Here are a few of your 'comments and responses received on my previous blog posting, regarding Rick Warren and his invitation of US Senator Barak Obama.

I consider Warren a left field Christian at best. His book advocates that preachers not preach doctrine, but "feel good" sermons, etc. etc. etc. What he stands for will kill the Church in the long run. It will become an entertainment center. He may has well have Ted Kennedy speak in his Church. RST - AOL Reader

 

I agree with you on  every point. Why are conservative Christian's attacking Rick Warren? I have a feeling that these that criticize might not be truly “born again”,  I believe if Jesus was walking the earth again now he would be with those who are sick and lost (in this case HIV/Aids sufferers)..hum I wonder if His spirit could be with Rick…my guess is yes.  Rick seems to be a pastor of “Spirit lead change and growth”…He is one that is keeping his eyes on Jesus…It would be best for those that criticize Rick to stay focused on Jesus and the “tragedy of Calvary”. John D.

Rick has ALL my support and prayers. I think that Rick and Kay Warren are taking a leap of faith in what they are doing, and I applaud them for doing so! Like the bible says Jesus healed the lepers, Rick and Kay Warren are reaching out to the HIV/AIDS culture. Good luck in your mission and God be with you both during this time. Angie N.

Mr. Hogue: Thank you for your article regarding Rick Warren. I believe that it was well constructed and done with a lot of thought and research. I truly agree with your closing statement to say at this time I can not condemn Pastor Rick Warren. I do believe our church leaders need to get out of the "pews" and start making a difference. If nothing else comes of this I Thank God that Pastor Rick had the guts to just stand up and take the bull by the horns, so to speak. Debbie J.

The problem with Rick Warren is this: He pontificates as his recent trip to Syria illustrates. He meant to illustrate that Syria is no threat to the Christian Church but indeed it is a terrorist state. It is this trip that raises concern about his direction of activities that not only deceive Christians about Syria but that also muddy the waters about the Church's relationships with Israel. It is time now that he stops avoiding theological issues and starts clarifying his meandering journeys in terms of his theology. Let him begin his clarifications with his view of the relationships between the Church and Israel. Or if you want to respond in his stead, please do so. Charles M.

Charles, my posting was in reference to Rick Warren's invitation of US Senator Obama to his church's HIV/Aids Conference. I've read numerous articles of outrage over Warren's statements and audio/video tape from his trip to Syria. I don't believe the 'two issues' are similar, nor should they be lumped together in criticism. 

We all make honest mistakes; I have for 26-plus years doing talk radio and ministry. Because I'm supposed to have an answer, or an opinion, I attempt to address areas of politics, culture and diplomacy that I think I have a grasp of, but in the end I'm shallow in my expertise and experience. I speak on what I see and think, only to realize hours later that I was not entirely accurate.

I believe Rick Warren made the same 'mistake' surrounding his Syria observations and  conclusion. Knowing his heart, I'm sure he wants to see bigger and better fields of ministry and relationships for the gospel. Who doesn't? He made a mistake in commentary, not in theology.

I've been a Christian for over 30-years, involved in News/Talk Radio and Journalism for over 26-years. I remember errors by Rev. Billy Graham, Pat Robertson, Rev. Jerry Falwell, Dr. James Dobson, and the list goes on. What 'dogs' Rick Warren is his 'flavor' of ministry. His is not a 'run of the mill' pastor. Rick Warren's ministry call will never be confused with the great works of historical church theologians and scholars; in the end the fruits of Warren's fields will be just as sweet.