Rick Warren's Whole Bird - Why This Bird Can't Fly

Like Dr. Richard Land I have also seen the importance of becoming involved with the democratic process on every level. It is not as important as the call to the gospel but it is folly to ignore political process. From the single vote to full blown activism it is all too apparent that doing nothing would be fatal to freedom to all that is right and in the end to society and the church itself.

Unfortunately I have discovered that the church has a lot of folk who seem to have little political savvy. Perhaps that is why Jesus said, “…for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” Luke 16:8

A few Christians who are politically inept pose no great danger but for those who rise to celebrity status it is a different matter. The sphere of influence increases exponentially as does the responsibility. Hollywood actors are best known for misusing their celebrity to make swelling unsubstantiated and blaringly cockeyed statements. Reaching the heights of success does not guaranty that what they say didn’t come from the depths of hell. It is a common error that has become all too common among Christians as well.

When asked if he is politically left or right, liberal or conservative Warren often replies with his now famous retort “I’m for the whole bird.” Some may think this is a reflection of a very large minded individual who prefers to take in the full spectrum of the matter, yet others think the bird is a chicken and the position is chicken too.

First analysis of Warren’s “whole bird” idea comes from Rick’s own bible. I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Rev 3: 15-16

Straddling the fence may work well in politics but it is particularly abhorrent to the Lord when found in his people. It isn’t about taking sides as much as it is about sending a clear signal. For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 1Cor 14: 8

Most of the criticism of Warren’ politics comes because Barack Obama was invited to speak along with others in Warren’s conference on aids. Obama is a left wing liberal who supports abortion rights and same sex marriages. Warren is quick to remind those who question sharing the podium with Obama that the subject was aids not abortion or same sex unions. I would stand corrected if someone could show me that what we stand against is just as important as what we stand for.

Compartmentalizing issues may also work well with politics but fails miserably in Christianity. Not leaving this statement hanging in mid air from nothing let’s look a bit further into the analysis.

No one would disagree that the spread of aids is a direct byproduct of an age of permissiveness. Abortion is also a byproduct of the “me” generation. It’s a play but no pay attitude that says, “My sex life cannot not be threatened by anyone’s idea of morality but the life it may produce can be ended with complete impunity.” Blaming society for causing the spread of aids may not always be acceptable but taking personal responsibility for our own actions is.

Although inverted the truth coming out of the whole analogy remains the same. The promotion of abortion rights and same sex unions is connected at the hip to the spread of aids. It’s like trying to sell a generation a scam based on “play any old way and you’ll not have to pay” and no one notices the scam until they get a bill in the mail marked “aids pay up or die.”

Just because the term “consenting adults” has taken on an air of holiness doesn’t mean it comes without consequences. We’re quick to warn children not to play with matches but that doesn’t mean adults don’t get burned in fires just as easily as children. Sexual freedom is like most all other freedoms it is not free.

Almost as a disclaimer I must insert here the fact that I am not questioning Rick Warrens faith or ministry or his character for that matter. It is this statement about "the whole bird" in particular that I am at issue with. A view that I believe may be adopted by many who don't fully understand the issues in partisan politics. It is a middle of the road idea that will only hasten the day that Christian principles and sound doctrine will be given its final farewell. Middle of the road strategies can be used in diplomacy at times but at other times can lead to the end of the view and its bearer as in the following illustration.

During the civil war a union soldier found himself separated from his company. He knew he was near the Mason Dixon line and not wanting to get shot by either side he wore blue pants and a gray shirt. As he crossed the line the Yankees shot him in the chest and the Confederates shot him in the pants. It worked! He didn’t get shot, he got shot twice! The bottom line is that Warren’s bird cannot fly. One wing wants to go up while the other wants to go down you can’t have it both ways.

When Faith and Family’s Dr. Richard Land was my pastor over thirty years ago he once described his calling to preach the gospel. He said that the call to preach the gospel was a higher calling than becoming the President of the United States. After more than three decades I'm sure he was right.

Rev Bresciani is the author of two books. He also is a columnist for several online sites and magazines. His articles are read throughout the world. For more articles and news from around the globe visit "The Website for Insight" http://www.americanprophet.org

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