Rick Warren hosted the two presidential candidates this past weekend at a forum held at the church he pastors in California, Saddleback Church.  I have not read Warren’s books, nor have I participated in any of his “Days of Purpose” programs.  I don’t have a personal problem with him and I don’t know enough about the “40 Days” to criticize though I’m always a bit leery of something that seems to be viewed as the silver bullet by so many churches.

That being said, I do have a point to make.  I think his hosting of this forum has unfortunate consequences and was ill advised.  Not because he didn’t ask good questions.  Not because he seemed to favor one candidate over another, as did John Hagee.  The problem with this forum, in my opinion, was that it served to highlight the candidates’ desire to capture the “evangelical vote”.  This type of event only reinforced the idea that the Church is nothing more than a special interest group.

First- what Rick Warren did right.  He worked to keep this as non-partisan as possible.  He asked the same questions of both men.  I applaud his effort to remain as neutral as possible and I honestly appreciate his efforts at dialogue with both men.   That being said, what was the problem?

Warren has established himself as a leader in evangelicalism.  Senators Obama and McCain each made a pilgrimage to Saddleback to curry favor with him and those who think like him.  I’ve not watched the debate (we don’t have CNN) but it sure sounds like both men were there to make their best pitch for votes.

What should Warren have done instead?  Preach the gospel faithfully.  I’m not saying that he doesn’t do that now, but that should remain his focus.  Make the main thing the main thing.  Hold up the Scriptures as our only rule of faith and practice.  Speak prophetically to issues- not to parties or candidates.  I’m cringing as I read analysis after analysis speaking of the evangelical vote that was being pursued.  Again- the Church is being relegated to a sub-culture.  Of course, Christians do very little to fight that appearance as it is.

In light of the above, you may think the title should read “Warren and the White HOUSE”- not “Horse”.  That’s not a typo.  Those who know me and who may read this blog know I’m a fan of The White Horse Inn- the radio program of Dr. Michael Scott Horton.  This past week’s broadcast featured an interview with Steven Nichols who authored the book Jesus: Made in America. Nichols looks at the history of Christianity in America and makes some pointed comments about how American culture has shaped our view of Christ, the gospel, and politics.  It’s a thought provoking interview.  Check it out HERE.