tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563948728142405444.post8619309946907048085..comments2023-08-10T07:18:16.879-04:00Comments on Borrowed Light: Rick Warren on the Colbert ReportAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034192017775511612noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563948728142405444.post-28795159607901648662008-01-31T16:16:00.000-05:002008-01-31T16:16:00.000-05:00I watched the clip yesterday and returned to it to...I watched the clip yesterday and returned to it today before posting my comments.<BR/><BR/>One thing that struck me deeply was that Colbert seemed to be more knowledgeable of the Bible than Warren. Warren's description of who God is and God's delight in us being who he created us to be feeds right into a narcissistic culture. (I note that Warren failed to mention that God delights in us being who He creates us to be "in Christ.")<BR/><BR/>All in all, it looked to me like Rick Warren played Ed MacMahon to Colbert's Johnny Carson. Warren set him up and Colbert delivered the lines.Terry Busterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05530565126716493439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563948728142405444.post-49301563427904590482008-01-31T15:02:00.000-05:002008-01-31T15:02:00.000-05:00Hey, I know I said this over the phone, but I want...Hey, I know I said this over the phone, but I wanted to say it here, too: I think the way in which you responded to Warren's interview was right on. Instead of ad hominid attacks, you focused on specific, objective aspects of the gospel (like sin, the cross, Jesus) that Warren left out. I pray that our Chrsitian brothers and sisters throughout the states and abroad might learn to treat one another with respect, love, and dignity - giving each other the benefit of the doubt instead of jumping to conclusions - even where there are seeming (and even legitimate) differences over ministeriology (how we minister the gospel to others). I agree with you, though, that where we falter with the gospel is a lack of belief (and knowledge possibly, but more than likely just believing the truths of which we know). I pray that the Spirit would change our hearts here, as well, quickening us so that no matter where, when, or with whom, we would be ready to share the reason for the hope that is in us. Thanks for your faithful responses, brother.nunnkindhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01704881913640824635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563948728142405444.post-26825146301442367692008-01-31T11:51:00.000-05:002008-01-31T11:51:00.000-05:00Will, Thanks for the comment. I have struggled wi...Will, <BR/><BR/>Thanks for the comment. I have struggled with how best to respond to this. I have never wanted to come across as slandering or attacking Warren. Given the same situation, the quick questions, and Colbert's typical style, I am certain that I would have faltered on areas too. <BR/><BR/>I think what I am trying to say in all of this is that the nature in which we falter reveals something about our belief in the gospel. It breaks my heart that we so often feel the need to make Christianity palatable. I agree with Ed Stetzer that the only thing that should be offensive is the Cross. But yet the Cross is offensive, and when we take it (and all of its ramifications like human sinfulness) out for the sake of being "relevant" or "contextualizing" then I think we do quite a bit of harm. <BR/><BR/>My main reason in sharing all of this is NOT to say, look at Rick Warren he's a heretic, let's get him. My main reason in sharing this is to teach, and hope that in the future young ministers might trust in the power of the gospel...and that we might proclaim Christ in such a way that after having an interview like that we are discussing Jesus, so that He might be the only boast of this generation. <BR/><BR/>Again, thanks for you interaction and I apologize to everyone if it seems like I am attacking Rick Warren. I have tried to refrain from throwing barrels at him. :-)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034192017775511612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563948728142405444.post-53271174342834765622008-01-31T11:15:00.000-05:002008-01-31T11:15:00.000-05:00Yeah, it's sad that Warren didn't take a definitiv...Yeah, it's sad that Warren didn't take a definitive stand on really anything in this interview. He could've even used the question about stoning gay people to launch into Christ's atoning work.<BR/>I wonder what his purpose was in this interview. It seems like he wanted to just "get in the door" with "young folk" (I guess I would somewhat mockingly put these words into his mouth) and tell them that God's not like the monkey at the top of the stairs on the Mario game throwing barrels at them.<BR/>I agree with you, Mike, that it would have been much more faithful if he would have taken any of the multiple opportunities Colbert gave him to share the gospel. It seems like Colbert was baiting him, though, so that he could attempt to sound-byte Warren's arguments to death. Perhaps there is more wisdom in Warren's tactics than we see; perhaps Warren is attepmting to share the gospel with Colbert personally - by being on his show, perhaps he'll have more interactions with him. That's a lot of "perhaps," though.<BR/>Nonetheless, I think the moral of the story, though, isn't how bad Warren was. He was there, and I'll assume he was trying to be faithful to the gospel. (Honestly, if I were asked those questions on the spot, I'm not sure how I would have answered them; perhaps that's why I'm giving Warren this much grace...Perhaps this comment is just a testament to my own unpreparedness...I'll take that forthcoming rebuke in advance. Thanks.) Rather, I think we should ask, "How would I have responded to Colbert's questions, and even to his overall spirit?" How do we answer the smoke-screen questions that people throw at us - baiting us for a response - in a way that diffuses their mocking spirits and yet also answers their questions? I had a friend (we've since lost contact) who would re-phrase their questions, and that seems to help quite a bit. Perhaps, too, just being straight up faithful to the gospel would have done that, too; it is the power of God for the salvation of sinners. If the answer is that simple - as I think it is - please forgive me for the link of this post.nunnkindhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01704881913640824635noreply@blogger.com