By BRIAN MURPHY, AP Religion Writer
ATHENS, Greece – “A trip to Syria that U.S. megachurch pastor Rick Warren says was inspired by a backyard chat with a Muslim neighbor has triggered criticism and questions that highlight the potential risks when preaching meets international politics.
“But Warren’s visit – which included a meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad – also reinforced his credentials as a rising force in a new generation of globe-trotting evangelists following famous predecessors including the Rev. Billy Graham.
“Warren, who shot to superstardom with his blockbuster book”The Purpose Driven Life,”said he was not attempting to dabble in the hypersensitive world of Middle Eastern politics in the visit that ended last Sunday. Warren said he went to Syria as part of a three-nation trip of pastoral outreach and humanitarian efforts that began in Germany and wraps up in Rwanda on Saturday.
“His statement, however, came too late to curb disapproval of his trip as word of it spread via the Internet.
“Warren has been criticized by some evangelicals for holding talks with a nation long accused of abetting terrorism that is also one of Israel’s fiercest foes.Click here to read entire article.
