Christian Research Net is reporting that Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church and author of Purpose Driven Life has made some astonishing statements, causing a call for his repentance:
Rick Warren’s Call for Christians to Unite With Catholics, ‘Holy Father’ Raising Concerns
In a new video, megachurch leader and author Rick Warren is calling for Christians to unite with Roman Catholics and “Pope Francis,” who Warren recently referred to as the “Holy Father”—a move that is raising concerns among Christians nationwide and is resulting in calls for Warren to repent.
Warren made the comments following his visit to the Vatican last month, where he spoke at an interfaith conference on the “Complementarity of Man and Woman.”
“We have far more in common than what divides us,” he said in the two-minute video released by the Catholic News Service on Wednesday, described as being an outline for “an ecumenical vision for Catholics and Protestants to work together to defend the sanctity of life, sex and marriage.”
“They would all say, ‘We believe in the Trinity; we believe in the Bible; we believe in the resurrection; we believe in salvation through Jesus Christ,” Warren asserted, speaking of the various denominations within Christianity, of which he included Roman Catholicism. “These are the big issues.”
The author of the bestselling book “The Purpose Driven Life” then sought to defend Catholics from those who take issue with the practice of seeking the intercession of Mary and the various deceased persons that have been sainted by the Vatican.
“Sometimes protestants think that Catholics worship Mary like she’s another god, but that’s not exactly Catholic doctrine,” Warren contended. “People say, ‘What are the saints all about? Why are you praying to the saints?’ And when you understand what they mean by what they’re saying, there’s a whole lot more commonality [that we have with Roman Catholics].”
“There’s still real differences—no doubt about that,” Warren stated. “But the most important thing is, if you love Jesus, we’re on the same team.”
He closed by speaking of his belief that Christians and Catholics serve as co-laborers for the cause of defending life and family.
“When it comes to the family, we are co-workers in the field in this for the protection of the sanctity of life, the sanctity of sex and the sanctity of marriage,” Warren said. “So, there’s a great commonality and there’s no division on any of those three.”
But Warren’s comments have raised concern from Christian leaders nationwide, who are now calling the Saddleback leader to repentance. Matt Slick of the Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry (CARM) repudiated each of Warren’s points.
“Sure, there are Catholics who love the real Christ, the one who died on the cross for our sins. That is not the problem,” he said. “The problem is the Roman Catholic Church’s false teachings concerning Mary and salvation.”
“Rick Warren says both the Catholics and the Protestants believe in the Bible. But, there is a significant difference between the Bible of the Protestants and the Roman Catholic Church, which has added seven books,” Slick wrote. “[T]here are numerous problems in the apocryphal books, such as the teaching of salvation by works [and] the offering of money for the sins of the dead.”
“Warren implies that both Protestants and Catholics have the same view of salvation,” he continued. “Though it’s technically correct to say that Catholics believe in salvation through Jesus Christ, they reject justification by faith alone in Christ alone. Instead, it teaches that good works of various kinds are necessary for salvation.”
The Christian apologist then pointed to several Roman Catholic teachings on Mary, mainly from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), such as that Mary “by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation” and that “[b]y asking Mary to pray for us, we acknowledge ourselves to be poor sinners and we address ourselves to the ‘Mother of Mercy,’ the All-Holy One.”
“Rick Warren has not only failed to recognize the problems in these serious areas, but he has lent his credibility as a Protestant pastor in support of the Roman Catholic Church,” Slick wrote. “This should never be done by any Protestant pastor who takes the Bible seriously. I must conclude that Mr. Warren does not take the word of God seriously and/or he does not understand the damnable teachings of Roman Catholicism regarding salvation.”
“Rick Warren needs to repent,” he said.
"Holy Father"? There is but one and that is GOD (I AM). And purpose-drivel Warren can't change that, rubbing his rosary or not.
I just can't understand why after all the things that has been revealed about Rick Warren, still a lot of Christians listen to him, even defending him. There's a yeast infestation going on. An infiltration of the church. Praying for more knowledge, wisdom and discernment for our brethren.
I was raised Catholic went to Catholic grammar school and high school. Was taught that the Catholic Church was the true church and all non Catholics were going to Hell
At twenty four I found that I could not save myself
That Jesus did that for me once and for all finished
Now my job is to proclaim the whole gospel
Mr Warren needs to repent and be saved
He was mentored by Robert Schueller who was mentored by Norman Vincent Peale( a mason of high degree ) who was mentored by Helena Blavatsky an occultist. I came out of the Apostate CC and many other apostate Protestant denominations! Including one that was totally influenced by Rick Warren and his false teachings
We must be Bereans and ask the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth
Unfortunately I would be surprised if Mr Warren
Repented, over the moon happy,if he did, but He has too much power and authority his pride is too big! People BEWARE!!!
Wonderful testimony!! Half of my family is Catholic and it is so hard to relay the Truth of The Gospel to them. I'm so thankful that you have searched the scriptures and KNOW the Truth!
AMEN!!!!!! Ask questions, seek His Word (Bible), think. Don't go by feelings, traditions, etc. unless they line up with the Word of God.
Agreed! Matt Slick is right on! There are more differences than similarities between the 2 faiths. And, to refer to the Pope as "Holy Father" is beyond absurdity for a proclaimed Protestant minister. I pray that Jesus will convict through His Holy Spirit and Rick will turn from this path that he has been on for several years. Jesus, we ask for your divine mercy and grace upon your child and that he will stop listening to the enemy of lies and do an about face back towards you and your TRUTH.
Right.
Anyone who knows their bible even remotely knows that all of that unity with Rome is complete heresy. But of course this is the age of apostasy per 2 Thess. 2.
Matt Slick has done a good job refuting Rick Warren's ecumenism with Rome. He has duty from scripture to teach what accords with sound doctrine and rebuke those who contradict it, but this clearly shows that he refuses to be bound by what scripture teaches because he believes in an ideology that teaches "God loves diversity" which originated from his mentor Peter Drucker. Rick Warren needs to repent from this false teaching and scripture twisting.
Warren is just as dangerous when he saddles up with Islam and touts how we should seek "common ground". He is a vile seducer of the church and many are beginning to see through him. This cozying with the Catholics all the more proves he is in error
It seems for Rick Warren's efforts to build bridges (at least at a high level) with the Catholic community, we see more Protestants now pushing dividing comments toward Rick.
One scenario to play out would be this: will God use Rick's bridge building to create respect and friends in the Catholic church that later he can reach out to and dialogue with on more detailed theological issues? Or, will Protestants sitting back and snarling about "Catholics are doing it wrong" open the door for change?
Friends can take "wounds" and challenges often far better than enemies can. I trust God can use this for good.
Why would God use a wolf disguised as a sheep to reach out to a dead religion? Warren has one goal in mind – to build the ecumenical church. You forget, true sheep are called to come out, be separate. Your analogy simply doesn't square with Scripture RobS.- thus, you are part of the problem and not the solution.
Have you forgotten Warren prayed to Isa not so very long ago? Isa is the Muslim 'jesus'; now, what does the word of God say about false gods?
"Thou shalt have no other gods before me. "
Where is Warren's repentance for praying to a false god? That is only one of the many things wrong with Rick Warren and his 'theology'.
What a novel concept – forging alliances with people who are against abortion, same sex marriage, etc. to fight against the devil’s plans. This is clearly a demonic plot for the devil to subvert his own plans. Why do those who call themselves Christians have to be so paranoid? No wonder we’re losing the culture war. A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.
…which begs the question, when were Christians ever commanded to be in a culture war?
Donald, what alliances can we have with a religion that worships the Queen of Heaven, that practices Necromancy kissing and praying to bones. Do you realize that every catholic church is built on the foundation of relics (bones)? No paranoia here, just wisdom.
With all due respect, Donald James Parker, we are commanded NOT to form alliances with Baal in order to advance an earthly kingdom of man's making…Jesus and all whom he discipled tell us repeatedly to keep looking up. They talk of the blessed hope, which has nothing to do with the worldly culture.
Every time a professing protestant partners with any false religion they give credence and acceptance to unbelievers and this makes the lost feel more comfortable in those churches. This is not of God.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 King James Version (KJV)
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Swim the Tiber, Mr. Warren, swim the Tiber!
Mr. Warren is correct in what he says and is merely trying to draw unity among Christians at this very crucial point in history where Chrisrianity is being challenged on a whole. Catholics and Christians should rejoice at what we have in common and remain steadfast for the truth. We need to examine our history and learn as much as we can about the inheritance of Faith that is available to us all. Why would we want to challege Mr, Warren? Why are we not excited to learn that we are very similar and can hold a common bond that unites us with Christ?
So many non-Cathoiic Christians are confused about the origins of the Bible. The fact is that it was the Catholic Church that determined which books were divinely inspired in 382. The Catholic Church is the authority that decided what the word of God is. There were many other writting at the time that the Catholic Church deemed not to be inspired by the Holy Spirit and did not authorize it as scripture. So Christians who claim the Bible to be an authority are perhaps inadvertently giving authority to the Catholic Church who is responsible for putting the books of the Bible together. Even the Bible Martin Luther used was the Bible cannoned and authorized by the Catholic Church. With out the Catholic Church, there would be no Bible, but the Catholic Church existed before the Bible, it is the church Jesus founded and therefore had the authority to decided what the divine word of God was. Mr. Slick, the Protestant apologest speaks erroneously either due to ignorance or personal benefit, when he says the Catholic Church added books to the Bible; on the contrary the Catholic Church did not add books to the Bible, the Catholic Church authorized the Bible, the seven books were removed by Martin Luther.
Mr. Warren has opened up a dialog for Christians and Catholics alike. This is a wonderful time for us to research and dialog about our rich history, the role Christianity plays in the furthering of mankind, and what we Christians or all denominations must do to spread the gospel.
Thanks, Maria, I couldn't have said it better myself! I hope Mr. Warren meets Scott Hahn. I think Mr. Warren is on the brink of "coming home."
One thing is for sure, Satan is the prince and the power of this physical realm and the spirit of division is still running rampant and trying to divide us during a time when the Holy Spirit is speaking to the believer about our need to be experiencing the ONENESS of the Father and the firstborn Son and tune into the drive of Jesus Christ to see His words in John 17: 21 be our reality! ("that they [that's you and I ] may be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me."
These words spoken by Jesus Christ were intended for ALL MANKIND, JOHN 17:2. Note that when Jesus spoke these words THERE WERE NO CATHOLICS OR PROTESTANTS PRESENT AT THAT TIME, only those of the Jewish traditions! Maria, the true "WORD of GOD" was given to the descendents of Abraham and written in the TORAH, which contains the first 5 books of what we call our Bible. God's word was first given to the Hebrews and their prodigy on down through history!
We GENTILES did NOT have access to God's word or His promises until Jesus made it available through Peter and his going to the house of the Gentile centurion named Cornelius and all there received the baptism of the Holy Spirit! The point here is that the first "church" established by our Lord Jesus Christ consisted of 100% Jews for the first 15 to 17 years! This "church" was then considered a sect of Judaism because they would meet at the Temple to study Christ's teachings and worship God.
But, because of the persecution from the Romans towards the Jews, many Christians stopped honoring the Sabbath, which for thousands of years is observed from Friday night, sundown until Saturday night, sundown and they began to worship on Sundays. Eventually, in 325 A.D. at the Council of Nicea, it was decided that the Christian Church would cut off its relations with the Jews altogether! BIG MISTAKE!!! As a result of this action, the "church" went right into the DARK AGES!
The "Body of Christ" which is the living, breathing spiritual organism made up of many parts with Jesus Christ being the Head, needs to be experiencing and walking in "ONENESS" as spoken by JESUS in JOHN 17:20! We need to drop the LABELS and come into the FAMILY OF GOD! I see the descendents of Abraham who live in Israel today as my elder brothers in the spirit because Jesus was a Jew, we have access to the promises of God through Christ and we need to see ourselves (all believers) as part of God's family and stop being a part of some organization! It's a NEW DAY! THE SIGNS IN THE HEAVENS ARE POINTING TO THAT FACT, Blood Moons, Solar Eclipses, etc. Rejoice, He's coming to be admired in all of us who believe His Word! Amen! Let's be ONE.
Here it is 2017 and Rick Warren has NOT repented. I don’t believe repentance could begin to undo the harm he has/is causing. A recent video on YouTube about him showed him discussing the # of Mideastern people who are being saved. While it did not discuss the content of the Bible these people are being given it did show the book. it’s about 1/4th as thick as our Bible so you know a lot has been left out. The video actually shows recorded talks given by Warren and he is repeatedly referring to Jesus as Esse who is the false Jesus in the Koran. Of course Warren is bragging about all the souls he is winning for Christ. He claims he is uniting Islam and Christianity. Trouble is that he is so believable when you watch and listen to him. And you want to believe that what he’s claiming is true/. But it’s all a pack of lies.
The You Tube video also delved into the megachurch conception and how that it was a politician, who is also a mason who came up with the concept of the mega churches. And the connections to Schuler and Peale. I should have bookmarked that video but it was so late in the night when it ended and I just left that tab open on my computer. Wouldn’t you know that would be the night my computer was updated, turned off and had to restart. And that also the restore screen options didn’t come up as an option. GRRR!
Yes Ruck Warren is definitely in the devils hip pocket. It would be nice to see more churches and ministers speaking out against him. It’s a topic that needs to be reopened.
Thanks for posting this again Amy.