Despite heavy criticism, yesterday US Pastor Rick Warren addressed the annual conference of the Islamic Society of N America. Warren prayed for President Obama at the inauguration back in January and was apparently invited to ISNA then.
For something that caused controversy in conservative blogs, the main press coverage was thin. Associated Press had Megachurch pastor Rick Warren addresses US Muslims and in the Washington Times: Rick Warren envisions Coalition of Faith . The AP reports him as saying:
Warren acknowledged the controversy during his 20-minute speech.
"It's easier to be an extremist of any kind because then you only have one group of people mad at you," he said. "But if you actually try to build relationships — like invite an evangelical pastor to your gathering — you'll get criticized for it. So will I."
In his speech, Warren also urged Muslims and Christians to speak out against stereotyping of any group and to respect each other even while disagreeing. Addressing Muslims who "have been in America for many generations now," he urged them to help "the newcomers learn what it means to be American."
and the Washington Times:
"I am not interested in interfaith dialogue but interfaith projects," said the pastor of the 24,000-member Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., who is widely known for his bestseller "The Purpose-Driven Life."
"Talk is cheap ... but love is something we do together," he added. "As the two largest faiths on this planet - more than 1 billion Muslims and 2 billion Christians - as Muslims and Christians, we must believe in this. As more than half the world, we must do something to model what it is to live in peace, to live in harmony."
Warren spoke Saturday evening. At the time of writing only Friday's webcasts were available. I assume it will be posted and also that the transcript will be available, and will post them when it is. Also speaking on Saturday at a different session were Miroslav Volf (Yale Centre for Faith and Culture )and Chris Sieple ( Institute for Global Engagement ) on the Common Word Process.
Many Conservative Christian blogs were dismissive. Joel Belz of World Magazine was holding his judgement: Meeting with Muslims .
To critics of Warren, who think it’s wrong on the face of the matter for him to speak at an event sponsored by Muslims, I say: Wait until you hear what Warren says.
I don’t say that with any kind of inside information. I say it based on the fact that in the Bible, proponents of the gospel seem never to have hesitated to go anywhere with their proclamation. I appreciate Rick Warren’s boldness, and I pray for his faithfulness.
Here’s the test: If Warren shows up at the Muslim gathering and soft-pedals the truth, and talks only about how important it is for us to “get along,” then evangelicals should hold him to account. But if he is as typically forthright as he usually is, we should thank God for the opening and pray that the Lord will prosper Warren’s words.
In the light of that, words that the Washington Times reported might suggest that Warren will not meet Belz's approval:
Although he is an evangelical pastor, Mr. Warren was sparse in his mentions of Jesus and God. Muslims believe Jesus was a prophet but not God incarnate.
"My deepest faith is in Jesus Christ," the preacher said at one point. "I am committed not only to the good news but the common good. Scripture says 'love your neighbor as yourself.' I am commanded to respect everybody."
But I am certainly satisfied.
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