A cave. That's what I've been living in for weeks now. How else to explain my complete surprise at seeing John McCain and Barack Obama being interviewed last night on CNN and FoxNews, you know, BIG CABLE, by an evangelical pastor, I mean, "mega-pastor?"
All I've read of pastor Rick Warren's book, The Purpose-Driven Church, is the title. I've heard him speak for all of two minutes on the telly. I don't know a thing about him other than that he is the founder of what seemed to me a new evangelical fad. His book, and the para-church programs born of it, struck me -- and I admit I'm being superficial here -- as more of the same kitsch and gimmickry to which evangelicalism seems particularly prone. When I think of Rick Warren, I unfairly think of the Prayer of Jabez, bobble-head Jesus dolls and WWJD shoe laces. And I am always prone to cynical mutterings, like, "What about the Jesus-driven Church?" or the more philosophical "What about the Church-driven Church?" or, in light of certain prayer techniques, "What about the Prayer of our Lord?" But such questions get you nowhere; and they will certainly never get you the sort of broader cultural approval one can get standing between two presidential candidates.
I have not yet watched the "debate" or interview from Saddleback Church. I recorded it for later digestion; it's comfortably sealed in digital Tupperware just waiting for me to plunge in and get my fill. Of course, not having yet watched it, I will hold my tongue on its merits.
But last night, as I flipped over the news channels carrying the debate, I could not help ask the rather profane question, "Who the hell is Rick Warren?" Now don't get me wrong; this is more confession than polemic, so please know that I don't think the question a particularly thoughtful, moral or proper one. I would rather ask, if I was not prone to profanation, how it is that Rick Warren has climbed such heights that he is able to play James Lipton or Sir David Frost to two of the nation's most important men, historically and politically speaking. How does this happen? Yes, yes. I know that Mr. Warren's story is quite amazing; it is inspiring to learn of his many achievements and great generosity: his Wikipedia entry informs us that he "reverse tithes" at his church: due to the overwhelming success of his book, Mr. Warren has returned all of his many years' salary and gives 90 percent of his earnings to his church, leaving himself 10 percent on which to live. That is a decent and inspiring thing to do (and that is one fine book).
Part of me, the really cynical, jaded, fallen, and ineluctably corrupted part of me, believes that Mr. Warren was just using his platform to introduce his preferred candidate, Barack Obama, to a broader evangelical audience. Cover for this motive, of course, was to involve Mr. McCain. Besides, having both men appear gives the event the necessary gravitas to garner broad media attention. (One telling irony is that Charles Krauthammer said after the event that it was perhaps the best sort of political debate he had ever seen; if it is, what does that say about BIG MEDIA, who usually host these big-ticket political events?) But, I admit, this is me only guessing.
I admit my cynicism is utterly unjustified, though I know two things: there is a push on in the Obama campaign to truly secure the evangelical vote (and he appears to have it, according to polls), and Mr. Obama has appeared at a forum at Mr. Warren's church before -- sans McCain -- all to great applause and approval (and no small controversy).
But enough. I must simply stop, wait, listen, learn. Besides. I am late for church.
Peace.
©Bill Gnade 2008/Contratimes. All Rights Reserved.
6 comments:
It's interesting you should mention this. We've got a new pastor (today was his second Sunday. Our search committee was very concerned that man we got would not be of Rev. Warren's ilk. I suppose to assuage any fears we might have, he is preaching a four part series on the "Christ Driven Church" in which he uses words like "sin," "judgment" and "blood atonement."
Quite discomfiting and quite refreshing, actually.
Cheers.
It's interesting that you would propose that Rick Warren was using this as a platform to promote Obama, when some CNN commentators said it was to promote McCain and rally conservative evangelicals. I was really confused about the real intent of the entire thing. I think both candidates have articulated their faith and beliefs quite well thus far, so I missed the point. I read a variety of accounts that declare either man the winner, but I hope in the coming months, we can elevate the level of discussion. I've read the Purpose Driven Life and Warren isn't a deep thinker, but I think that is what makes his message appealing and popular, unfortunately.
I take the view that religious leaders should not involve themselves in politics and in matters pertaining to civic governance.
I spoke with Mr Warren a few years back about his open support for the war and his unabashed display of nationalism. Daily I would drive past Saddleback Church and see an enormous American Flag hanging off the building and a banner that said "Support the troops."
While I think this type of display is perfectly fine in the town square, I told Mr Warren that it was a bit unseemly for a Christian organization.
Dear R. Sherman and Karen Luttrell,
Ah, hah! I have found evidence of literary collusion: you have both begun your comments identically.
"It's interesting" indeed!
(But I thank you both for posting interesting comments.)
Peace,
BG
Chris,
While I may not take as strong a stand as you on the separation of church and state (though my position might even be stronger, if I fleshed it out), you make a very interesting point. Is it unseemly, as you say, for a Christian church to show public support of a military effort? Great question.
BG
Bill,
I would love to see you flesh that out in your very thought provoking way.
We're all familiar with the story about the Silent Night of Flanders in WW1. It's often presented as a sentimental story about the display of good will towards all men, but while a temporary cease fire took place so the troops on both sides could reflect on the birth of Christ, ultimately it is a tragic story of nationalistic fervor taking precedence over Christian brotherhood.
Unfortunately, nationalism can often be at odds with Christian principles.
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