Just to Clarify...

I do not remember a day when I have received so many encouraging and positive emails and so many really negative ones too. Looking through my inbox today has truly been a roller coaster ride. I may publish some of the responses in a future update but suffice to say its gone from "Thank God there is somebody out there like Eric Barger" to "Take me off your gospel hating list."

I don't want to revisit everything that I said in either yesterday's email (January 22) or the one sent on January 17. Everybody, including me, is tired of hearing about and discussing Rick Warren. However, I want to make an addition and clarify a point that I think some folks missed. First, the clarification.

Isa, as some who are upset with me have stated, is indeed the Arabic name for Jesus. However, the whole point I was trying to make (and obviously didn't do so well with) was that the Isa of the Qur'an is NOT the Jesus of the Bible but only one of many counterfeits. There is no presentation of Jesus as Savior in the Qur'an. There is no "Christ," only Allah. The Qur'an only includes a version of Jesus that absolutely false things are stated about. These include: "Jesus, son of Mary, is not God or son of God" and "O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not "Three" - Cease! (it is) better for you! - Allah is only One Allah. Far is it removed from His Transcendent Majesty that He should have a son." (Surah 4:171)

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Just When I Thought I Could Say "Amen"...

Rick Warren invokes the name of Islamic Jesus at Obama Inauguration

There I was, watching all of the regalia of the presidential inauguration. The crowds, the dignitaries, wondering if at any second a Muslim terrorist would be able to breech the heavy security try something unthinkable. Praise the Lord it all went relatively well. Of course, I was also waiting to see just what kind of prayer Rick Warren had co-opted to pray for the new incoming President and his administration. There was good cheer and lots of non-partisan wishes, including copious amounts of slightly sickening back slapping. Politics as usual was for at least a short time partially on hold anyway.

When Rick Warren was introduced I and many listened intently. Christians hoped for the best and prayed. Atheist sat poised with the ACLU on speed dial ready to cry foul should Warren actually mention the dreaded politically incorrect "J" word - Jesus. Others, having been mis-educated in government schools, wondered whose idea it was to have someone pray anyway. After all, those old guys who started this country really weren't religious, right? Or at least that's what the history teacher back in high school said just before the lecture on how only zealots would be so nutty as to hold to all those outdated notions like "One Nation Under God." But, I digress...

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Let's Review...

Since we're going to be hearing a lot about Rick Warren over the next few days, let's review.

Rick Warren is certainly one of the most notable names associated with Christianity today. He often appears to be on the right side of many issues near and dear to Christians. To the disdain of the gay and lesbian crowd, Barak Obama has chosen Warren to offer the invocation prayer at the inauguration next Tuesday. While this and other activities may be applauded by some Believers, before we allow Warren's appearances, proclamations and favorable new coverage by conservatives to cloud our critical thinking, lets not forget what got Warren where he is. Answer: books laden with incomplete or even heretical theology.

First, before we discuss why I believe Rick Warren's books and ministry has been a deceptive detriment and not a boon for the cause of Christ today, let me update you of one recent development. Believe me, you won't hear about this on Fox News this week. Actually, unless it is from a gay activist you won't hear anything construed as critical of Warren any week on Fox News because Rupert Murdoch owns Zondervan who publishes Warren's books.

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