As already demonstrated in my two previous articles (see Paul Proctor: Destructive, Delusional, Deceptive and Paul Proctor: Accuser of the Brethren), Paul Proctor has created his own personal cottage industry out of attacking various individuals, organizations, and churches that he deems unbiblical/heretical, especially Rick Warren (and by connection, Saddleback Church and other purpose driven churches). In this way, he has in some ways mirrored the efforts of Dave and Deborah Dombrowski of Lighthouse Trails Research Ministry. Unfortunately, his accusations, like those of the Dombrowskis, are rarely based on actual factual evidence, well-reasoned arguments, or clear-headed thinking.

But unlike many of Warren's critics (even the Dombrowskis), Proctor takes his accusations far beyond the line of what is acceptable Christian behavior, going so far as to use terrifically offensive imagery, insults, and general mean-spiritedness to lodge his complaints. His words often amount to little more than hate-talk. The following material represents only the tip of the hate-talk iceberg that floats amid the writings of Paul Proctor (also see Paul Proctor: Mean-Spirited Musings for a more in-depth look at this particular issue).

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PROCTOR: ". . . many parachurch organizations and movements that have evolved over the years, some new and some not so new, from the Alpha Course, to the Promise Keepers to the Willow Creekers to the Purpose Driven to the Mosaics to the Emerging Church; each with their own set of false prophets and demonic doctrines steadily steering their respective groups into the coming one world religion of tolerance, diversity and unity, having forsaken the Word of God for the seductive will of men in an ancient occult effort to undo the confusion and separation the Lord inflicted upon the world under the rule of Nimrod" ("Gathering or Scattering").
RESPONSE: Proctor, like so many anti-Warrenites, hides his lack of credible facts/evidence behind streams of evocative language, pious posturing, self-righteous indignation, and unrelenting Old Testament imagery employed for visceral effect.  One can almost see Proctor dressed up in black attire, taking on the role of a fire and brimstone preacher delivering a sermon in some B-grade horror movie just before the demon spawn resurrected by the town teenagers comes in and kills everyone.

But such grandiose verbiage cannot change the fact that Proctor is usually spewing out little more than his own personal, subjective opinions that have no substance in truth. The above quote in particular is a perfect example of how Proctor appears to be unable to function in the realm of reality (see also his emails to me in my article, Paul Proctor: Destructive, Delusional, Deceptive).  There are a few observations to be made at this point.

First, regarding the reference to Purpose Driven having its "own set of false prophets and demonic doctrines," all one has to do in order to verify the falsity of this remark is to look at what has always been, and continues to be, taught at Saddleback church with regard to the essentials of the Christan faith (see my two articles The Doctrinal Essentials of Christianity—and Rick Warren) and Saddleback Church: The Cross, Sin, and Hell).

Second, concerning this so-called "one world religion" with which Proctor is obsessed (as are many of Warren's critics), this is related to a very specific view of the end-times wherein a unified religion will rise up as a kind of backdrop for the Antichrist! This "one world religion" will be all-pervasive and pluralistic (i.e, all roads lead to God, all religions are equally valid).

But is this what Rick Warren and purpose driven churches teach? NO. Warren teaches that all people are sinners who need to be saved by grace alone through faith alone in JESUS CHRIST. Jesus is the only way of salvation—therefore, people of other religions must be converted in order to be saved (see my two articles Saddleback Church: The Cross, Sin, and Hell and The Doctrinal Essentials of Christianity—and Rick Warren). Consider the following question-answer exchange that took place during my interview with Warren, which is now published in Rick Warren and the Purpose that Drives Him:


In the church's basic C.L.A.S.S. 101 membership course, Warren makes this very clear that "every single person in the world needs Jesus Christ. . . . [N]eeds to have a relationship with Him.  If they don't they will spend eternity in hell." he also makes the following remarks that boldly stand against kind of pluralism, or one world religion:


Apparently, Proctor has done done very much research on this particular issue—which is par for his course.

Third, Proctor's listing of "tolerance, diversity and unity" as signs of the coming Antichrist world religion seems to suggest that Proctor considers these aspects if human interaction to be either unbiblical/sinful/ungodly or unethical/immoral. But, of course, none of these aspects of cultural interaction and behavior are inherently bad/wrong/evil.

Tolerance is just that—being tolerant (i.e., allowing for other views, opinions, and beliefs to exist in safety. Basically, allowing someone else to hold differing views because it is their God-given right to hold those views, think for themselves, and choose their own course in life).

Diversity goes slightly beyond tolerance, in that you can actually listen to a person's different views, and accept and appreciate them as coming from a sincere heart. This does NOT mean total agreement with, but rather, respect and interdependence, given the fact that we share our living space with others. This is especially important when seeking to combat cultural/social problems such as prejudice, racism, poverty, and natural disasters. The university of Iowa adds this definition: "Diversity includes, therefore, knowing how to relate to those qualities and conditions that are different from our own and outside the groups to which we belong, yet are present in other individuals and groups. These include but are not limited to age, ethnicity, class, gender, physical abilities/qualities, race, sexual orientation, as well as religious status, gender expression, educational background, geographical location, income, marital status, parental status, and work experiences. Finally, we acknowledge that categories of difference are not always fixed but also can be fluid, we respect individual rights to self-identification, and we recognize that no one culture is intrinsically superior to another" (LAS Definition of Diversity).

Unity, of course, means a kind of joining/union with others in hopes of accomplishing a given task at hand, despite differences that exist. For Christians, this presents one significant hurdle in the societal/cultural arena with regard to spirituality. Christians are commanded to not join with non-Christians on a spiritual/moral level. This kind if unity is called being "unequally yoked" in scripture and it is forbidden (2 Corinthians 6:14-17). However, there is no prohibition against Christians uniting with non-Christians on a social level (see my study on Working Socially With Unbelievers).

Proctor, however, makes none of these distinctions. Instead, he summarily places all interactions with non-Christians into some kind of ungodly, festering, one world religion cesspool. Such a comment shows with tragic clarity one of the main problems affecting today's Christian church—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).

What about Proctor's charge involving the forsaking of God's Word? What is Warren's view on the Bible? Has he forsaken it? Does Saddleback Church seek to steer people away from it? Hardly. In fact, The very opposite is true. Warren and Saddleback Church constantly urge Christians (and non-Christians) to read scripture, and that no one can know, love, serve, or grow spiritually without God's Word. Consider just this small sampling of statements from Warren's various web sites:

"C.L.A.S.S. 201: Four habits that will transform your congregation. . . . Habit of spending time with God's Word: The discipleship process begins with biblical truth. When you are reaching the unchurched with the Gospel, your new believers will need to know how to get the most out of their Bible study. C.L.A.S.S. 201 starts by helping your church members assimilate God's Word into their life. In the class, attendees will learn to read, hear, study, and memorize the Bible" (C.L.A.S.S. 201: Four habits that will transform your congregation).

Apparently, no one at Saddleback, least of all Rick Warren, is seeking to forsake God's Word in favor of some "ancient occult effort to undo the confusion and separation the Lord inflicted upon the world under the rule of Nimrod."

And speaking of Nimrod . . . . . . .



PROCTOR: "Warren: 'I'm looking at a stadium full of people who are telling God they will do whatever it takes to establish God's Kingdom 'on earth as it is in heaven.' So, doing his impersonation of Nimrod, pastor Warren stands before thousands of cheering fans telling GOD what they're GOING to do. Quite the antithesis of Biblical obedience and humility, wouldn't you say? Especially since he doesn't really say what God he is referring to. I was taught that it was intended to be the other way around; that God was supposed to tell US what to do. I guess that's the price we fundies pay for choosing old-fashioned scripture over new age, help-yourself books like The Purpose Driven Life. In fact, the Old Testament speaks of another individual from long ago who became infamous for his many proud 'I wills.' By the way; he also has a plan for a kingdom on Earth" (Gathering and Scattering).
RESPONSE: Statements like this one (and there are plenty more like it) give us just a taste of the kind of nastiness and mean-spiritedness that is seething right below the surface of Proctor's pious facade (see Paul Proctor: Mean-Spirited Musings for a more in-depth look Proctor's tendency toward harsh and offensive rhetoric).

First, we have Proctor accusing Warren of impersonating Nimrod, founder of the godless, sin-filled, and rebellious city of Ninevah (Gen. 10:11-12) that was deserving of God's wrath (see the story of Job). This speaks volumes about how Proctor views Warren and Saddleback Church (as well as any/all churches using Warren's purpose driven teachings). But the truth is that Warren preaches the classic doctrines of Christianity, which in turn have been embraced and spread via countless members of Saddleback Church and other purpose driven churches (see my two articles The Doctrinal Essentials of Christianity—and Rick Warren)" and Saddleback Church: The Cross, Sin, and Hell).

Second, as for people standing in front of God telling God what they are going to do, Proctor has once more drifted off into his own delusional landscape filled with demons, heretics, and New Age deceivers. His wild distortion of Warren's words, intentions, and communicated message almost defies comprehension. I am left wondering if Proctor is firing on all pistons, to use a well-worn analogy. Warren (and those present at Angel Stadium, Anaheim, California), in context, were not expressing some kind of rebellious, self-exalting, mega-maniacal declaration wherein they were seeking to TELL GOD WHAT THEY'RE GOING TO DO.

Nothing could have been further from anyone's mind! And I should know —because I was at that event about which Proctor is so disparagingly referring.

Warren, speaking for everyone else in attendance that day, was expressing his heartfelt pride in seeing so many Christians willing to submit themselves to serving God, no matter how difficult, no matter how time-consuming, no matter how inconvenient such service might be. They were willing to be obedient to God's calling to serve him and serve humanity as examples of how Jesus served others and did the will of the Father. This sentiment is clearly evident in the FULL statement of commitment jointly read by Warren and those in attendance. It is very Christ-centered, filled with submission to God's authority/will, and self-sacrificial in its approach to serving God and others and God:


THIS is what Warren was saying at the celebration—not what Proctor is alleging.

Third, another clear indication of just how low Proctor's opinion is of Rick Warren can be seen in the insinuation that Warren's God is not even the Christian God—i.e, where Proctor states, "[Warren] doesn't really say what God he is referring to." This is terrifically offensive, especially in view of Proctor's complete lack of evidence that would even suggest Warren's "God" is a god other than the Christian "God."

The fact is that Warren and Saddleback Church advance the classic, standard, biblical teachings with regard to God, the trinity, the nature of Christ, sin, hell, heaven, and salvation by grace alone through faith alone in the finished work of Jesus on the cross and his resurrection from the dead for our sins (see my two articles Saddleback Church: The Cross, Sin, and Hell and "The Doctrinal Essentials of Christianity—and Rick Warren"). Moreover, the core biblical doctrines of the Bible are taught in the maturity series of classes called FOUNDATIONS, which is not only taught to members of the church, but also presented to EVERY staff member (as a requirement of them being on staff).

Fourth, as for Warren's book The Purpose Driven Life being New Age, this is about as far away from truth as anyone can get. Warren has repeatedly condemned the New Age (see my article on Is Rick Warren A New Ager?). And it does not promote any kind of self-help either. The thrust of the entire book is that you CAN'T help yourself. Only God can help you. Understanding what it means to have a purpose driven life is understanding that without God you have no purpose at all! There is nothing without God. No hope. No meaning. No reason for being (see Ecclesiastes). It's all about God (see my article on What is the Purpose Driven Life?).

Finally, we have Proctor's coup de gras accusation against Warren—i.e., his snide comparison of Rick Warren to none other than Satan himself, the personage in scripture who  became infamous for his many proud 'I wills'" (see Is. 14:13-15). I can't even find the words to address a comment like this one, and so, being left speechless, I will simply move on.



PROCTOR: "Rick Warren and his Purpose Driven products, now captivating and confusing the spiritually lame, biblically ignorant and ecclesiastically ambitious around the world" (The Purpose Driven Hostage).
RESPONSE: This statement is a unnerving at best, and at worst, more than a little frightening. Proctor, with one broad brush stroke of his pen, has condemned innumerable Christians as being "spiritually lame, biblically ignorant and ecclesiastically ambitious" simply because they view Warren positively.

For example, we have the widely respected defender of the faith James K. Walker (Watchman Fellowship) has stated, "Warren has a strong commitment to the core doctrines of the Christian faith and an unmistakable passion for reaching the lost, equipping pastors, and strengthening local churches. 'Purpose-driven' is not New Age, it's New Testament."

There is also James Bjornstad—president, Evangelical Ministries to New Religions; and philosophy professor, Cedarville University—who in support of my stand on Rick Warren has stated: "[I]t is refreshing to see someone step forward and defend a ministry and a leader who has contributed as much to the cause of Christ and His church as Rick Warren has."

The late Luke P. Wilson, executive director, Institute for Religious Research, has likewise stated: "The Purpose-Driven Life is more theologically and missiologically balanced than some of its harsher detractors are themselves."

Other supporters of Rick Warren include: Christian apologist Lee Strobel, Ron Rhodes, evangelists Franklin Graham and Billy Graham,  the Christian Research Institute, and many other godly men/women devoted to God, scripture, and the purity of the faith.

And yet Proctor is claiming that all of these people and countless others, are "spiritually lame, biblically ignorant" (not to mention "ecclesiastically ambitious," for those ho might pastor churches).



PROCTOR: "Warren is now inviting pastors everywhere to join him for a weekly conference call to share the numerous 'success' stories of his 40 Days of Purpose program, (compare themselves among themselves) that they might, in turn, begin teaching their flocks from the new RWV bible called The Purpose Driven Life and partake of its sweetness. But, does the end justify the means? 'There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.'—Proverbs 14:12" (Sweet Lies).
RESPONSE: This is one example of how Proctor, in even the shortest of remarks, can make so many odd claims and pointed jabs.

First, although Proctor demeans Warren's request for pastors to submit "success" stories (i.e., stories of how 40 Days of Purpose has changed lives for Christ), no reasons are actually given by Proctor for why such a request is so terrible? Warren's heinous sin appears to be nothing more than simply calling for testimonies about how God has used a particular tool (i.e., the 40 Days of Purpose campaign) to touch people's lives and bring them closer to God. This is neither unbiblical, nor heretical. But Proctor seeks to make it sound like both—or at the very least, appear to be worldly in some way.

Second, Proctor's sarcastic reference to The Purpose Driven Life as the RWV Bible (i.e., the Rick Warren Version of the Bible) is not only a terrific overstatement, but also unnecessarily mocking. Warren's book is a popular devotional—that is all. And it is only one book among many that have blessed Christians throughout church history. Just because the book is popular does not mean it is being seen as a "Bible" of any kind, especially given the fact that Warren's book quotes heavily from the Bible (various translation/paraphrases). The book, if anything, points readers to the Bible in an effort to get them interested in things spiritual (i.e., Christian). Warren's stress on Bible study is evident from even the most cursory look at his web sites:

"C.L.A.S.S. 201: Four habits that will transform your congregation. . . . Habit of spending time with God's Word: The discipleship process begins with biblical truth. When you are reaching the unchurched with the Gospel, your new believers will need to know how to get the most out of their Bible study. C.L.A.S.S. 201 starts by helping your church members assimilate God's Word into their life. In the class, attendees will learn to read, hear, study, and memorize the Bible" (C.L.A.S.S. 201: Four habits that will transform your congregation).

Third, Proctor's reference to Proverbs 14:12 is a not-so-subtle way to equate Warren's book to a false way of salvation (i.e., "a way that leads to death"). But again, this ends up being nothing more than a nasty poke at Warren that contradicts the facts. Warren's bestseller does not offer a counterfeit gospel (and by implication, a false way of salvation). This is a tragic misrepresentation of The Purpose Driven Life, which contains a basic summation of the gospel message and a simple "come to Christ" call (see Warren's remarks from The Purpose Driven Life, as listed in Saddleback Church: The Cross, Sin, and Hell).



PROCTOR: "[L]ike so many sneaky preachers do these days, and downloaded any number of sermons for sale by Rick Warren or Bill Hybels. You have to admit; it's a handy way to get around those difficult times when the Lord, for whatever reason, leaves you high and dry in the pulpit" (Sermons for Sale).
RESPONSE: The "sermons" that Proctor is ranting and raving about here are the ones that Rick Warren makes available for download at pastors.com. The amazing thing about this  condemnation is that nowhere in the Bible does it say that one preacher of the gospel cannot use the message delivered by another preacher of the gospel. And yet Proctor makes his denunciation of Warren as if such a practice is practically demonic—going so far as to label as "sneaky" any preachers who download pre-written sermons. Sneaky? Where is such a judgment found in the Bible?

Proctor seems totally ignorant of the fact that in many third world countries there are hundreds of pastors who have no biblical training, no experience in writing a sermon, no Bible helps (e.g., commentaries, dictionaries), and sometimes not even a full Bible! Warren is most interested in helping these men of God who are desperately trying to deliver sermons with virtually no assistance in isolated parts of the world. To these men, sermons are FREE! That is Rick Warren's heart. Warren has spoken at length about these sermons, explaining exactly why he feels that they can help many preachers. He is not demeaning solid Bible study, nor advocating that preachers should not rely on God for messages. He is simply trying to help other preachers who, for whatever reasons, might be having problems coming up with messages. Warren states:


Clearly, Warren is just trying to be kind and help others—particularly third world pastors and bi-vocational pastors. Proctor surely must have heard at some point about helping others. And yet one cannot help but wonder if Paul Proctor helps anyone, especially given his equally harsh condemnations of Warren's P.E.A.C.E. Plan that is designed to help the poor and care for the sick (see my article Paul Proctor: No P.E.A.C.E. For You).



PROCTOR: "'What will happen if the followers of Jesus say to Him, We are yours?,' Warren asked [during a stadium gathering]. 'What kind of spiritual awakening will occur?' Apparently, the good reverend doesn't understand that one is not a follower of Jesus Christ UNTIL he or she has completely surrendered their life to Him. You may be Purpose Driven; but if you are NOT His, you are NOT a follower of Jesus. The only person I've ever heard of that followed Jesus and was not His, was Judas Iscariot; and we all know what became of him" (Gathering and Scattering).
RESPONSE: This goes down in my book as one of the most bizarre things I have ever read from Proctor. He seems to actually be interpreting Warren's fairly innocent comment as some sort of indication that Warren feels people can be "followers of Jesus," but not actually be a Christian—and that Warren is asking people to be a Christian by saying "We are yours." That is just so far from reality that it would be amusing if it were not so tragic. In context (Warren's speech at Angel Stadium), Warren was speaking to born-again believers and challenging them to make a full commitment of time, energy, resources to helping out in Warren's P.E.A.C.E. Plan in an effort to: a) alleviate human suffering; b) evangelize the lost in the outermost parts of the world. Again, we see just how far out of reality Proctor has drifted. It is, to be honest, rather sad (and disturbing on a number of levels). Warren and Saddleback Church very plainly teaches the standard, Southern baptist, historic, orthodox means of salvation (see my two articles The Doctrinal Essentials of Christianity—and Rick Warren) and Saddleback Church: The Cross, Sin, and Hell).



PROCTOR: "This is why there is so much confusion and prideful disobedience in the Purpose Driven movement because even its leader doesn't seem to be able to grasp what being a Christian really is. It's as if he thinks we're all just a bunch of Starbucks junkies looking for some clever way to make God happy by building Spiritual Supercenters around the world to meet everybody's felt needs with our dreams, visions and filthy rags; when, in reality, we're only gratifying ourselves" (Gathering and Scattering).
RESPONSE: See the previous response and links.

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• INTRO ARTICLE - Paul Proctor: Destructive, Delusional, Deceptive

• Paul Proctor: Accuser of the Brethren

• Paul Proctor: Hate Talk and Heresy Hunting

• Paul Proctor: No P.E.A.C.E. For You

• Paul Proctor: Words to Wound By