The Calvinism of Rick Warren

by Brenda Nickel Friday, 25 November 2011 – http://www.carylmatrisciana.com

Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Community Church in Lake Forest, California often finds himself at the center of controversy for joining hands with those of questionable doctrine and practice. One of the more surprising partnerships in recent years is his attachment to Calvinism and not just any Calvinism but what he cleverly calls “Kuyper Calvinism.” His switch to Calvinism has made for some interesting bedfellows as people on both sides of the issue are now related to one another and trying to manage their new found “cousins” in their family.

Albert Mohler

Announcement

Rick Warren’s shift to Calvinism was officially announced in 2007 when he was accepted into the membership of Together for the Gospel (T4G), a Calvinist organization that began with conservative Calvinists Ligon Duncan, Mark Dever, Al Mohler and C. J. Mahaney for the purpose of promoting Calvinism’s core “Doctrines of Grace” (aka TULIP). Warren released a statement explaining his association with T4G shortly after his acceptance saying, “I know this is going to be difficult for many to accept, but in the famous words of Martin Luther ‘My conscience is captive to the word of God!’ I look forward to building relationships with those with whom I have disagreed for so long. I am excited to now be a part of the Together for the Gospel team.” While this was Rick Warren’s “coming out” event, it’s not his first mention of Calvinism. He’s apparently held to the sovereign predestining purposes of God for some time.