I have recently engaged in a discussion regarding Mega-Churches, specifically Rick Warren and Saddleback Church. You can find my comments and those of others here. This topic reminded me of a post I wrote a long, long time ago. You can take a peek at that entry here. I didn't intend to revisit this topic, but here I am. Up to my eyeballs.
+++Open my eyes, Lord. I want to see Jesus.
(Click here for another old post on Church History. Nothing new under the sun...)
posted by Kim at 11:43 PM
7 Comments:
Hi Kim,
Wow! Talk about a lion's den of people who don't want to hear another point of view besides their pre-determined one. I have been to some services at Saddleback and was deeply surprised and delighted to see how clearly the gospel was being preached--no holds barred. Winsomely, graciously, but in the end bluntly. That was probably a decade ago, but I doubt seriously that it has changed much since. Like you, I found the hugeness not exactly my cup of tea. But to say that this church is "preaching a false gospel" is ludicrous. These critics fall dangerously close to all sorts of heresies themselves--including Donatism. It's sad, really.
Susan
Thanks for chiming in, Suebee. I had to look up "Donatism", by the way, and yes, I agree wholeheartedly. Thanks for the new (to me) terminology :).
I wrote a post about the birth of the Monastic Orders a while back. I see the same connection. As long as there have been believers, there has been a distinction between those that 'convert the masses', and those that criticize those that convert the masses.
It would be funny if it wasn't so sad.
Kim, really nice to see I'm not the only one that gets "rebuked" for my comments on slice...
thanks for visiting my site!
It was my pleasure to visit your site, MaryEllen. I didn't know you were "rebuked", too. I feel in good company. Thanks for sharing.
I read your comments and wholeheartedly agree. Our church did the "40 days of purpose" thing last year, and I was kind of leery, as I tend to be leery of any Christian book that lands on top of the bestseller lists, LOL. I was quite pleasantly surprised that the book was really quite orthodox in nature - the theology was not anything new or 'out there.'
I really don't see much point in attacking other parts of the church - there are things in other denominations that don't exactly float my boat. So what. I don't have to go there, but neither to I feel an overwhelming need to 'set them straight.' They try to serve God their way; my church tries in our way. I am glad God has a lot of 'flavors' for people to choose from, so you can find a church that is a good fit for your personality and style.
I really question the kind of 'ministries' that seem to consist of very little other than picking apart the beliefs and practices of others and deciding exactly how wrong they are.
I think the key is to notice that no one responded to your questions, however respectfully you phrased them...they really had no interest or intent to engage in honest discussion. Your points were good, even if they fell on deaf ears.
Thanks Birgit and Gen. I keep obsessing over every bible verse that would refute the claims and comments made -- Part of me feels compelled to alarm the readers of the false nature of the doctrines they are espousing, but as you noted Gen, those speaking had absolutely no interest in my point of view. As far as they are concerned, anyone in disagreement must be wrong -- the enemy. Sort of glad I wasn't in the stone-throwing range.
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