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
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
I find it disturbing that Christian brothers and sisters are having discourses. When I look at the people involved in this, I must say that all of them appear to love Jesus and are devoting their lives to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul said at one point in Philippians 1:18, “What then? Notwithstanding, in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached. * John 8:15 Jesus Himself said, ” You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one.”
*We, the believers, must have a personal relationship with the Lord to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to us for the fulfillment of each and everyone’s mission to live and share the Gospel.
James 3:18 (admonishes us) And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. Now, the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
*When Gideon was confronted with the Angel of the Lord, he asked Him: “Are you for us or our adversaries?” And he said, “Neither.”
Why do we so easily get offended and think we ought to “fight” our siblings? And probably in the Lord’s Name! Shouldn’t we just communicate and find some way to get along?
*We have a fight to fight against the devil, and he “loves” it when we get sidetracked in what’s really important.
Jesus warned us about being offended. If we look at any offense and insist on mulling it, it’s like being in a box that keeps us captivated, and we don’t move forward. It could even go so far, that we can’t hear the Holy Spirit clearly. *Pray and forgive, and move forward. I pray that our brother leaders would talk about these things, find a solution in the Lord, and not publish it on social media. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.