Rick Warren, part 2: fishy theology?

Rick Warren has been praised and applauded for his books, sermons, conferences, study materials that have, without doubt, led to church growth, conversions, spiritual development and theological initiatives. I understand that doctorates and  other degrees have been based on his ministry at Saddleback Community Church in California. I have met many people who have been helped by his life and work. RW is regarded as one of the most prominent Protestant pastors on the planet.

Nevertheless there are serious concerns about aspects of his theology and understanding of evangelism.

One of the concerns or criticisms of Rick Warren's theology is his approach, which has been called market driven based on a sort of consumer capitalism or American corporate business meta-narrative. RW has admitted that he has been profoundly influenced by Peter Drucker, the secular management guru. Drucker's philosophy is based on business management and administration. 

It has been argued the Drucker's influence on Evangelical leaders, such as Bill Hybels, RW and another high profile minister, has seriously corrupted the preaching of the Gospel in the USA and beyond.  What should be a God centred and biblically based enterprise has become a business and market driven, seeker sensitive approach, which is built around human needs, development and secular success, or success that is perceived as such by secular society. Growth, in terms of numerical increase, financial contributions from members, higher levels of participation in programmes and greater commitment to various projects, can be measured and verified empirically.  Therefore American business methods, objectives and smart ways of working, shape the church,  its procedures and practice.  Car parking, seating, music, location, merchandizing and communications are given much thought and analysis in order to run a successful enterprise. The Saddleback church or community fellowship may, therefore, be running along  the lines of a business model that competes for customers/members in a market driven consumer society.

Another criticism is that this market driven philosophy is weak in preaching the authentic Gospel of genuine repentance, rejection of sinful ways and true conversion by the work of the Holy Spirit, resulting in salvation by divinely given grace through faith in Christ Jesus. Conversion by course participation, ticking boxes in study notes and enrolment in church programmes is not true Christianity. Without repentance there is no Christian life but the serious danger of a false sense of eternal security. Someone could, it is argued, erroneously believe that they are safe and secure without genuine repentance and a regenerated heart.

Once I have found my copy of RW's book, The Purpose Driven Church, with my annotations, then I will conclude this post.