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Instant polls of various OC constituencies
McCain and Obama to visit Saddleback Church
July 21st, 2008, 6:55 am · 54 Comments · posted by J. GALLEGO
The New York Times is reporting that Presidential Candidates Barack Obama and John McCain have been persuaded by Lake Forest megachurch Pastor Rick Warren to attend a forum at Saddleback next month.
According to the New York Times, “Mr. Warren said over the weekend that the presidential candidates would appear together for a moment but that he would interview them in succession at his megachurch.”
The forum will be held on Aug. 16.
UPDATE: Read more about it here and read local reaction to the apppearance here.
July 21st, 2008 at 7:19 am
Guess the OCR doesn’t like to hear the truth.
Quit with these promotional pieces for this CostcoChurch.
Warren is a false profit leader of a ludicrous faith and should have his tax exempt status removed for hosing a non-religious political event.
July 21st, 2008 at 7:23 am
This is fantastic. Rick Warren is a miricle worker. I am so looking forward to these interviews.
July 21st, 2008 at 7:57 am
will Obama BURST in to flames, or get hit by lightning?
Place your bets….
July 21st, 2008 at 8:02 am
OMG
July 21st, 2008 at 8:04 am
Interesting. Why would a church get “involved” in a political situation?
Aren’t churches tax exempt?
July 21st, 2008 at 8:14 am
I think Rick Warren’s intentions are good.
July 21st, 2008 at 8:28 am
I’m betting that McCan’t will croak onstage
July 21st, 2008 at 8:38 am
@Fred
Great point but when your dealing with millions of Evangelical Christians you cant just discount that group & it’s “wants & needs”. I agree though they should not be holding this at a church. Notice it was a super church as well.
July 21st, 2008 at 8:43 am
Its about time a political forum was held at a church! We as a society have strayed to far from God and its time to get our priorities straight.
Finally a victory in California from a morality standpoint.
July 21st, 2008 at 8:45 am
What ever happened to the separation of church and state? Also, it’s pretty sad that Obama wants to expand Bush’s faith based department.
July 21st, 2008 at 8:50 am
Obama has already appeared at Saddleback. Last year he spoke at an international AIDS conference the Warren’s request on how the world should be better dealing with the problems in Africa.
July 21st, 2008 at 8:56 am
Rick Warren has told us (his congregation) that the church would never get involved in politics or political issues. As it should be. This is disappointing. Another step in his metamorphosis form a simple, influential man into a name dropping “celebrity”. I joined Saddleback specifically because of Rick Warren, yet we hardly see him anymore.
I guess no one is immune from the earthly trappings of success. Sad and discouraging.
July 21st, 2008 at 8:57 am
I’m all for Rick Warren jumping up on the big stage and participating in the nation’s electoral process as long as his pony’s up some property taxes on his mega church. The county and state of california could use the extra money. Rick wants it both ways. Being a pastor istn’t enough. Now he wants to be a mover and a shaker in the political arena. Fine. Show us the money. That’s all we ask.
July 21st, 2008 at 9:11 am
[…] McCain and Obama to visit Saddleback Church […]
July 21st, 2008 at 9:12 am
Hosting a discussion does not invalidate the separation of church and state. The purpose of that clause in the constitution is to prevent the state from dictating which church you could attend.
If Warren can bring these men together for a discussion that could help to clarify their positions and help the people make a better decision in November… good.
July 21st, 2008 at 9:15 am
By the way, if you think Saddleback is a CostoChurch or that Warren is just another celebrity you should try attending for a couple months and give it a chance. I bet you don’t attend any church… except maybe the Church of Self.
July 21st, 2008 at 9:31 am
Myotherpostwasdeleted says,
“Warren is a false profit leader of a ludicrous faith.” I think this person meant to write prophet, not profit.
But then again, maybe this typo was done deliberately for humor. If Warren is a prophet, he sure isn’t profitable, neither to the Gospel nor to his country.
I’m a Christian that strongly believes in the separation of church and state. Rev. Wiley Drake almost got in serious problems recently because he promoted Huckabee for president on church letterhead. And here Warren wants to have both candidates speak in a church environment. This isn’t right.
July 21st, 2008 at 9:46 am
Jim,
why don’t you tell us the purpose of excluding churches that participate in the electoral process from federal and state taxes while you’re at it.
thanks. we’re waiting.
July 21st, 2008 at 9:51 am
Rick who?
July 21st, 2008 at 9:59 am
This is ridiculous.
Rick warren is NOT a Billy Graham.
But then they are going trying to appease to a feel good church.
,,,
July 21st, 2008 at 10:00 am
Go ahead Rick loose your tax status.
Or did you invite both so it looks like your the compromiser that you are.
,,,
July 21st, 2008 at 10:01 am
Psycho babble compromiser.
,,,
July 21st, 2008 at 10:14 am
make sure Obama brings his Birth Certificate, a real one this time. Oh wait, he can’t, he doesn’t have one. Google it.
July 21st, 2008 at 10:19 am
Rick Warren, you are not a Statesman.
July 21st, 2008 at 10:25 am
I think Rick Warren is an amazing human being. His words have helped people to see that we can’t go back and change the past no matter how much we want to but instead, find a way to use our mistakes to help others. That is what I did with my website http://www.instinctsareagift.com Our country is in trouble and violence is getting worse. We need to bring back hope and real patriotism. If it takes someone like Rick to help then I am all for it.
July 21st, 2008 at 10:33 am
Jim,
The clause for separation of church and state swings both ways and it actually was included in the constitution not to protect the church from the state, as you seem to believe, but the other way around.
Colonial Americans were very aware of the dangers of a theocracy.
July 21st, 2008 at 11:02 am
The critisisms of this forum are ignorant of the multiple stops all presidential candidates make at churches across the country. This is not unique, how many times have we seen candidates address a congregation? Furthermore, its seems Warren is doing the logical thing, when he leads approx 40,000 members, why not have government leaders address them.
July 21st, 2008 at 11:21 am
irving Says: Rick Warren has told us (his congregation) that the church would never get involved in politics or political issues.
when did he say that? i’m sure when the “marriage is sacred” propositions come up later this year he’ll get involved in that just as he did for prop 22.
hey Rick, guess why i stopped attending your church!
July 21st, 2008 at 1:14 pm
I hope that the vendor tables include copies of George Carlin’s “When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?”
July 21st, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Rick Schmick……
He is just another in a very long line of “Spiritual Leaders” who doesn’t practice what he preaches. Schmick saying one thing and doing another proves my point. Yet, he has a lot of people following him. Go figure. What was it that W.C. Fields said?
July 21st, 2008 at 2:23 pm
It is refreshing that Rick Warren is providing a venue for the two presumptive presidential nominees to state their case. No matter your party affiliation, it is important that the issues are discussed. So does it really matter whether it is on CNN, at a university or a church? The important thing is that they will be talking!
July 21st, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Why is it that when political speakers are at the AME church the Media never says anything and in fact gives them lots of publicity? Most people are ignorant of American history and the role religion has played in shaping this nation. Why is it that the majority of our historical presidents and leaders all have quotes concerning God and this nation in a positive way? I think it is wonderful that there will be a forum where it is not governed by our bias media.
July 21st, 2008 at 3:20 pm
For all of you people bashing Rick Warren and or Saddleback Church, why don’t you take a few minutes and google Saddleback Church. Maybe you’ll see all of the wonderful things he and the church have done around the world. What about the thousands of people Saddleback has helped in 3rd world countries? Or even locally? Just because he is holding a discussion does not mean he is getting involved in politics or telling people who to vote for.
July 21st, 2008 at 3:28 pm
So should Rick Warren keep his mouth shut about Prop 22? Will this be discussed at the meeting?
July 21st, 2008 at 6:20 pm
If this were a large liberal church, no one would be surprised. But because it is perceived to be conservative, it becomes news.
A pastor can host anyone they choose. To have both candidates on stage is an excellent opportunity for genuine conversation about issues that matter to a great many Americans.
Warren is a smart guy.
July 21st, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Here you have two canidates claiming to be true Christains. I hope the questions asked will validate their belief’s and their direction they will take this country..
Since one claims a certain Ideology they all should be substantiated with ” WHERE IS YOUR KEY TEXT TO SUPPORT THAT”. I am sure it would not get that deep since politicans like to appease to all with out standing for deeper truth……….abortion, homosexuality, marriage , basics of salvation, and where does the USA fit in the the great Controversory between Good and Evil.
Our questions need to be to the point… I hope Rick Warren asks the right questions in this format.
July 21st, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Those of you trashing Rick Warren most likely have never been to Saddleback Church … I have been going to Saddleback for years and Rick has always been consistent with his morals and values! Saddleback Church is truly neutral ground for an event like this … at the least we will learn more about the candidates and their values.
Get over the “Costco Church” hype … assuming is dangerous… assumptions have got our country in the mess it’s in now.
God Bless
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:26 am
I am continually surprised to see all the hate that emerges whenever a conservative church, such as Saddleback, attempts to provide a forum for discussion that is perceived to be outside the churches’ mission. Furthermore, people who attack Rick Warren are generally immature or exremely jealous of the success and outreach of Saddleback Church. It is so much easier to attack rather than investigate the truth.
And as far as Rick not being in the pulpit weekly, so what? Saddleback has several excellent teaching pastors of which, Rick is just one. The 30,000 regular attenders at Saddleback wouldn’t keep coming back week after week if they only wanted to hear Rick. God has put his blessing on Saddleback and this church and its thousands of members who are serving around the world are proof of the love of God.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:17 am
I do not care for Rick Warren even though my church uses his
literature.
But where were all you people when Rev Wright was preaching
his sermons?
That church certainly does NOT have separation of church and state.
As I understand it most black churches do not.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:37 am
Hey logos
That is a dangerous thing to say, warren leads 40,000.
It may be true, though that it is a man who is leading these people.
Tells the feel good message.
Reminds me of someone else J.J.
And not the spirit of God.
,,,
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:43 am
Okay as far as the candidates go.
Neither have fruit or walk in a way a TRUE Christian should.
MAJOR COMPROMISERS
Because neither of them IF true Christians would lily walk around so as to not make anyone uncomfortable.
People are perishing.
Preach God’s word.
Proclaim your faith, tell people what God says.
But none of them do that.
Jesus said,
Mark 16
15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
A true Christian will live it, and proclaim it.
.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Too bad the full press release about this forum wasn’t published to identify that this event is the Saddleback Civil Forum on Leadership and Compassion at which the candidates will be questioned by Rick on their faith and the common good.
Christians need to be informed and this is an appropriate venue.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I love Rick Warren and Saddlback Church. I am so happy they are hosting this event. God Bless them all!!
July 22nd, 2008 at 3:28 pm
It is just so sad to witness the criticism, condemnation, and judgment people have against Rick Warren and Saddleback Church. Obviously the enemy is alive and well and has his foothold in many people’s lives. I feel sorry for all you people and will pray for your lives to change, for your hearts to be filled with love and understanding, forgiveness and acceptance. And just a note, why don’t you attend a service at Saddleback instead of attacking it? You might find out the right way to live and how faith and belief can change your angry hearts. I love Rick Warren and how God has used him to build this amazing church and bring people to Christ. You can bet there will be a few more followers after they attend this event!
July 22nd, 2008 at 4:13 pm
money+press+ego+book sales= reason for saddleback to host this event.
whatever happended to church & state/government?
i am a believer but do not believe in this…
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:13 pm
God has absolutely no place in politics. Bronze Age myth belongs in science fiction novels, not following presidential candidates around. Neither Obama nor McCain have the fortitude to stand up with their spine intact and declare that separation of church and state is what makes this country the best in the world, and that is disappointing.
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:57 am
When are people going to understand that you can try to remove faith from the politician, but you can’t remove it from the people. Which is why having the candidates address its faith based Constituency is necessary. CNN, ABC, and all the rest of the networks are not going to ask the questions that those with Faith want to know to make the best choice for them.
Step up people. Is freedom of speech only for the non-faithful? Quit trying to shut down those who love God. What are you afraid of?
July 27th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
I just received this URL a couple of days ago; hence, the late reply:
I hate to “burst a few bubbles”; but,
# Etherplain Says:
July 21st, 2008 at 10:33 am
&
# Jim Says:
July 21st, 2008 at 9:12 am
&
# Randy Says:
July 21st, 2008 at 8:45 am
all talk about the “Separation of Church and State” being in our Constitution.
WRONG! It’s NOT in there! And, I have read this document along with the Bill of Rights, and it’s just not there. While many people do not like, or trust, Wikipedia, you can start with this URL:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Separation_of_church_and_state
You can find the Constitution of the United States of America and it’s 27 Amendments here:
http://www.midnightbeach.com/jon/US-Constitution.htm
Good reading to you all!
July 29th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Separation of church and state is there to protect our right to worship freely, not to keep our values out of politics.
Think of it this way - the politicians make decisions that either match or conflict with Christian beliefs. This is an opportunity to hear where both candidates stand on issues that affect our values…..where you stand on ProLife/ProChoice, same sex marriages, etc. These are as important as other key issues to many mainstream conservatives.
Net out - having the candidates at Saddleback is a good thing!
August 4th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
I hope he crosses the line between chuch and state and loses his tax exempt status on this! He is crossing a line that Jesus would dare not step and neither did the apostles or early christians. Might as well invite Satan to come inside since he offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. I guess you see where these so called pop religoin psychologist leaders really stand for man to solve the problems and not the kingdo of God under Christ.
August 6th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
I hate to break it to you but Jesus never toed the line or only hung out with Christians. In fact, he loves the sinner (not the sin) Why do you think he was hung on the cross? It was because he was making the government nervous and made them feel threatened by loving people, even tax collectors! The leaders were in it for themselves and not their people. Having an open dialog as to where church and state merge is a smart way to allow people to use their own minds and not what they have been programmed to believe by mis-information by the liberal media. We are not robots, God gave us the gift to choose. Informed choosing is much better then ignorance. The major networks are NOT going to ask the questions that those of faith have. Most Christians are on the fence as to who to vote for. This will help us to know what we are voting for and what to expect from our next President. It’s not all about abortion these days.
August 13th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Go Rick!! Man, what a FANTASTIC thing! How incredibly awesome it is to see a local church leader have this much penetration into the public consciousness. Wow, you must really make some ‘lesser’ area church leaders jealous. LOL It’s probably them logging in anonymously with the negative comments above. I love that fact that while you non-offensively and openly engage with all people regardless of faith, that you hold true to the torch, and do not sway who you are in Christ. May God richly bless your efforts and reward you incredible faithfulness to Matthew 21 & 29.
August 15th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
I go to saddleback church. It is amazing that the two will be here shortly. However, Saddleback is overrated because the teachings are extremely biased to fit certain lifestyles. Also, the youth membership I was apart a few years ago there sits in a room alone with other kids and we played video games most of the time. Maybe because there is just too many members. I dont recommend sending your kids there, but pastor rick does a pretty decent job there I must admit.
August 16th, 2008 at 11:34 am
During an election year it is very common for candidates to have several debates. It seems one or both candidates have been afraid to debate the other. This won’t be anywhere as interesting as a debate, because there isn’t a challenge. However, I suppose it’s better than nothing. It would be nice if people knew more about Mr. Obama in that he seems to be running as an African-American when he is 50% Caucasian, 44% Arab, and 6% African. I don’t quite understand why he isn’t running as a Caucasian since that’s what he is mostly considered.