So I just listened to Todd Friel’s commentary (looped full 2 hour stream • 15minute podcast) on the “Warrengate Controversy”. His thoughts are spot on especially in stressing the fact that the issue is not about what Rick Warren confesses privately, but what he preaches and practices publically. And that it’s a more dangerous thing to be able to know all the right things, and yet not preach and practice it. That’s just flat out hypocrisy. White-washed tombs anyone?

Read also:

1. John Piper to Respond on Rick Warren being on DG 2010

2. Updates on John Piper inviting Rick Warren to DG 2010

3. Official Updates from DesiringGod: Rick Warren at DG 2010

4. Mike Horton on Rick Warren, Modern Ref. & Desiring God

5. Rick Warren Rock-Solid Theologically? Really, Dr. Piper?

6. The Inadequate Gospel of Rick Warren

Also, Todd pointed out that we should be tamed and tempered in dealing with this most important issue. There must be a “tame approach” that must be had. One characteristic of which is an honest dealing with issues, not with persons (ad hominem attacks). Though this is what most get wrong in their impressions toward those who critique the Warrengate controversy. Which is, I think, Todd Friel too is having to a degree.

There is a way to speak of things lovingly while being firm. One way is to surrender all things in dependence to our Sovereign King, but not fatalistically so as some would suggest. (like a tweet reply I got: “God is in control. Let Piper handle DG2010. No one annointed Rick (or you or me). Be a “feeble saint” not “chicken little”.)

I do not think that there’s virtue in treating the issue as a fine and dandy thing and the correct response suggested would be to just “chill out” (as some pseudo-reformed folk would suggest). I refuse to believe that when the honor of God’s Gospel and Word is under attack, the correct response would be to fatalistically let things handle themselves and not demand and labor for a clearer understanding of what is at stake.

But in this most too forget that pride lies at wait closely at their doors. And here I confess first before others. Many times I have to re-write what I’ve written in order to temper things more charitably. Pride is always at the door. It is one thing to sound the alarm, but it’s another thing to do it entirely without wisdom, charity and a general heart of Christ that esteems others as better than ourselves.

Let us be meek not weak, as suggested by Mark Kielar in an old sermon. Let us be sheep, in full dependence to our Shepherd, yet let us not be cowards and simply sit at the sidelines while the Captain of our Salvation is being dishonored.

As John Clavin aptly surmizes,

A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God’s truth is attacked and yet would remain silent.

Some would suggest that what has come to be to this day with Desiring God and John Piper (and C.J. Mahaney, Tim Keller, Mark Driscoll and others of their stripe)  is because of the absence of confessional standards and a willingness to allow themselves to be regulated by such standards. Though it is a very, very plausible argument, that our taking liberty with Church and practice do lead to Scriptural infidelity, I insist that what should be sought for, first and foremost, is not merely a confessional standard, but a raising up of Biblical standards (not to say that the confessions are unbiblical). A greater weight of importance most be placed on Scripture before anything else, no matter how insightful one’s critique is.

Also in the Wretched broadcast, Todd insisted that we make distinctions on how we view John Piper and Rick Warren and allow our thoughts and responses to be regulated by that view.

John Piper is a dear brother, and has been a faithful pastor of his flock for many, many years. I personally have benefited so much from his preaching and ministry. Rick Warren on the other hand, though he seems so sincere and honest-dealing, the issue is his clear biblical-unfaithfulness. Well, just visit these links, this, and this.

So what should we do in response?

First, spend your knees in much prayer before God and ask for wisdom, understanding and a heart that feels the seriousness of what is at stake with a loving perspective toward His sheep.

Second, if you find that you have something to say that must be heard by those involved, say, John Piper, feel free to drop them an email at mail@desiringgod.org. Remember, whatever you write or say must be dipped and consulted with wisdom and let it not be zeal without knowledge. Neither let it be zeal without love.

Third, fight the good fight of faith. Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). Have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh (Jude 22-23).