For the benefit of the controversy?

John Piper, a well respected pastor and primary speaker and Bible teacher of Desiring God ministries recently announced that he has invited Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in southern California and author of "The Purpose Driven Life" to speak at this years Desiring God national conference. This is a shock to many in reformed Christian circles and is at the very least controversial. If you know anything about John Piper or Rick Warren's ministries, you would understand that this is a very unusual step for Piper to take. So why is he doing it. He describes his reasons here, feeling the need it seems to explain his decision:



Here is a brief description of what is wrong with Rick Warren's book and describes much of how Warren preaches and what he preaches. John MacArthur and John Piper share much in common and MacArthur has appeared at Piper's conferences in the past. They are in fact friends. It will be interesting to see the response from John MacArthur about this decision, if we hear from him about it. We may not. Here is a short message by John MacArthur describing the problems with Purpose Driven Life however, which would give us an indication of what he thinks. Given his track record of faithfulness and commitment to biblical truth, this may be a very big deal. (Forgive the music in this sample. I think it distracts, but can't find the same without it in the background.)



John Piper has announced he will be taking the rest of the year off from ministry to work on time with his family and get some rest. Pray that during this break the Lord reveals some truth about how we should receive the seeming 'unitarian' approach Piper seems to be taking toward those who are preaching a gospel that's not in the Bible. Exit questions: Pastor Piper, what does Rick Warren 'have to offer?' You mention that several times. What has he offered so far that makes you believe he has much to offer?

UPDATE

Phil Johnson has written a short response to Piper's decision. Worth the few minutes to read.