Rick Warren, the well-known founder of Saddleback Church and author of “The Purpose Driven Life,” recently found himself at the center of a theological firestorm after suggesting that Jesus Christ would be a political centrist today. Warren’s post on X quoted John 19:18:
“They crucified Jesus with two others — one on each side & Jesus in the middle. The guys on both sides were thieves. If you’re looking for the #realJesus, not a caricature disfigured by partisan motivations, you’ll find him in the middle, not on either side.”
John 19:18 “They crucified Jesus with two others-one on each side & Jesus in the middle.”
— Rick Warren (@RickWarren) February 11, 2025
The guys on both sides were thieves.
If you’re looking for the #realJesus, not a caricature disfigured by partisan motivations, you’ll find him in the middle, not on either side. pic.twitter.com/wYmLyayqsZ
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His comment was met with immediate backlash, with many Christian leaders condemning what they saw as an attempt to force a political lens onto a spiritual truth.
Among the most vocal critics was Pastor Greg Locke, of Global Vision Bible Church in Tennessee, who did not mince words:
“No matter what ‘side’ someone is on, THIS IS SO UNBIBLICAL IT’S NAUSEATING. This is one of the most ridiculous things you’ve ever said. Revelation 3 says the total opposite.”
/**/No matter what “side” someone is on, THIS IS SO UNBIBLICAL IT’S NAUSEATING. This is one of the most ridiculous things you’ve ever said. Revelation 3 says the total opposite.
— Pastor Greg Locke (@pastorlocke) February 12, 2025
So, why did Locke reference Revelation 3? This passage includes Jesus’ stern warning to the church of Laodicea, where He rebukes them for being ‘lukewarm’—neither hot nor cold. Specifically, Revelation 3:15-16 states: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
Locke, like many others, interprets this passage as a condemnation of spiritual indecisiveness or compromise, arguing that Warren’s statement implies a passive, middle-ground approach to faith when Christ Himself called for wholehearted commitment.
Joel Berry, managing editor of the Babylon Bee, offered a pointed response, noting the irony in Warren’s interpretation. He remarked that if Warren were to take the analogy further, he would have to acknowledge that the thief on the right was the one who repented and was promised paradise.
If you’re going to misuse the story this bad, you should also point out that the thief on the Right is the one that went to heaven lol.
If you’re going to misuse the story this bad, you should also point out that the thief on the Right is the one that went to heaven lol
— Joel Berry (@JoelWBerry) February 12, 2025
Warren’s comment attempts to paint Jesus as being above political partisanship, which is something most believers would agree on. However, framing Jesus as being in the “middle” between two thieves as a metaphor for political centrism stretches biblical interpretation. Jesus’ placement on the cross was not about finding balance between two viewpoints—it was about fulfilling His mission of redemption.
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
