Purpose Driven Communism
I like Rick Warren. From the books I've read to the sermons I've heard him preach, I find him to be very convicting and gospel-driven. I know many friends whose lives have been reoriented toward the gospel because of his Purpose Driven Life. However, my cynicism can never let me be fully comfortable with anyone who is so accepted by popular culture.
In a recent interview on a major broadcasting network, Warren was his usual likable self, saying his usual convicting things. He is working closely with the Rwandan government to foster peace and unity within the country. He is calling churches to join together to do similar good works around the world. These are good ways to use his influence.
However, there were a few comments that raised my cynicism. First, he discussed how he is a ‘reverse tither’. Contrary to what you think about Americans, it wasn't that he was receiving 10% from churches. He receives much more from churches via the royalties of his books and courses. Actually, he is giving 90% of his income and living off of 10%. Further, he paid back to the church all 25 years of salary he received. If this was a passing comment, I would have been okay with the discussion. However, I know he has broadcasted this fact in seminars all across the country. The fact that the interviewer asked him about reverse tithing made it clear that it was somewhat of a public fact that he practiced this method of giving. Of course, it is wonderful to be so generous. I greatly admire his modest lifestyle given his circumstances. However, my mind immediately recalls Matthew 6:1-4 and the dangers of announcing how much you give. Even if his intention is not to be seen by others it is still a fine line to walk between good intentions and uplifting yourself as a model giver. It seems that is why Jesus calls for complete secrecy in our giving.
The other comment that I found odd was how it was pointed out that so many world leaders were asking Warren to sign books and give talks in their countries. One such leader who asked for a signed book was Fidel Castro, the communist leader of Cuba. Maybe I am tipping my political hand at this point, but it is hard for me to find praises for a Christian book that can be accepted and praised by an overtly oppressive dictator. Is it not clear that a life driven by a godly purpose is diametrically opposed to a life driven to be a ruthless dictator?
To be fair, this may not be Warren's fault. People read what they want to from the Bible just as they do with all books. Castro has been in power since 1959. Maybe Fidel found this book to be just the shot in the arm he needed to gear up for another decade of tyranny.