Rick Warren Sparks Controversy with Political Jesus Tweet
In a recent social media post, Rick Warren, the founder of Saddleback Church, ignited a firestorm of debate with his provocative take on the political stance of Jesus Christ. His tweet, which referenced John 19:18, suggested that Jesus would be a political centrist today, as He was crucified between two thieves. This statement, while intended to promote a moderate view, has drawn criticism from various corners of the Christian community.
Warren’s tweet read, "They crucified Jesus with two others — one on each side & Jesus in the middle. The guys on both sides were thieves. If you’re looking for the #realJesus, not a caricature disfigured by partisan motivations, you’ll find him in the middle, not on either side." This assertion has prompted backlash from both theologians and social media users who argue that Warren’s interpretation misrepresents the biblical narrative.
Prominent Christian figures quickly responded to Warren’s comments. Joel Berry, managing editor of The Babylon Bee, humorously pointed out that one of the thieves crucified next to Jesus was promised entry into heaven, suggesting that Warren’s interpretation lacked depth. "If you’re going to misuse the story this bad, you should also point out that the thief on the Right is the one that went to heaven lol," Berry tweeted.
Justin Peters, a well-known expository preacher, criticized Warren’s approach, stating, "This would have been laughed out of biblical hermeneutics on day 1." He emphasized that understanding scripture requires striving for the author’s intent, which he believes Warren failed to do. Peters’ remarks reflect a broader concern among some Christians about the implications of Warren’s perspective on Jesus and politics.
Others echoed Peters’ sentiments, with Aaron Edwards, a theology lecturer, arguing that Warren’s portrayal of Jesus as a moderate aligns more with personal ideology than biblical truth. Ryan Visconti, a pastor from Arizona, went further, asserting that the current political climate leaves no room for moderation on key moral issues. He stated, "There’s no middle ground between evil and righteousness."
Eric Metaxas, author and podcast host, also weighed in, questioning the practicality of Warren’s call for moderation in a world where fundamental moral issues, such as abortion and gender identity, are at the forefront of political debate. "What does it even mean? Shall we be ‘in the middle’ when it comes to standing against killing babies or mutilating kids?" he asked, calling for a bold stance against evil rather than a lukewarm approach.
Warren’s comments come in the wake of Saddleback Church’s removal from the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) due to its decision to allow women to serve as teaching pastors. This controversial move has led to a reevaluation of Warren’s influence within evangelical circles, with critics suggesting that his teachings may contribute to a dilution of biblical truth.
In light of the backlash, it’s clear that Warren’s attempt to promote a centrist view of Jesus has struck a nerve among many Christians who feel that the issues at stake demand a more definitive stance. As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen how this debate will shape the discourse around faith and politics in the evangelical community.
For those interested in exploring more about the intersection of faith and politics, resources like the Gospel Coalition and Christianity Today offer a wealth of information and diverse perspectives on these pressing issues.