RICK WARREN, RELIGIOUS LIBERTY AND CATHOLICS AND EVANGELICALS TOGETHER
 Rick Warren's Ecumenical Path to Rome Continues
 

Commentary by Roger Oakland
Understand The Times International: Roger Oakland Ministries
www.understandthetimes.org
1.800.689.1888

RICK WARREN, RELIGIOUS LIBERTY AND CATHOLICS AND EVANGELICALS TOGETHER

It is a well-known fact based on Bible prophecy that the Last Days One World Religion called the “harlot” will be a counterfeit to the true church which is called the Bride of Christ. Bible scholars who take this position believe the ecumenical gathering of religions together for the cause of peace will be the prerequisite. One of the key events bringing this about is when a declaration is made that the Reformation is over, and the “separated brethren” will be welcomed back into the fold.

This commentary deals with aspects of the Rick Warren-Raymond Arroyo EWTN interview that provided some clues indicating this scenario is presently underway. I am making reference to a portion of the interview that dealt with the topic of religious liberty.  In fact, it was revealed that Rick Warren may have a plan laid away for the future of promoting a “religious liberty movement” that will be the equivalent of the “civil liberties movement” of the past. When asked by Arroyo what Warren thought about the separation of church and state and how the Supreme Court would rule on this topic in the future, Warren responded:

Now it’s interesting that phrase today means the exact opposite of what it meant in Jefferson’s days. Today people think it means keeping religion out of government, or out of politics. But actually, the separation of church and state was we are going to protect the church from the government. I believe that religious liberty may be the civil rights issue of the next decade. And if it takes some high profile pastors going to jail, like Martin Luther King did with civil rights, I’m in. So be it. I mean, as Peter said and the apostles that we must obey God rather than men.[1]

It may seem surprising to some that “America’s Pastor” would be so outspoken and willing to take such a strong stand for religious liberty - especially when he shows his passion for this topic by stating he is personally willing to go to jail for such a cause. These are strong words. Does this mean that the Purpose Driven Church model may have a broader agenda than previously advertised?

Arroyo’s next question is also very revealing. This is what he asks Warren:

Do you think events like this, moments like this, are actually sources of unity and moments of unity, particularly for Catholics and Evangelicals?

When I first listened to Warren’s response I was a somewhat surprised by what he said. However, after thinking about it further and comparing his answer with other statements
 

Warren has made in the past about his willingness to work together with “various faiths” for the “common cause of good,” his response made perfect sense. Warren stated:

Well, obviously we have so much in common in protecting our religious rights—and really the religious rights of other people who we disagree with on beliefs and behaviors. Muslims, for instance, don’t drink alcohol. If all of a sudden they made a law that said every Muslim restaurant has to serve alcohol. I would be there protesting with that. If they made a law that said every Jewish deli in New York City has to sell pork. I’m going to be there protesting. I don’t have a problem with pork. But I am going to protest that. If they make a law that says every Catholic school has to provide contraceptives, if you’re morally convinced you shouldn’t have contraceptives, I stand with you, firm with you on your belief on that because you have a right to train your children the way you want to.

 

It is difficult to challenge Warren’s argument as he states his case. Religious freedom is a major pillar that America was founded upon. To attack religious freedom or rights could well spark a religious liberty movement if this is the direction political leaders are headed.

However, it is also possible that a so-called “religious liberty” movement championed by America’s Pastor, who is willing to go to jail for standing up for the religious rights of all religions,  could be a stepping-stone to something else. Especially when it is so obvious this would be another important way to join evangelicals and Catholics together, a common trend of our day.

While it may be a stretch to suggest Warren will become the pied piper that unites all the world religions for a common cause, it is certainly within the realm of possibility that Warren could be a major spokesperson for persuading evangelicals to join together with Roman Catholics. This whole movement has been in place for some time and has received endorsements from such well-known leaders as Bill Bright, J. I. Packer, and Charles Colson.

Warren has previously made numerous statements about his willingness to join forces with Rome in order to establish the kingdom of God here on earth. At a message Warren gave at the PEW Forum in Key West Florida, May 23, 2005, he stated:

Now when you get 25 percent of America, which is basically Catholic, and you get 28 to 29 percent of America which is evangelical together, that's called a majority. And it is a very powerful bloc, if they happen to stay together on particular issues… I would encourage you to look at this evolving alliance between evangelical Protestants and Catholics. [2]

 

Without question, Warren’s “evolving alliance” with Rome has come a long way since he made this statement in June, 2005. The interview with Raymond Arroyo of EWTN is proof that this is the case. When a pastor of Warren’s stature and influence refrains from warning his followers about the dangers found in the extra biblical teachings of Roman Catholicism, I cannot remain silent. This series of commentaries based on the Warren- Arroyo EWTN interview will hopefully make some aware of the coming alliance that is laying the groundwork for the strong delusion that sets up the Last Days apostasy the Bible foretells will happen before the return of Jesus.

 

[1] Transcript
 [2] Rick Warren, PEW Forum, Key West, Florida, May 23, 2005, http://pewforum.org/events/index.php?EventID=80