Saddleback Shenanigans?

Rick Warren hosted a “come clean” type event at his church last night in which he interviewed both Presidential candidates. I didn’t watch it; the proceedings really aren’t important. But what is important (to me, anyway) is this. Is this an appropriate thing for a pastor of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ to be doing?

Mind you, I thought the event had some very real value. I’m just not thrilled about the mixing of “church and state”, for lack of a better term. Why couldn’t this event be held in a sporting arena or other appropriate sized venue and been moderated by some media type?

I admit I have an anti-Rick Warren bias. I have a lot of problems with his theology and his approach to ministry. He’s the current champion of the “user-friendly” church-growth movement, having unseated Bill Hybels. But he’s still a Christian pastor, and I’m disturbed he would use his influence in such an overtly political way.

I cannot think of anything obviously wrong about what Warren did, nor can I think of any direct violation of a Biblical principle. But I wonder if other powerful (but more Biblical) pastors would have participated in and allowed their church to be used for this type of event?

Many unbelievers think of Christianity as just another political movement. And when guys like Warren, James Dobson, Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, and other evangelical power brokers engage in this type of activity, it’s just more proof.

Anyway, I’m still thinking about this. Who knows? I could be wrong.