November 2004
Articles about what's going on in the Church and the World.

Why Rick Warren's bestseller “The Purpose-Driven Life” should not be used in Lutheran churches.

    I was driving down Commerce Road on my way to St. Joe's hospital when I noticed a big, yellow sign at the neighboring Presbyterian church advertising “40 Days of Purpose.” I guess I wouldn't normally be moved to say anything, much less criticize this most recent popular program among American Evangelicals except that even some of our own Lutheran pastors have jumped on this bandwagon and are using this book and program either uncritically or supposedly “from a Lutheran perspective.” Rick Warren is pastor of Saddleback Community Church in Lake Forest, California. He promises those who use his book “will know God's purpose for your life and be better equipped to receive eternal rewards.” The following review is based on the discussion broadcast on the radio program, “Issues, Etc.” on October 29, 2003. Host Pastor Todd Wilkin led the panel that included Pastor Will Weedon of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hamel, Illinois, Pastor Tom Baker of St. Louis, Missouri, and Dr. Larry Rast of Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

  Basically, the problem with Warren's book is that it confuses Law and Gospel. While being well written, easy to read and seemingly very “practical,” Warren's theology bears labels like “theology of glory,” “semi-pelagianism,” and “Arminian.” That is, he denies the Bible's teaching that man is totally depraved and, as we say in the catechism, “cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him.” Warren believes people have the ability, jump-started by the Holy Spirit, to “make a decision” for Christ, that people need to do something to be accepted by God, and denies the Bible's teaching that salvation is God's free gift, that our salvation begins with God.

  What is so deceptive are some of his claims, such as, “it's not about you, it's about God.” Though he says that, the book ends up being only all about you, your works, your acts, your attitudes. In fairness, as a typical “evangelical” Warren does make a few good points, but, as Tom Baker said, “the subtle danger is that he often begins very well and then takes away with the left hand what he gives with the right.” I do not doubt that Mr. Warren is a Christian. But he is teaching false doctrine.

  Warren's premise is that, at the judgment of the Last Day, God will sit down with each person and administer a “final exam,” as if your salvation is still in question. There will be two questions: “What did you do with my Son Jesus Christ? Did you accept him and learn to love and trust him?” The second question: “What did you do with what I gave you, your life, talents, opportunities and resources? Did you use them all on yourself?” This, of course, contradicts that salvation is determined today based upon whether you have received (not accepted) Christ and his forgiveness or have rejected him. Only the works of Christ, not our works, are the basis of salvation.

  Tom Baker says, “This is not a heaven I'm looking forward to,” and then quotes from Warren's book: “he will evaluate how well you served others with your life” (p. 231); “I command you to live a life of service. What part did you not understand?” (p. 232).

  Martin Luther wrote about “The Bondage of the Will.” Theological Arminians believe in the freedom of the human will. Warren states that God will give you what you need IF you just have the will to live for it. As long as I'm required to do something, anything on my own, there can be little assurance of salvation. More quotes reveal salvation based on works: “If you don't have a relationship with Christ I'll explain how to begin one” (p. 20); “All you have to do is ACCEPT God's offer” (p. 58); “We offer freely ourselves to him” (p. 79); “Of the decision to commit yourself to Christ” (p. 137). Warren quotes Billy Graham and Bill Bright and agrees that man has the capacity to seek God in himself apart from the Holy Spirit, thus cooperating in salvation.

  The so-called “sinners prayer” reveals spiritual confusion. “I invite you to pray, ‘Jesus, I believe in you and I receive you.' If you sincerely meant that prayer, congratulations!” This demonstrates how your salvation does not depend on Christ alone, but on the sincerity of your prayer! In reality, on the one hand, if you're an unbeliever you can't do it (repent and believe). On the other hand, if you are a believer, you don't need to do it! Jesus said, “You have not chosen me, I have chosen you.”

Warren