If you tend to believe everything you read on the internet, often forward "shocking" emails or take anything you "see for yourself on YouTube" as truth, then this post will do nothing to dissuade you from believing that Pastor Rick Warren espouses "chrislam". On the other hand, if you tend to research rumors before you pass them on or try to find the truth about people before attacking them on the internet this post might help.
Let me be very clear: Pastor Rick Warren does not believe in, promote or validate chrislam on any level. I have worked for Pastor Rick for the past 6 months, I have met with him on multiple occasions, I listen to him preach every weekend, I have read every book he has written, I have followed his ministry closely for almost 20 years. Pastor Warren is not perfect; he is very open and honest about his challenges and flaws. But his theology is tightly bound to Biblical Christianity. Brandon Cox has an excellent post if you are interested in researching what Pastor Warren actually believes and teaches.
You can also read what Pastor Warren says for himself below. This is an answer he posted yesterday in the comment section of a blog where others had attacked him:
"Several of the above comments are completely incorrect, based on believing 2nd hand false rumors instead of finding out the facts before speaking up. "Only a fool believes all he hears" Proverbs 14:15
The so-called "Chrislam" rumor is 100% false. If the guy who started this libelous myth, or anyone else who passed it on, had obeyed our Lord's command (Matt. 18:18-20) to come directly to me, and then asked what I actually believed - they would have been embarrassed to learn that I believe the exact opposite. As a 4th generation Christian pastor, my life & ministry is built on the truth that Jesus is the only way, and our inerrant Bible is our only true authority.
As an evangelist, I spend much of my time speaking to non-Christian groups. You cannot win your enemies to Christ; only your friends, so we must build bridges of friendship and love to those who believe differently so Jesus can walk across that bridge into their hearts. Besides, it is not a sin, but rather COMMANDED by Jesus that we love our enemies. In the past 10 years, Saddleback Church has baptized over 22,000 new adult believers- simply because we express love to those who don’t know Christ yet.
It is nonsense to believe that you must compromise your beliefs, or water down your convictions in order to love someone, or even just treat them with dignity.
Jesus was called "the friend of sinners" by the legalistic Pharisees because he hung out with (and clearly loved) unbelievers. I HOPE YOU will 1) Always believe that EVERYONE needs Jesus as their Lord & Savior. 2) Have the courage to associate with nonbelievers in order to love them and bring them to the Savior. 3) Consider being called "a friend of sinners" a Christ-like compliment. 4) Refuse to pass on rumors until you've checked for the truth with the person accused. The false statements above should be removed.
God bless you.
Rick Warren
There you have it in Pastor Warren's own words; he believes that Jesus is the only way to Heaven, he believes that the Bible is God's Word and he does not teach that Islam and Christianity should be merged in any way. You may disagree with how Pastor Warren shares his faith, but as Jesus said, he that has never said anything that was misconstrued should throw the first stone.
Having seen the Chrislam nonsense about Rick Warren, it's great to know he does respond. Can't say I'd always do what Rick does, but it seems unquestionable that Rick loves Jesus, believes the gospel, and tries valiantly to help others love Jesus and believe the gospel. Thanks for helping get the word out!
Posted by: Davepatchin | July 22, 2011 at 12:20 PM
Love this!
Posted by: Joseph | July 22, 2011 at 01:56 PM
Excellent, and thanks for coming alongside Rick. When "Christians" engage in this nonsense, I understand why we love to hang with nonbelievers!
Posted by: Chuck B. | July 22, 2011 at 05:30 PM
In the past few months, I have found myself defending Pastor Rick from attacks from some who are quite close to me.
It's very disheartening when I hear people spread rumors and cut someone down without directly involving that person in their comments or conversation.
Pastor Rick has been very influential in my own ministry as a pastor, and while I would not always choose to do things the way he does, I respect him for his unabashed faith in Christ.
Thanks to you for sharing this, and may those who call themselves Christians focus on following the instructions laid out for us in God's Word rather than "showboat" irresponsibly.
Blessings to you...
Posted by: John Batts | July 22, 2011 at 07:09 PM
A few people have set the pace for many of us to follow. Even though Pastor Rick has only been living his life as he knows best, he had thought us how to live. Thank you Rick
Posted by: Elvis | July 23, 2011 at 01:52 AM
I have had this Chrislam internet rubbish about Rick Warren & others from a few people. This helps me refute the lies. Tony (UK)
Posted by: Tony Britten | July 23, 2011 at 04:04 PM
Thank you so much for clarification!!!
Posted by: Trish Cunningham | July 23, 2011 at 08:25 PM