Kay Warren and Robert Schuller: The Rethink Conference

For many years there has been a long-standing objection to Rick Warren because of slanderous rumors about his "connection" to the heretic-liberal Robert Schuller (founder and long-time senior pastor of the Crystal Cathedral). According to the anti-Warrenite crowd of zealous heresy-hunters, Warren is practically a kind of Robert Schuller clone whose theology/doctrine is nearly identical to Schuller's (for information on Schuller, see this article by Joseph P. Gudel, and this profile by the Christian Research Institute).

This whole Urban Legend has been thoroughly debunked (see Warren and Schuller: Debunking An Urban Legend). Nevertheless, the legend continues to circulate throughout the Internet, most recently gaining a measure of new life because of Kay Warren's appearance at the 2008 Rethink Conference held at Schuller's Crystal Cathedral.

Responses from Warren's critics have been consistent in their condemnation of her appearance at the conference, suggesting that Rick's public distancing of himself from Schuller has been a deceptive sham. It has given Rick Warren's critics a whole new angle of attack, pushing back to the forefront of the picture old arguments about Warren and Schuller that were waning:

Warren is still trying to discredit the book [A Life With Purpose by George Mair], and we believe this is a disguised effort to conceal the influence Schuller, and his beliefs, have had on Warren. It is interesting to note how this WND article bringing Schuller back into the picture comes shortly before Kay Warren will be speaking at the Crystal Cathedral at the Rethink (from Lighthouse Trails, The Truth Behind the Words. For information on the terribly flawed research of Lighthouse Trails, please see my article Lighthouse Trails: Walking in Darkness).

"While Rick Warren has tried desperately to deny his spiritual ties to Schuller, his wife's presence at the [Rethink] conference speaks volumes" (from Warren Smith, Rethinking Robert Schuller. For more information on the absurd attacks made by Smith against Warren, see my article Warren Smith: Self-Deceived On Purpose).

"Why would these evangelicals run to speak for Robert Schuller at his church, the Crystal Cathedral? Why would these evangelicals share the platform with emergent church leaders? . . . The only reason for some of these very popular evangelicals to speak at Schuller’s conference is to call Schuller, and his emergent guests, to repent and return to sound doctrine" (Christian Worldview Network).

The question is obvious: Was Kay's appearance at Robert Schuller's Crystal Cathedral some kind of endorsement of Schuller that erased all of the remarks Rick Warren has made about how he strongly disagrees with Schuller in many areas (see "Warren and Schuller: Debunking an Urban Legend")? No, it was not.

The conference was simply a gathering of influential leaders from around the world (Christian and non-Christian) who were invited to the event so they could share their concerns about the sate of the world. As the Rethink Conference Internet page puts it: "Rethink is a convergence of thinkers, innovators and leaders from the Christian and global arenas" (Rethink Conference). The event hosted all kinds of influential movers and shakers from Larry King, to Kay Warren, to actor Ben Vereen, to supermodel Kathy Ireland, to ex-boxer George Foreman, to former U.S. president, George H.W. Bush. The stated purpose is far from horrifying:

"Our aim is to be immersed in the latest thoughts and perspectives of these respected cultural icons to tap into what’s happening in our world today and to grapple with how we respond. What have these top influencers been thinking about in the last year? What keeps them up at night? What are they rethinking? And how does it all apply to you – your work, your ministry, your life? Find out at Rethink."

Were all of the guests biblical? NO. Were all of the guests heretical? NO.

But drawing together a bunch of biblically-sound Christians to preach to the choir was not the reason for the event. It was held to create an atmosphere of learning, sharing, studying, thinking, growing, interacting, and hearing a multitude of perspectives and viewpoints. I would think that Christians would want to have a representative of Christianity like Kay Warren (who absolutely loves Jesus) at such an event!

The vehement objections that have been raised concerning this event shows with forceful clarity one of the main problems in the Christian church today—i.e., we have become so xenophobic, so terrified of the world around us, and so fearful of others who are not Christian (horror of horrors), we can’t even talk to anyone any more unless they believe exactly as we do, and see things exactly as we do (usually about everything).

Instead of engaging the world and reaching out to others who are not in the "us" crowd (i.e., instead of seeking to interact with non-Christians as a means of being salt and light in the world, Matt.5:13-14), far too many Christians are hiding in their churches, huddled together in creaking pews, and preaching to the choir with the same sermons that they have been listening to and delivering for the last 100 years. It may be safe, but it certainly is not biblical.

We are to be in the world, but not of it (John 17:14-15). And, as Romans 10:15 tells us: "[H]ow shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things!'" Contrary to what some Christians would believe, we are not commanded by God to isolate ourselves from the world or its people (see Working Socially With Unbelievers).