Rick Warren has invited Barack Obama and John McCain to speak at his church in August. Rick Warren, the man who first gave purpose to the church, and then gave even more purpose to lives, will now play moderator and host to this year’s presidential candidates. I digress, but how did the church ever fulfill its role before Mr. Warren discovered something apparently no one knew? If we only figured out in the 20th century that we as Christians have a purpose, how did the church ever survive the persecutions under Roman Emperors, the dark ages, the persecutions of the Reformation …? As I said, I digress. Back to Mr. Warren’s most recent publicity stunt. This, to me, is wrong on so many levels. I will admit, I have never concerned myself with Mr. Warren very much. Having not read his books, I guess I am guilty of having sat on the sidelines as millions have found “purpose” through his books.
I guess there is much I could say, but instead of fleshing out all the reasons why I do not believe the church pulpit, stage or facilities should be used in anyway to promote any candidate whose worldview appears so opposed to a Biblical worldview, I will instead say this: I feel pity and sadness for the thousands who will attend a church and hear, from at least one of the candidates present empty political promises and a claim to a type of faith that doesn’t guarantee salvation. I am disappointed that an opportunity to share the simple truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and Salvation by grace through faith will be shamefully passed up fin exchange for a blatant attempt at recieving publicity.
Rick, if you are out there, there is still time to preach the Word on August 16th.
