Rick Warren hosts Senators Obama and McCrotchity Saturday;

what do you think about them apples?

Robert S. McElvaine
The Purpose-Driven Presidency

Is Rick Warren the answer to Barack Obama's religion problem? Or to John McCain's? We may find out Saturday, when the two presidential candidates meet for an interfaith forum at Warren's Saddleback megachurch in California.

Many progressives are nervous about Senator Obama's outreach to people of faith, especially his recent embrace of the concept of utilizing faith-based organizations to deliver some social services. The Democratic candidate's appearance at a megachurch is probably further unsettling to many on the left.

It shouldn't be.

Warren is not part of the gang that has kidnapped Jesus and replaced him with a doppelganger who looks like Jesus, but doesn't sound anything like him.

The people about whom progressives need to be concerned are those whose exegesis consists of X-ing out the teachings of Jesus and therefore should be called Xians. When it comes to these kooks and haters, the Xians of the "Religious Right," Rick Warren is definitely not one of them.

Neither, to be sure, is Warren part of the emerging religious left.

Rather, Warren is in the religious middle, where, as the enormous popularity of his book, "The Purpose Driven Life," attests, most Americans of faith are to be found. He opposes abortion, but his main focus is on the issues on which Jesus focused: poverty, disease, hatred, community, and stewardship of the environment.:shrug:

more...

http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/guestvoices/2008/08/rick_warren_middle_americas_pa.html

have not read any of his books or listened to his speeches before he ran for President.

I don't approve of mixing religion with politics, period.

Faith is a private matter, it was never designed to be part of our government and it should God-damned well stay that way.

lives to regret it-

His platform is anything but one that supports the 'least of these' among us, rather it's one which gives out camels to those wanting to thread their needles.

I believe Obama will do well in this.

:hi:

spoke to my sister last night. Her son used to go to listen to Warren, and his 'purpose-driven life' sermons. I guess he liked the guy.
I'm not religious, but I have no problems with anyone who is. I also think McCranky might be out of his element in this. Should be interesting.

:hi:

Check your local listings for the time. :)

Fuck that.

McCain doesn't

are very familiar with. The popularity of Rick Warren's book is very prominent not only in White Religious life, but in Black American Churches as well has with Hispanics. In fact, for many who attend churches all across the United States, this book was turned into a prayer group type of projects, where hundreds of thousands of Americans broke up into small groups of 5 to 10 people and discussed this book in their own homes. The small group situation comes complete with a work book, worksheets, a video to assist in conducting the meetings, and instruction on promoting discussion and lasts for 5 weeks (5 weekly meetings). I know as I participated in such a group, and I am not a product of "middle America". I am very much a mainstream liberal, as were most of those who participated with me in my group.

In otherwords, this article is quite correct, but Rick Warren is even more prolific than the article even suggests. This is good for progressives; to have such a high profile name as Rick Warren acting as an honest broker when it comes to religion and political issues in the 21st century. His participation, and the fact that he is so popular with many, means that the Hard Right no longer has the only say-so in how religion impacts on our politics. I guarantee you that Rick Warren is doing us a favor, and hopefully can neutralize the place that religious zealots have taken this country to. He is not as progressive as Jim Wallis (God's Politics; how the right got it wrong, and the left doesn't get it)....but closer thereto.

Obama should shine at this event, and McCain will lie up to his eyeballs, as usual.

who wants to bet that out of the first three questions Rev.Wright will be in one of them.