forget that the Purpose-Driven Life has left it's mark on EVERYTHING.

(42) 15 Principal Errors Of The Purpose-Driven Church by Stephen Weir, 2005
As manager of a conservative evangelical Christian literature service I am being asked with increasing frequency by concerned customers for information about Rick Warren’s best-seller of over 20 million copies, “The Purpose-Driven Life” (Zondervan, 2002). There are also believers personally known to me asking for similar information. Many good papers have already been written, to which this is intended to be a useful supplement. Because so many believers and churches are being affected, and because PDL contains so much harmful, dangerous false teaching, I have sought the Lord’s help to set out clearly and systematically, in a single paper, the basic objections and dangers I have found in this book. 

(43) Setting Richard Abanes Straight on my Rick Warren "Attack" by Ken Silva, Apprising Ministries, 2005
Recently on his website Richard Abanes, who has just written the book Rick Warren And The Purpose That Drives Him: An Insider Looks At The Phenomenal Bestseller, decided to make a non-issue into an issue when he misrepresented my position concerning Rick Warren, by saying I “attacked” Warren, when the truth is, I have nothing against Warren personally.

(44) The Purpose Driven Lie by Brett Bigg (also see Part 2)
WHAT is a ‘purpose driven life’, and does it matter? 
There are certainly plenty of motivational speakers in the secular world, not to mention the gurus (and the like) in the pseudo-spiritual arena; all of whom try to “educate” us to finding our purpose in life; be it to find success, happiness, wealth etc.  But does God, i.e. the True God — the God of the Bible, have a purpose for every man, woman, and child on the earth?

(45) The Gosel According To Rick Warren by Gary Gilley, Think On These Things, July 2005
This article is taken from the revised edition of "This Little Church Went To Market" just published by Evangelical Press.

(46) Purpose Driven Ecumenism? by Roger Oakland, Understanding The Times, 9/9/05 - Audio here.
Some are predicting that an army over one billion in number will eventually be recruited to establish the Kingdom of God here on earth. While such an effort may be noble, is it biblical? Or how about this question – could it be ecumenical?

(47) Who's Driving The Purpose Driven Church? by James Sundquist, 10/29/04
This is audio from a conference.  Get the charts here.

(48) Rick Warren Interview & James Sundquist's Reply by James Sundquist, 7/2/05
Two audio clips.

(49) Author Accuses Christian Publisher of Dabbling in 'New Age' Spirituality - Publisher Sponsor of Three-City Annual Youth Workers Conference by Jim Brown,
September 29, 2005
(AgapePress) - A leading Christian publisher of youth ministry material is being accused of introducing young people to practices rooted in New Age Eastern spirituality. Today, the 2005 National Youth Workers Conference kicks off in Sacramento, California, but not without criticism. The conference is sponsored by Youth Specialties, a group that one Christian author says introduces students to labyrinth walks, yoga, and contemplative prayer practices. For that reason, Cathy Mickels -- co-author of the book Spiritual Junkfood: The Dumbing Down of Christian Youth -- is advising youth workers and parents to distance themselves from the conference and Youth Specialties.

(50) WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF PURPOSE- DRIVEN? by Roger Oakland, Understanding The Times, 10/5//05 - Audio here.
Mention the term “purpose-driven” anywhere in the world and Christians will know exactly what you mean. It’s the newest method for successful church growth. So what is the purpose of the purpose driven church? Is purpose-driven biblically-based?

(51) Warren-Driven or Bible-Obedient? by Sandy Simpson, 11/2/05
Is your church Warren-Driven or Bible-Obedient?  Use this comparison chart to see which direction your church is going?

(52) The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren - Reviewed by Michael Penfold
It’s a depressing statistic. A majority of Western churches do not see a single addition through conversion in a typical year. So to try and turn things round many are rejecting traditional methods of evangelism and adopting a new ‘church growth’ model. Market research has convinced them that unbelievers stay away from church not because they reject Christ, but because they reject the church’s boring presentation of Christ. There’s no need to change the product – just the packaging – and the crowds will come flocking back.

(53) Schuller Planted, Hybels Watered,
Warren (Peter Drucker) Gives The Increase
By Orrel Steinkamp, The Plumbline, Volume 10, No. 3, November/December 2005
When the Church follows the advice of liberals - Bible-believing or otherwise - the Gospel message suffers.  When liberals - bible-believing or otherwise - have their way, the cross ends up obscured. When the cross is obscured sinners go unsaved.

(54) Rick Warren's Strange Bedfellows by InPlainSite, The Contemporary Church
Some of Rick Warren's New Age connections.

(55) A Berean's Discernment Tool For The Purpose Driven Life by Bob DeWay, Critical Issues Commentary, 12/05
This tool will help you be a Berean and search the Scriptures to see if the claims being made are true.

(56) Redefining Christianity - Understanding the Purpose Driven Movement by Bob DeWaay
I have received many emails over the last two years from people who are concerned about what has happened to their church since it became Purpose Driven. This book will explain what has happened, why, and how a Purpose Driven church is different from a Bible-centered, Gospel church. Excerpt from Redefining Christianity:"Jesus said, "If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you" (John 15:19). Not even the greatest marketing genius can change this without redefining the church. Seeking the approval of the world is precisely what the Purpose Driven movement is all about."

(57) Rick Warren Speaks on Catholicism, the Essentials of the Faith, Peter Drucker, and Global Peace by Lighthouse Trails Publishing, © 2002-2006 
"Now the word "fundamentalist" actually comes from a document in the 1920s called the Five Fundamentals of the Faith. And it is a very legalistic, narrow view of Christianity ..." (Rick Warren, The Pew Forum on Religion, May 23, 2005)  Rick Warren is putting down the core doctrines of the Faith upon which orthodox biblical Christianity is founded and upon which ACT and the Deception In The Church web site base their apologetics!

(58) The Reinvention Of Rick Warren by Herescope, 1/9/06
Discernment Research Group has been predicting for some time that we would see Warren morphing into The Reverand Doctor Richard D. Warren. Before reading the impressive-sounding quotes below, Herescope readers should keep in mind that Warren's doctorate (DMin) was received from Fuller Theological Seminary under the tutelage of C. Peter Wagner, a Latter Rain cult leader who is the founder of the New Apostolic Reformation, and chief conjurer of new dominionist doctrines. His doctoral thesis, not notably scholarly, was to become his first book, The Purpose-Driven Church.

(59) RICK WARREN'S GLOBAL P.E.A.C.E. PLAN vs. SCRIPTURAL TEACHINGS ON PEACE by James Sundquist, 1/06

(128) Being Good Stewards by Tim Wirth, The Simply Agape Project Discernment Ministry, 2/6/07
If you cant walk into a church and get information on where their money is going I suggest you don't go there because you shouldn't give there. Read Part 1 & Part 2.

(129) The ABC's Of Rick Warren by Paul Proctor, NewsWithViews.com, March 9, 2007
Rick's purpose driven method doesn't "simplify Christianity" - it distorts it into something it's not - and in a very duplicitous, disingenuous and unscriptural manner - something ABC's reporters never addressed - choosing instead to talk about churches getting rid of hymnals - adding guitars and drums to their services and mixing Christianity with psychology - things that few Christians today would even have a problem with. 

(130) The Dopamine-Driven Church by  Discernment Research Group, Herescope, 4/2007
Replacing the Holy Spirit with a dopamine high: this is the agenda of the New Apostolic Reformation. If people can be trained to be ruled by their senses, they are more malleable, easily manipulated, and ready to be driven from one new lustful fad to another. Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 & Part 6.

(131) Rick Warren and Leonard Sweet Together Again -- Sweet: Reinvent yourself for the 21st century or die by Lighthouse Trails Research, 5/07
The 2007 Catalyst Conference will be taking place this October, and long-time colleagues Rick Warren and New Age sympathizer Leonard Sweet will be speakers.

(132) Murdoch pastor gets heat for mogul's porn channels Christian leaders question Rick Warren for church's cozy ties with Fox owner by WorldNet Daily, May 10, 2007
Mega-pastor Rick Warren is being challenged by other Christian leaders for not disciplining a prominent member of his California Saddleback Church flock for being one of the world's leading pornographers. 

(133) Re-Branding Global Mission by Herescope, 5/26/07
Rick Warren's Global P.E.A.C.E. Plan looks like it is being designed along the same lines as the "swaggering global corporations" described above. Very little is really known about the emerging P.E.A.C.E. Plan. It is a giant global network, initially being built upon the foundation of die-hard purpose-driven churches (the marketing "coals" saved from previous campaigns); and all but the most basic information is proprietary. Perhaps the word "secretive" might be appropriate to describe the launching of one of the world's most massive branding campaigns.

(134) “Protestant” Pastor Rick Warren Continues Recommending The Roman Catholic Church by Ken Silva, Apprising Ministries, 6/8/07
I note that each book is linked directly to Amazon to make for easy purchase. One of the books on this list is Letters to a Young Catholic: Art of Mentoring (LYC) by George Weigel. Although it should be obvious this is a pro-Roman Catholic book, for those who may not know Weigel is listed on its back cover as “a Roman Catholic theologian” and “a consultant on Vatican Affairs for NBC News.”

(135) Rick Warren in Conflict with the Word of God by  Dr. Roger H. Brarda, 10/28/07
Rick Warren’s gospel is good news for his seeker friendly Harry and Mary looking for and getting feel good positive ego enhancing experiences at market-driven assemblies, and bad news for the children of God who got kicked out of their churches and ridiculed as leaders from hell.

(136) Rick Warren Teaches How to Get Rid of Troublemakers by Lighthouse Trails, 11/15/08
In this week's e-newsletter by Rick Warren, he has written an article titled "What the Bible says about handling disunity." While erroneously stating that the Bible talks more about unity of the church than about Heaven or Hell, Warren says that those who oppose pastors must be dealt with, and if after two warnings, must be told to leave the church. This certainly is consistent with other statements Warren and his associate pastors have made. For instance, in the Saddleback book Transitioning by Purpose Driven pastor Don Southerland, Southerland states that those who oppose the Purpose Driven paradigm are like "leader[s] from hell" (pp. 115-116). 

(137) Betrayal Of Christ By Christian Leaders Continues by Paul Proctor, News With Views, December 19, 2007
In a December 17th 2007 article titled, Rick Warren Counsels Jews on Recruiting Congregants, the Christian Post reported that the beloved senior pastor and founder of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest California, a Southern Baptist congregation, "attended a large Reform Jewish gathering last week to share tips on how to build a community." So, instead of sharing Christ with his Jewish audience, Pastor Warren shared "tips on how to build a community?" 

(138) The new "do good" gospel by Herescope, 2/7/08
Rick Warren's idea of religious pluralism is taking the evangelical church onto the international scene as a major player in global affairs. As the church becomes a global activist in this emerging new world, it is quickly shedding its unique ability to spread the Gospel. Instead the focus is on programs, networks, and activities -- a call Rick Warren is making to the church to "do good."

(139) Washington Post on Rick Warren: Critics Have No Right to Challenge "New Reformation"at Lighthouse Trails, 2/7/08
Rick Warren, a megachurch pastor and philanthropist who is courted by political leaders worldwide, says he thinks Christianity needs a "second Reformation" that would steer the church away from divisive politics and be "about deeds, not creeds." ... That meant advocating for a broader agenda for evangelicals beyond same-sex marriage and bioethical issues like abortion and stem cell research. That's a shift from the e-mail Warren sent before the 2004 election to his regular distribution list of 136,000 pastors, telling them to focus on those hot-button issues, which he called "non-negotiables." Warren said he now regrets that e-mail -- not because he's changed his views in opposing abortion and same-sex marriage, but because he places them on a longer list of priorities. Now, he says, he wants to promote personal responsibility and restore civility in American culture. 

(140) A Mediocre Merry Christmas Message reviewed by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 2/08
Rick Warren's Christmas gospel.

(141) Purpose-Driven To The Far Left by Donald Hank, Laigle's Forum, February 8, 2008
How is it possible that seemingly devout Christians could support the party that stands like a phalanx behind partial birth abortion and redefining marriage into oblivion and opposes biblical free market principles? Look no further than "America's Pastor" and the Saddleback Church, where Obama and Hillary were guests last year. 

(142) The Gospel of the Kingdom by Herescope, 2/9/08
The "do good" gospel talked about by Rick Warren since his recent trip to Davos (see previous post) is another name for the "Kingdom Gospel" which is rapidly displacing the Gospel of Salvation.

(143) Is Richard Abanes For Real? by Jacob Prasch, Moriel Ministries, 2/12/08
After behaving like an apologist for Rick Warren & Purpose Driven , defending and explaining even Rick Warren's invitation to partial birth abortion arch advocate Barak Obama to his pulpit in Mr. Warren's Saddleback church, Richard Abanes seems caught in a quagmire of his own design. In a series of circulated e mails, Richard Abanes (of that church) has selectively posted half the e mails exchanged in this regard on his web site (with-holding the other half), apparently in an effort to distance himself from Warren and his own comments in support of Warren. 

(144) Christian Research Service Statement on Accusations and Criticisms Against Discernment Ministries by Bud Press, Christian Research Service, 2/16/08
And no amount of false accusations, excuses, lengthy diatribes, and damage-control will change the fact that Rick Warren, Ken Blanchard, and others' continue to commit a grave injustice to the cause of Christ. 

(145) "Pastor" Rick Warren's Lie video clip on YouTube, 2/08
The Bible says, in contrast to Rick Warren saying we can please God by doing what we are "wired" to do at birth, "Without faith it is impossible to please God. (Heb. 11:6)  We please God by confessing our sins, believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, and then obeying His commands in His Word. 

(146) Was his presentation BIBLICAL or NOT? by Christian Worldview Network, 2/08
What do you think of what Rick Warren, Pastor of Saddleback Church, told hundreds of thousands of people when asked how they could go to heaven?

(147) The Great American Tragedy Part One - Rick Warren and Seeker Sensitive by Tim Wirth, The No Goofy Zone Discernment Ministry, 3/08
So thats the roots of seeker sensitive and now we need to ask ourselves what does the Bible state our assemblies should be about since we know that the Body of Christ is made up of saved believers not stones and morter. Read The Great American Tragedy Part One - Rick Warren and Seeker Sensitive & The Great American Tragedy Part 2 -Why do we assemble as a group of believers?

(148) Letters to Richard Abanes Concerning Ken Blanchard and the New Age Movement by Bud Press, Director, Christian Research Service, March 24, 2008
Christian Research Service, along with other discernment ministries, has spent over three years researching Ken Blanchard and his Lead Like Jesus movement. Blanchard, the co-founder of Lead Like Jesus and Chief Spiritual Officer of The Ken Blanchard Companies, claims to be a Christian, but has amassed an incredible track-record of involvement with and participation in the New Age Movement.

(149) Is Anyone Else Tired Of The Diaprax Of False Teachers ... Or Is It Just Me? by Sandy Simpson, 6/2/08
The dialectic and praxis (diaprax) is being used by most false teachers today as a main form of commuication and teaching.  In order to bring in their grandiose unbiblical plans and get people to follow them, they have to vilify the old.  In doing so, with more and more churches and Christians following their schemes, they are actually destroying the work of the Church and missions instead of helping the situation.  What was not a squeaky wheel is now being oiled with the super glue of false teaching.  If the churches have been ineffective and even some Biblical ones have been at times, then Warren's ideas are not helping but will grind the churches to a halt by focusing their attention on social and political concenrs rather than the Gospel.  This is all part of the Dominionist mandate, not part of our mandate as true Christians. Sadly instead of the churches becoming more effective we are witnessing the demise of the churches that follow the leadership of people like Warren ... which make Christ's words even more poignant and heartrending: Lu 18:8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?

(150) Consequences of Rick Warren’s Reform Program by 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.

(151) The Shameful Social Gospel by McMahon, T.A., August 27, 2008
For various reasons, Christians of different sorts have tinkered with "the gospel of Christ" as though it needed adjustments. Not major alterations, most will tell you, but just some minor tweaking here and there. The changes often begin by one's declaring that there is no real change involved, simply a shift in emphasis. Yet, no matter what the rationale may be, the end result is being "ashamed of the gospel of Christ." 

(152) Who Is Rick Warren's "Lord"? by Moriel Ministries, Nov 24, 1008
If the very magazines whose editorial ownership is liberal, pro-Obama, and globalist are trumpeting Rick Warren's "plan," supported by one of the world's largest publishers who ("markets books, magazines, music, video and educational products reaching 100 million households in 79 countries [and] publishes 92 magazines, including 50 editions of Reader's Digest, the world's largest-circulation magazine; operates 65 branded Web sites generating 18 million unique visitors per month; and sells approximately 68 million books, music and video products across the world each year") then it begs the question, "who is Rick Warren's 'lord'?" Considering the fact that faithful, humble and meek Christians are now regularly getting threatened, attacked, and spit upon in the streets (not in foreign countries, but in America's cities!) by violent mobs of homosexual "rights" activists --- while secular praise is heaped upon "America's Pastor" for his "P.E.A.C.E." plan and AIDS charity? Something's not right with this picture...

(153) Report on Rick Warren's Speaking at Muslim Convention at Lighthouse Trails, 12/08
Aside from Etheridge and Warren, New Age guru Deepak Chopra was also featured (by video). It is interesting to note that the writer of the article said he read The Purpose Driven Life for the first time on his way to the convention. He notes that there are "passages" in PDL that "are an unwitting argument for the unity of religions." He also gives Rick Warren credit for helping more evangelicals vote Democrat. 

(154) Rick Warren: the "Uber Pastor" with friends in high places, YouTube video, 1/09
YouTube video on Warren's associations and "exegesis" of Scripture.

(155) Food Tactics by Herescope, 1/14/09
What role will Rick Warren and his church-based health clinics play in all of this? Perhaps none. But it is remarkable how similarly structured this food voucher plan is to the purpose-driven formula of "transforming health care delivery through the full engagement of the local church linked to existing health care systems to work together for the common purpose of community health."

(156) "Rick Warren's Clout" by Herescope, 1/16/09
Just how powerful is Rick Warren? Ask the IRS. When they tried to collect back taxes from the pastor, Warren used his mega-clout to campaign against them--and won. With the help of Congress, that is, which stepped in to preempt a court ruling on the Cold War law Warren appears to have twisted to his advantage.

(157) An Edited Christmas - a look at Rick Warren's 2008 Christmas message by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 1/24/09
Warren’s new book is called “the purpose of Christmas” which we got a glimpse of through his recent Christmas message that was broadcasted  Dec. 24 on “Fox,” called “Christmas with Rick Warren.” 

(158) PyroMarketing Hagiography by Herescope, 3/13/09
What is significant about the launching of this magazine is that it is to MEMBERS, not mere customer SUBSCRIBERS. Rick Warren is still following the PyroMarketing strategy laid out by Greg Stielstra in his book of that title, which we reviewed in an article series called "The Dopamine-Driven Church" in 2007

(158) Warren's 'backsliding' on marriage damages church by Jim Brown, OneNewsNow, 4/9/2009
A Washington, DC, pastor and outspoken opponent of same-sex "marriage" says California mega-church pastor Rick Warren has done "tremendous damage" by apologizing for his support last fall of California's marriage protection amendment.

(160) Truth or Lies? Rick Warren's Moral Facade by Berit Kjos, Kjos Ministries, 4/09
So where does Pastor Warren actually stand on this issue? What is the source of his moral cues? God's Word -- or forceful leaders who have traded His unchanging Truth for today's evolving moral pragmatism? His recent statements suggest a total moral U-turn. According to Brown, Warren regrets his earlier position. "There were a number of things that were put out. I wrote to all my gay friends -- the leaders that I knew -- and actually apologized to them. That never got out," he admitted.

(161) Islamic Society convention lands appearance from Rick Warren cited by Lighthouse Trails, 6/20/09
INDYSTAR - The Indiana-based Islamic Society of North America will be holding its annual convention -- the largest yearly gathering of Muslims on the continent -- in Washington, D.C. over the Fourth of July weekend. And while convention leaders are holding out hope that President Barack Obama might make the convention his latest stop in his outreach to the Muslim world, the convention has landed another pretty big fish as a featured speaker. Purpose-Driven pastor Rick Warren has agreed to appear at the convention and be part of its main session discussing the convention's theme -- "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." Joining Warren for the session is ISNA President Ingrid Mattson and noted Muslim scholar Hamza Yusuf. Warren's scheduled visit to the convention follows ISNA leader Sayyid Syeed's appearance last December at Warren's Saddleback Civil Forum on Public Health. Warren was unavailable this week to comment about the appearance. 

(162) Rick Warren speaking to Islamic group with terror ties by Chad Groening, OneNewsNow, 7/2/09
The leader of a Messianic Jewish ministry is questioning the decision of mega-church pastor Rick Warren to address a Muslim group, which has terrorist connections, during its annual convention over the Fourth of July weekend in Washington, DC. Jan Markell, the founder of Olive Tree Ministries, is concerned that the high-profile pastor will not use the opportunity to share the gospel of Christ with Muslims. Warren, the pastor of Saddleback Church in California, has agreed to appear at the convention of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and be part of its main session, discussing the convention's theme: "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." ISNA was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in a Hamas terror funding case in 2007.

(162) Judas Strikes Again by Jacob Prasch, Moriel Ministries, 7/5/09

(163) An Open Letter to Pastor Rick Warren by Jan Markell, 7/6/09
On July 5 the Washington Times online reported that Pastor Rick Warren told his Islamic audience, the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA,) that he envisions "a coalition of faith." Whether Pastor Warren knows this or not, this is just another term for the coming one-world religion outlined in Revelation 13. It is further outlined in Revelation 17. I have not taken on the issue of Rick Warren all that often, but after reading what the Washington Times has to say about his message to a group of spiritually lost Muslims, I feel I must address this in an open letter to who many say is the most influential pastor in America and some would say the world.

(164) Rick Warren enters the mash-pit of Muslim pudding by Mike Oppenheimer, 7/79/09
As if Warren has not jumped into deep water enough times, he has now done a two and a half backwards gainer into a shallow pool. Ignoring caution from fellow Christians, Warren on July 4th, Independence day, was the keynote speaker to a gathering of 8,000 Muslim at the Islamic Society of North America’s 46th annual convention in Washington. ISNA is known to be a Saudi-backed Muslim group (Muslim Students' Association of the U.S. and Canada) it is reported to promote a radical strain of Wahhabi Islam found in large percent of U.S. mosques. 

(165) Serious Concerns Over Rick Warren's Ecumenical Efforts with Islam from Miscellaneous News Sources, Lighthouse Trails, 7/16/09 
LTRP Note: The following is a link to a compilation of noteworthy articles regarding Rick Warren's move toward uniting Christianity and Islam. It is also worth noting that the contemplative prayer movement, of which Rick Warren is a major proponent, embraces the notion that mysticism (i.e., contemplative) can unite all religions. Thomas Merton, the Catholic mystic, said that doctrine must be put aside and mysticism embraced in order to bring together the world's religions. Rick Warren has often stated that his reformation will be one that emphasizes deeds over doctrine and that his reformation will include those of different faiths. This is also the mantra of the emerging church movement. We have seen a marriage grow between false Christianity, all false religions, the political realm and all of society in the West in general, and now Rick Warren as its prophet is reaching out to Islam, but I highly doubt Islam will take hold. This whole idea is anathema to the true beliefs of Islam just as it is anathema to the true beliefs of Biblical Christianity.

(166) RICK WARREN: FROM TOLERANCE TO RESPECT by Paul Proctor, NewsWithViews.com, July 17, 2009
Christianity’s premier change-agent and facilitator, Rick Warren, is now attempting to move the compromised church, again via the Hegelian Dialectic, on to the next step of the global “transformation” toward that long-awaited one-world religion, telling Muslims at the annual convention of the Islamic Society of North America: “Tolerance is not enough.”According to a report posted on the ISNA website, Warren went on to say: “People don't want to be tolerated, they want to be respected, they want to be listened to. They want to be valued." Adding to that, he said: "I am not interested in interfaith dialogue, I am interested in interfaith projects…Talk is very cheap."

(167) Why Rick Warren Should Not Tell Rob Bell: "Just wanted to encourage you to ignore critics." by Lighthouse Trails, 8/7/09
On August 4th, it was reported by Transplant Ministries (a radio ministry that "follows," but is opposed to, Rick Warren on Twitter) that Rick Warren sent the following message to emergent leader, Rob Bell: @RickWarren: "thenoomaguy Hey Rob, Just wanted to encourage you to ignore critics. If you weren't impacting & making a difference, they'd ignore you. rick." The message was allegedly meant to go out only to Rob Bell but was apparently sent out to over 17,000 Twitter followers. If Rick Warren did indeed send this message to Rob Bell, is there any valid reason why America's most popular evangelical pastor should not have done that?

(168) "God's Dream" or a Deceptive Scheme? by Warren Smith, A "Wonderful" Deception, 2009
But "God's Dream," as described by its proponents cannot and will not succeed. It is not a case of "if you build it, he will come."13 While humanity is to always do its best in meeting human and environmental needs, the kingdom of God will not be established by humanity imagining and creating world peace by invoking a Schulleresque New Age "God's Dream†PEACE Plan. The kingdom of God comes just as prophesied in the Bible--through the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ--the real Jesus Christ--not the false Christ of a deceived and apostate church. Not the false Christ of a New Age/New Spirituality.

(169) Woe by Andrea Ahnonemous, News 4 The Masses, August 25, 2009
The Shift has Begun. The time for secrets and whispered alliances has become publicly known. The object of grievance for many who love Calvary Chapel and all that it once stood for has been affirmed. For all those who were called “Head Hunters, Heresy Sniffers, Contentious, and slanderers” they may now have some level of confirmation that their discernment wasn’t wrong, but a true child of God who has the “gift” of discernment takes no pleasure in seeing what was once ‘the warning’ come to pass. Many people who are in the camp that believe Rick Warren is doing a work of God think that all of us are simply fanatic and fearful to ‘change.’ No. I accept Change. What I do not accept is heresy, lies, and false teachers. I will start in the order of the men that are in the picture above.

(170) Rick Warren Now Openly Promoting Contemplative Spirituality/Mysticism by Apprising Ministries, 12/9/09
The problem is, this current fad within mainstream evangelicalism of practicing corrupt Contemplative Spirituality/Mysticism (CSM) ala Living Spiritual Teacher and Quaker mystic Richard Foster—and his spiritual twin Dallas Willard—doesn’t produce spiritual health; quite the opposite, it contributes mightily to a fulfillment of this Scripture men will be lovers of self (see—2 Tim 3:2, NASB).

(171) Rick Warren denies he's "conspiring" to "rid the world of homosexuals" by Bruce Wilson, 12/10/09
Rick Warren's missives reach over 140,000 pastors around the world and in early 2009 Warren gave the opening prayer at Barack Obama's inauguration. But the "Purpose Driven" pastor has increasingly been dogged by controversy. Mega-pastor Warren has just released a statement condemning pending legislation, before Uganda's parliament, which critics have characterized as a "kill the gays" bill. Warren's newly stated opposition to the bill is, of course, welcome. But Warren's declaration contains blatant lies and statements that verge on the bizarre. Why does Rick Warren feel the need tell the world that he has not "conspired" with C. Peter Wagner (an under-publicized but powerful religious leader), or anyone, to "rid the world of homosexuals"? Warren's statement presents a list of "Key Facts Concerning Recent Media and Blog Reports on Rick Warren's Position on Uganda" which contains nine "questions," written by Warren himself, with answers written by Rick Warren too. Question #9 is, "Are you and Peter Wagner attempting to rid the world of homosexuals?" Warren answers his own question: "Absolutely not." But who has accused Warren of such an evil plan? Warren's statement also contains several blatant lies. in one, he claims that C. Peter Wagner wasn't his key advisor for Warren's 1993 doctoral dissertation. But the abstract of Warren's 350-plus page tome lists one academic figure, C. Peter Wagner, as Warren's "mentor" for the dissertation.

(172) Comments on the Rick Warren LETTER/VIDEO STATEMENT TO UGANDAN CHURCH LEADERS by Sandy Simpson, 12/11/09
Though some of the provisions of the anti-homosexuality bill are unjust and should be removed we have to understand that HIV/AIDS is a huge problem there and is being propagated and spread by homosexual behaviors as well as other methods.  Uganda is trying to find ways to protect their society against this deadly sexual disease.  Warren states that we all have "the freedom to make moral choices and our right to free expression are gifts endowed by God.".  This statement comes from his erroneous teaching on "gifts".  He has taught repeatedly on this subject in his "Purpose" series and often confuses natural gifts with spiritual ones.  Do we have the right to make choices that cause others to die of AIDS?  If the "free expression" of homosexuality is a "gift endowed by God" then why does God prohibit it in Scripture?  We are not just free to do anything we want as people created by God.  There are laws against murder, and infecting others with HIV/AIDS should be prosecuted just as any other act of murder is.  If you knowingly give someone poison and they die will you not be tried for that crime?   I have often stated that false faith healers like Benny Hinn ought to be indicted for claiming they have healed people from AIDS when he has not even checked out to see if it is true.  If you don't believe me get our video series on Benny Hinn and see for yourself:

(173) Uganda Pastors' Response to Rick Warren over the Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009, 12/23/09
Your letter has caused great distress and the pastors are demanding that you issue a formal apology for insulting the people of Africa by your very inapropriate bully use of your church and purpose driven pulpits to coerse us into the “evil” of Sodomy and Gaymorrah. This is expected within seven days from this date.

(174) YEAR IN REVIEW: Rick Warren, one of the world’s “top 100 most influential people” in 2009 by Lighthouse Trails, 12/09
In May 2009, Time magazine named Rick Warren one of the world’s top 100 most influential people. What exactly was Warren influencing in 2009? Lighthouse Trails presented the following news stories throughout the year. Because possibly 1/2 million churches around the world have turned to the Purpose Driven Movement for direction, it is worth taking some time to review these:

(175) 10 Scriptural Reasons Not to Be Involved with Rick Warren’s “Broad Way” Christianity by Warren Smith, January 18th, 2010
Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven movement has, in a relatively short period of time, become what TIME magazine has referred to as a “Purpose Driven empire.”1 The word empire is defined in the dictionary as “supreme rule; absolute power or authority; dominion.” It also means “an extensive social or economic organization under the control of a single person, family, or corporation.”2 For all intents and purposes, Rick Warren has become the titular head—the almost emperor-like CEO—of an increasingly apostate postmodern church. But while Warren continues to be embraced by much of the world and much of the church, it is not too late for people to reconsider their involvement with him and his Purpose Driven movement. Here are ten scripturally based reasons why people with any love of the truth should not involve themselves in Warren’s “Broad Way” Christianity:

(176) The “Wonderful” Deception of the Purpose Driven Paradigm by Warren B. Smith, “Deceived on Purpose” from chapter 1 of A “Wonderful” Deception, 3/5/10
The following is an excerpt from Warren B. Smith’s new book, A “Wonderful” Deception.The book begins with a recap of Smith’s earlier book, Deceived on Purpose: The New Age Implications of the Purpose Driven Church. Because more and more churches everyday are deciding to adopt the  ”Purpose Driven,” paradigm, this material is vital to understand. Please feel free to print and distribute this posting.

(177) UK Observer: “Blair courts controversial US pastor Rick Warren in bid to unite faiths”, The Observer – UK (courtesy Discern the Time Forum), 3/15/10
Former prime minister builds network of Christian allies as he prepares to launch a religious ‘offensive’ in North America

(178) Rick Warren Apologist: “Leonard Sweet is about as Christian as anyone can get.” by Warren Smith, 4/5/10
Given all of Leonard Sweet’s New Age/New Spirituality sympathies, Rick Warren has continued to work with Sweet and promote him rather than separate himself from him and expose him as the Bible admonishes him to do.

(179) Warren's P.E.A.C.E. Plan & UN Goals by Berit Kjos, August 2005
"A sea change of transitions and transformations is birthing a whole new world," wrote Dr. Leonard Sweet, whose books are often quoted in Rick Warren's Ministry Toolbox. "God is birthing the greatest spiritual awakening in the history of the church.... Are you going to show up."  Read Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3.

(180) Purpose Driven Life - Radio Discussion by The Berean Call, 6/12/10
This power-packed, nine-part audio series produced for Search the Scriptures Daily Radio takes a Berean's-eye look at the content of Rick Warren's 20-million-plus best-seller, The Purpose-Driven Life [TPDL]. Dave Hunt and T.A. McMahon share their thoughts and analysis of TPDL in light of God's Word, and examine the difficult question: Are the writings of Rick Warren founded in Bible-centered wisdom, or are they rooted in humanistic philosophy and man-made methodology?

(181) Saddleback Promotes Chrstianized Mantra Meditation by by Christine Pack, Sola Sisters, 6/15/10
Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church website features two books by Quaker and mystic Richard Foster, today’s leading proponent of something known as “Spiritual Disciplines” or “Spiritual Formation.”  Also promoted are several other books focusing on the Spiritual Disciplines, which teach a practice that is nothing more than a “Christianized” version of mantra meditation, a pagan practice borrowed from Hinduism and Buddhism.  In this pagan practice, a person will “empty” the mind employing some kind of device: rhythmic music, repeating a word or phrase, focusing on breathing, etc., in an attempt to connect to God.

(182) Rick Warrens wants us to learn from Henri Nouwen by Ken Silva, 9/14/10
To give you some further perspective, Warren’s Twitter account tells us he has 153, 661 followers and he tweeted the below not long ago: "Hiddneness is the place of purificiation.  In Hiddeness we find out true selves. - Nouwen"  The “Nouwen” in the above tweet is the deceased Roman Catholic mystic Henri Nouwen. I told you recently in Christian Broadcasting Network Peddling Contemplative Spirituality—even today—Nouwen remains a leading teacher of the anti-biblical, and spiritually corrupt, Contemplative Spirituality/Mysticism (CSM) perpetrated in the pretending to be Protestant evangelical by Living Spiritual Teacher and Quaker mystic Richard Foster with his trusty spiritual twin Dallas Willard, under the guise of so-called Spiritual Formation.

(183) John Piper Interview: Rick Warren is “Biblical” – “He’s Been Slandered” by Lighthouse Trails, 10/7/10
In a Christianity Today interview with popular evangelical teacher John Piper, Piper is questioned for his recent invitation of Rick Warren to his Desiring God conference, which brought criticism to Piper. In the interview, Piper states the following: CT: You invited Rick Warren; would you say he exemplifies [your] “thinking”? Piper: No, I don’t think he exactly exemplifies what I’m after. But he is biblical. He quoted 50 Scriptures from memory. Unbelievable, his mind is Vesuvius. So I asked him what impact reading Jonathan Edwards had on him. What these authors like Karl Barth and Edwards do for him is give him a surge of theological energy that then comes through his wiring. What I wanted to do with Rick is force him to talk about thinking so pragmatists out there can say, “A lot of thinking goes into what he does.” (emphasis added) CT: You received some negative feedback for inviting him. Piper: It was real risky. I don’t even know if I did the right thing. If somebody said, “Are you sure you should have invited him?” “No.” I think the first thing I’d say—maybe the only thing—is I think he’s been slandered. I think we probably need to work harder at getting him right. (emphasis added)

(184) Pelagian Rick Warren Teaches Pelagianism at John Piper's Desiring God by Justin Edwards, 10/8/10
In a nutshell, Pelagianism denies original sin and teaches that man is morally neutral. Man therefore has the capacity to choose God through rational thought and free will apart from the grace of God. In fact, man is born with the same moral purity as Adam before the fall, and it is only the influences of his environment and making poor intellectual decisions that leads man to sin and bad behavior. In other words, man has the ability to fulfill or obey the commands of God by his will alone (for more on the heresy of Pelagianism , please see Pelagianism and Pelagianism: Religion of Natural Man). So what does this have to do with Rick Warren? Well, as Rosebrough said on his October 4th program, Warren's lecture Sunday was Pelagianism run amok.  Warren believes "all behavior is based in a belief" and "behind every sin is a lie I'm believing" (per Rosebrough from Saddleback's 2008 Purpose Driven Community Conference). In other words, sin only consists in the separate act of the will and if we just learn what the truth is, we can stop sinning. If we just change the way we think, we can change the way we behave. The obvious thing missing here is the grace of God and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

(185) Update!  Rick Warren is lying by Ken Silva, 10/10/10
Let’s be clear: I have spoken at length with both Ingrid Schlueter and Chris Rosebrough, whom Rick Warren has even met with in person a year or so back, and I know we’re not the least upset that Warren has a low opinion of us. All one has to do is Google my name and you’ll quickly discover I’ve been spoken of way more harshly than anything Rick Warren has said publicly concerning me.

(186) Rick Warren, Laverne Adams and Cindy Trimm by Ken Silva, 10/21/10
The foreword to the Divine Destiny Doctor’s book is done by none other than Rick Warren; and below, right from her Driven By Destiny website itself, is what Warren would write in his foreword to pastrix LaVerne Adams’ book:

(187) Rick Warren, Dr. Destiny Laverne Adams, snd “Apostle” Chuck Pierce by Ken Silva, 10/22/10
This also serves to give you further example of the kind of people Rick Warren has now opened the door for by his ridiculous endorsement of pastrix Dr. LaVerne Adams.

(188) The Kingdom of God and a Man of Peace by Understand the Times with Roger Oakland, 11/10/10
Most people with any common sense and compassion want to see a planet without poverty, disease, and illiteracy. I thank God for all the organizations working to help the suffering, the sick, and the poor. Jesus made it very clear that we are to care for and reach out to those in need. However, working to bring about utopia on earth through global and religious unity is futile. My saying this might make some people angry, and they may accuse me of being fatalistic. But nowhere in Scripture is the notion supported that there will be a kingdom without tears, pain, poverty, and suffering until Jesus Christ physically returns and establishes it Himself.

(189) Rick Warren, Cindy Trimm, Paula White & The Law Of Attraction by Ken Silva, 11/12/10
Our “Doctor of Destiny”LaVerne Adams, pastrix of a church self-help center called Cathedral of Praise, has apparently even developed creative powers complete with the destiny ability to actually speak things into existence. Where’s Rick Warren fit into this equasion; it’s elementary m’dear Watson, on 10/10/10 Dr. Destiny drops a self-published book called Driven By Driven By Destiny: 12 Secrets to Unlock Your Future (DBD). And, the angling to be universal bishop of the visible church, Rick Warren wrote the foreword; but I’m afraid that it gets even weirder than Warren writing a foreword to a self-published book by a nondescript pastrix. You see, the Doctor of Destiny informs us that Warren actually sought her out ...

(190) Rick Warren Recognized as Major Evangelical Player in the Environmental Activism/Green Movement posted at Lighthouse Trails, 12/27/10
LTRP Note: The following news story is posted for informational and research purposes only, not as an endorsement:

(191) SPECIAL REPORT: Rick Warren’s “Apologetics” Weekend Should Apologize for Representing “Another Gospel” by Lighthouse Trails, 12/30/10
This is our last Special Report for 2010. It may be the most important article we have written all year. It is long and detailed, but we hope you will take the time to read it. Please consider distributing it to those in your own mailing lists who may be interested in the welfare of the church today.

(192) Northern Ireland Apologist Comments on Saddleback “Apologetics” Weekend by Cecil Andrews, 1/8/11
What I want to focus upon is a recent supposed ‘Apologetics’ conference [11-12 December 2010] hosted by Mr Warren at his Saddleback Church. A very helpful report highlighting some of those who spoke at this conference will be included in this article but perhaps I can make a few comments of my own before going to that report.

(193) Rick Warren’s New Health and Wellness Initiative Could Have Profound Repercussions on Many by Lighthouse Trails, January 11, 2011
Just ten days after Lighthouse Trails posted its last and most important article of 2010, Rick Warren’s “Apologetics” Weekend Should Apologize for Representing “Another Gospel,” we must issue this Special Report regarding a year-long event that will be kicking off at Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church on January 15th. 

(194) When Contending Costs Everything by Jan Markell, January 18, 2011
What on earth is Pastor Rick Warren thinking? I have avoided being harsh concerning Rick but on the issue I am about to outline, I must be blunt. A series of errors is outlined below but the zinger following them is my focus.

(195) Emanuel Swedenborg’s Occultic Beliefs Influence Rick Warren’s Health Advisor and Now the Christian Church by John Lanagan, My Word Like Fire Ministries, 1/18/11
Perhaps it is not surprising Dr. Mehmet Oz, a key teacher in Rick Warren’s 52 week health-and-wellness Daniel Plan, has been influenced by occultist Emanuel Swedenborg. Although Swedenborg rejected the biblical Christ, and communed with familiar spirits, some of Swedenborg’s admirers have been culturally significant figures. At this point in his career, Dr. Mehmet Oz certainly qualifies as such.

(196) A Visit to Rick Warren’s Health Seminar – The Unfolding of a Global New Age Plan by Jennifer Pekich, Ponderings from Patmos, 1/21/11
It shouldn’t surprise us that Rick Warren would allow a seminar of this nature at Saddleback; after all, he himself has “GONE GREEN.” [11] He is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. [12] This illustrates the natural progression of one being unequally yoked with non-believers & buying into heresies such as “Kingdom Now,” “Dominionism,” or “Restoration Theology.” Where these heresies reign, as they do at Saddleback, you will find that the focus subtly shifts from salvation in Christ alone, through faith alone, to misguided efforts to restore mankind & the earth through “community” works, sustainable living, and social justice. How convenient that these just happen to be the vehicles which the United Nations is using to further it’s own agenda to restructure society & unite the world under its governing body of global elites.

(197) Rick Warren introduces "The Devil Plan" by Marsha West, RenewAmerica, 1/24/11
In his new endeavor to help Saddleback congregants get healthy, Pastor Rick has enticed unsuspecting people, many of them professing Christians, into drinking his witch's brew.

(198) VCY America Interviews Saddleback Health Seminar Attendee – Apostasy Exposed! at Lighthouse Trails, 1/28/11
On January 27th, Ingrid Schlueter of VCY America interviewed Jennifer Pekich on the CrossTalk radio program in what is probably one of the most important shows that VCY has ever done, in our opinion. Jennifer had recently attended the  health seminar at Saddleback Church, in which Rick Warren brought in three leading “health” specialists to train Saddleback’s congregants how to be healthy. CrossTalk explains: "Why should these men cause “red flags” to come up for Christians? Jennifer attended the Daniel Plan kick-off gathering on January 15. From her notes she shares how from Kundalini Yoga to Transcendental Meditation, these men are steeped in Eastern mysticism and the occult. In addition, through it all, numerous U.N. buzz-phrases could be heard; phrases such as “sustainable living,” smart growth,” “public-private partnerships,” and more." Are Rick Warren and his associates attempting to restructure the church and society by warming Christians up to a fanciful sounding global plan? Decide for yourself when you review this edition of Crosstalk.

(199) Rick Warren Wants You To Develop Your "Ultramind" by Ken Silva, 2/4/11
Yoga is “wonderful,” and recommending meditation “developed by Buddhists”; when was this ever part of Protestant spirituality? Answer: It never has been. Now I realize Rick Warren is the spiritual equivalent of the Teflon Don, but even so, isn’t it about time someone within the leadership of the SBC finally stops hiding behind its Idol of Autonomy and looks into what’s going on at Saddleback Church, arguably it’s most visible church? And I’ll ask this question again of Dr. John Piper: Do you seriously think this Daniel Plan of neo-pagan humanism from Rick Warren is theological and doctrinal and sound?

(200) Rick Warren’s “Daniel Plan” Doctor Oz Will Lead Mass Hypnosis on TV by Lighthouse Trails Research, 2/5/11
Christian Research Network has posted a video clip where Rick Warren’s Dr. OZ is announcing that on Monday he and a fellow doctor are going to ”hypnotize America.” If you haven’t kept up on what is currently happening at Saddleback Church with Rick Warren, please read the following articles where it documents that Rick Warren is using New Age promoting doctors to get his congregation healthy. Meditation is one of the techniques that these doctors advocate. If you think that this is just about Saddleback Church and has nothing to do with you or your church or your grown children’s churches, please think twice about that. The repercussions of what is happening right now at Saddleback could be astronomical, and yet … once again, there is absolute silence (no pun intended) from Christian leaders.

(201) 3-Legged "Health" Care - The Agenda of Rick Warren's "Daniel Plan" by Herescope, 2/10/11
When Rick Warren launched his Daniel Plan prescription for health several weeks ago as a massive campaign to alter the health of evangelicals in American, many discerning saints expressed shock and dismay at his open association with New Age doctors. While this fact is upsetting, there are equally disturbing issues about Warren's Daniel Plan that cannot be ignored.

(202) Rick Warren, The Daniel Plan, And Dominionism by Ken Silva, 2/12/11
What’s at the rotten core of all of this is dominionism; which at its own corrupt heart is the belief that God is bringing about His dream that the Christian faith will make this world “a better place.” Likely you’ll be hearing more about this; but for now, against this backdrop you should be better able to see the dominionism that seems to be at the heart of the ministry of Rick Warren. 

(203) Rick Warren Speaks Out Against Those Warning the Church of Meditation by John Lanagan, My Word Like Fire Ministries, 2/14/11
Perhaps stung by criticism about his Daniel Plan alliance with three well known New Age doctors, Rick Warren simultaneously addressed and sidestepped the meditation issue during a recent sermon.1 Warren never acknowledged his own promotion of teachers of anti-biblical meditative practices such as contemplative prayer, never addressed the Daniel Plan controversy, but seemed to accuse instead the Christians who sounded the alarm about Eastern/New Age meditation advocates Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr. Daniel Amen, and Dr. Mark Hyman.

(204) Interfaith Tony Blair to Speak at Saddleback on Rick Warren’s P.E.A.C.E. Plan by Lighthouse Trails, 2/16/11
The following news story  is posted for informational and research purposes only and in no way is an endorsement of the Christian Post, a regular media outlet for Rick Warren. Regarding Warren and Tony Blair coming together at the upcoming Saddleback Civil Forum, the two share much in common when it comes to plans for the world. One thing they share is their views on the problem with what they term fundamentalism or extremism. Blair states that  ”religion must be rescued from extremism and irrelevance and used as a force for good at a time of global turmoil.”1 Rick Warren “predicts that fundamentalism, of all varieties, will be ‘one of the big enemies of the 21st century.’ ‘Muslim fundamentalism, Christian fundamentalism, Jewish fundamentalism, secular fundamentalism – they’re all motivated by fear. Fear of each other.’”2 The question remains as to whether Bible-believing Christians will be included in their definitions of fundamentalism and extremism in the near days to come.

(205) SPECIAL REPORT: Rick Warren’s “Apologetics” Weekend Should Apologize for Representing “Another Gospel” by Lighthouse Trails, 2/27/11
This is our last Special Report for 2010. It may be the most important article we have written all year. It is long and detailed, but we hope you will take the time to read it. Please consider distributing it to those in your own mailing lists who may be interested in the welfare of the church today.

(206) Rick Warren and Saddleback Unveil Tony Blair Peace Program by Ingrid Schluter, Crosstalk Blog, 3/3/11
Rick Warren believes the world can have peace without the Prince of Peace. He is awarding Tony Blair, a pro-abortion, Roman Catholic convert with a peace prize in a few days at Saddleback Church. Click here for Warren’s details. As we see Dr. John Piper’s open embrace of Warren at his Desiring God conferences, one of which will be held at Warren’s church in April, we are reminded of the emergence of a new spirituality that is without the cross of Jesus Christ (just ask Tony Blair about his plan to unite world religions), of “peace” without the author of peace, Jesus Christ, and of an apostate evangelicalism that has now linked arms with the United Nations to push Agenda 21 goals.

(207)  Peace in a Globalized Society forum at Saddleback Church - A Special Report By Lighthouse Trials And Roger Oakland, 3/9/11
On March 7, 2011, Roger Oakland, founder of Understand the Times, International, and two other members from his ministry attended the Peace in a Globalized Society forum at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, which featured Rick Warren and special guest, former UK prime minister Tony Blair. Roger Oakland and his co-workers obtained eye-witness seats at the event that included well over 2000 people in attendance. Although cameras and recorders were not allowed in the main sanctuary where the interview took place, the UTT team took notes. What Oakland and his team heard caused them much concern – thus the reason for this special report. Warren and Blair spoke about Warren’s PEACE Plan and his “Three Legged Stool Plan.” Tony Blair spoke about his inter-faith Faith Foundation. Both speakers were noticeably excited about what they were doing for the world. According to a 2010 UK Observer report, “Tony Blair is preparing to launch a “faith 

Updated! (208) Rick Warren's New Age Health Gurus - Here Come the GURU-DOCTORS! by Sarah Leslie, 3/12/11
When Rick Warren launched his year-long Daniel Plan at a Saddleback Health and Fitness Seminar, he introduced three key doctors that would be working on this agenda with him. The fact that these three doctors are easily identifiable as New Age “guru” type doctors is indisputable. Their own public record is very obvious – each man in one way or another has connected himself with various elements of the New Age. One need only “google” their names to find their connections to activities, practices and personnel at high levels in the New Age movement.  Read this series by Sarah Leslie:

Part 1: Rick Warren's New Age Health Gurus - Here Come the GURU-DOCTORS!
Part 2: Reiki "Power" and Rick Warren's Health Plan
Part 3: The “WOO” Factor

(210) Purpose Driven Dismantling Of Christianity By Marsha West, News With Views, March 19, 2011
The real danger to traditional Christianity is not from without, but from within its own ranks. Millions of professing Christians have conformed to the world and have been taken in “through philosophy” and “the tradition of men” and are “not after Christ.” (Col. 2:8) Not that this is anything new. The attempt to blend Christianity with paganism has been going on since the days of the early church. And here we are 2 millennia later, still fighting some of the same battles. 

(211) Question to the Berean Call: Why are you and other “discernment” writers so critical of Rick Warren and his new Daniel Plan? by The Berean Call, 3/24/11
Rick Warren, as a shepherd of thousands of sheep and one who has been called "America's pastor," is responsible to the Lord for what he is feeding them. Tragically, he has brought in hirelings (and worse) who will lead his sheep into meditative techniques that are "doctrines of devils" and will open them to direct communication with "seducing spirits" (1 Tm 4:1).

(212) Warren Jesus, Muslim Jesus or Biblical Jesus by James Sundquist, 3/30/11
By James Sundquist, who will give 22 scriptural reasons why they are not the same Jesus. He explains in detail the following: The Jesus discussed in the Koran & Haddith Scriptures. What Islamic Jesus says he will do when he returns to the earth. Is Islam a religion of peace? Is the biblical Jesus the same Jesus as depicted in Muslim Scriptures? Is Islamic Jesus the Prince of Peace, or another masquerade of the Prince of Darkness? This film has been updated to include Rick Warren's promotion of Mohammad and awarding Tony Blair with his Global Peace Plan annual award and includes John Wesley's published expose of the religion of Islam. James Sundquist's presentation was featured on Andy Andersen Live, WMCA Radio in New York, Prime Time Live, Moody Broadcasting Network, "Watchman on the Wall" national radio program, and recommended by Calvary Contender magazine and featuring in his book Rick Warren's Global Peace Plan vs. Scriptural Teachings on Peace, published by Southwest Radio Church. 1 hour film on YouTube.

(213) Saddleback’s Response to Criticism Over Daniel Plan – An Unscriptural Paradox! by Lighthouse Trails, 4/3/11

(215) Saddleback Church of Rick Warren Using Rob Bell Teachings by Ken Silva, 5/23/11
Now we see “flow going on here” at Saddleback Church, one of the most influential congregations in the Southern Baptist Convention, to “the Emerging Church” in the person of Rob Bell. As a matter of fact, two years ago in Saddleback Church Pastors Using Rob Bell Teachings I told you they’d already made that fateful decision. Not really all that surprising considering this August 2009 tweet from Rick Warren to Rob Bell: RickWarren: “thenoomaguy Hey Rob, Just wanted to encourage you to ignore critics. If you werent impacting & making a difference, theyd ignore you. rick” (http://tiny.cc/xtipp, accessed 5/22/11) Why would a pastor want to turn his flock toward those who preach a different Gospel?

(216) Van Impe ministry abandons TBN in clash over Islam (and criticism of Rick Warren & Robert Schuller) by Bob Unruh, WND, 6/18/11
A Christian ministry’s decision to expose as “false teachers” several celebrity ministers it believes are corrupting biblical teachings has prompted a rift, with Jack Van Impe Ministries dropping plans to work in the future with Trinity Broadcasting Network, where it has broadcast for more than two decades. “I Will Not Be Silenced! I will not allow anyone to tell me what I can and cannot preach,” Van Impe said in a statement when TBN would not allow his program to air. 

(217) John Piper Interviews Rick Warren At Saddleback by Ken Silva, 7/5/11
Since this article went online at Apprising Ministries the page to the interview of Rick Warren by John Piper appears to have vanished. However, I was able to retrieve the video page—at least for now. AM already has the pdf transcript on file and put it at the bottom of this piece, but unfortunately right now it does seem to appear at the website.

(218) 24 Signs That Your Church Is Going Purpose Driven From Southwest Radio Church Ministries, 7/28/11
Twenty four things you will see in your church if it is going "Purpose Driven"

(219) Saddleback Church Hosts First 'Radicalis' 3-day Outdoor Festival at Understanding The Times, 8/16/11
Hoping to inspire a new youth movement among college-age Christians, Saddleback Church held its first three-day outdoor festival featuring music, art, and teaching, at its 170-acre conference center in San Juan Capistrano. More than 500 people from churches and colleges in Southern California attended the event called "Radicalis Festival," which ended Saturday morning. Many of those attending the festival slept in tents set up on the conference center's soccer field. Warren is now, in a sense, passing the Radicalis baton to the next generation of Christian leaders, college-age ministry Pastor Brad Baker told The Christian Post.

(220) Question: Why are you and other "discernment" writers so critical of Rick Warren and his new Daniel Plan? by The Berean Call, 8/28/11
All three of the medical doctors are practitioners of various forms of Eastern mystical meditation and occultism, which they promote in their well-being programs of body, mind, and spirit. No doubt their medical science education gives them valuable insights into the workings of their patients' bodies, but what of mind and spirit?

(221) Rick Warren: 9/11 National Prayer Day Planned 2 Blocks From Ground Zero at Understanding The Times, 9/2/11
Comment from Understand the Times: Rick Warren's P.E.A.C.E. Plan is designed to work together with all religions and Tony Blair who has the Faith Foundation. In light of Warren's plan to fill the spiritual vacuum caused by 9-1-1, it would appear Warren will plan that the One World Religion will become even more of a reality. Perhaps he will have Blair ask the pope to head it up with headquarters in Jerusalem.

(222) “God’s Dream”: A Deceptive Scheme? by Warren B. Smith, 9/20/11
“God’s Dream” is a term Robert Schuller adopted years ago and has popularized for more than thirty-five years. As previously mentioned, it appears that Rick Warren first encountered the Schuller concept of “God’s Dream” in 1974 as a twenty year-old. Six years before he started Saddleback Church, he read Schuller’s 1974 book Your Church Has Real Possibilities. 5  In the last chapter of his book, Schuller introduced the term “God’s Dream” in his exhortation and charge to budding young pastors

(223) Rick Warren Makes Bold Move Unveiling Centering Prayer Devotion by Lighthouse Trails, 10/16/11
During the first week of October, Rick Warren made a bold move, revealing his true affinity toward contemplative (centering) prayer. The majority of people who saw this will probably not have recognized the significance of this endorsement, which has led us to put out this communiqué. It was done in a simple Twitter posting on Rick Warren’s Toolbox Twitter account, where Warren wrote a “Tweet” telling followers to go to his Pastors.com website where a step-by-step process in centering prayer (i.e., contemplative prayer) is given. The message told followers to click over to the website for “easy steps” on how to practice “centering prayer.” Once at Warren’s website, readers saw the following post ...
 

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