{"id":9610,"date":"2012-07-12T15:14:55","date_gmt":"2012-07-12T19:14:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com\/blog\/?p=9610"},"modified":"2026-07-12T03:51:29","modified_gmt":"2026-07-12T10:51:29","slug":"rick-warrens-popular-broad-way-christianity-misses-the-biblical-mark","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com\/blog\/rick-warrens-popular-broad-way-christianity-misses-the-biblical-mark\/","title":{"rendered":"Rick Warren’s Popular Broad Way Christianity Misses the (Biblical) Mark"},"content":{"rendered":"

LTRP Note: <\/strong>The following\u00a0bullet points\u00a0are not loosely put together assumptions or presumptions. They are well-thought out and well-researched conclusions that have been observed by many biblically sound Christians for a long time.<\/p>\n

By\u00a0Warren B. Smith<\/strong>
\n(Taken from\u00a0 A “Wonderful” Deception<\/a>)<\/em>
\nAlso see Table of Contents<\/a><\/p>\n

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. \u2014Matthew 7:13<\/p>\n

Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me. \u2014Isaiah 54:15<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Rick Warren\u2019s Purpose Driven movement, in a relatively short period of time, became what TIME<\/em> magazine has referred to as a \u201cPurpose Driven empire.\u201d1 The word empire is defined in the dictionary as \u201csupreme rule; absolute power or authority; dominion.\u201d It also means \u201can extensive social or economic organization under the control of a single person, family, or corporation.\u201d2 For all intents and purposes, Rick Warren has become the titular head\u2014the almost emperor-like CEO\u2014of an increasingly apostate postmodern church. But while Warren continues to be embraced by much of the world and much of the church, it is not too late for people to reconsider their involvement with him and his Purpose Driven movement. Here are ten scripturally based reasons why people with any love of the truth should not involve themselves in Warren\u2019s \u201cBroad Way\u201d Christianity:<\/p>\n

\u00a0Ten Basic Reasons<\/strong>
\n1) Rick Warren\u2019s Purpose Driven movement offers a \u201cBroad Way\u201d Christianity. One of the mysteries of the Christian faith can be found in Jesus\u2019 warning that the way to life is \u201cnarrow\u201d and that \u201cfew\u201d would actually find it. Jesus is telling us in advance that the \u201cbroad way\u201d\u2014no matter how well intentioned\u2014is not from Him. With Rick Warren\u2019s reformation movement <\/a>based on deeds and not creeds, everyone is invited to partake in this global effort. But biblical principles are watered-down and often cast aside.<\/p>\n

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 7:13-14)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

2) Rick Warren\u2019s \u201cBroad Way\u201d Christianity does not declare \u201call the counsel of God.\u201d Rick Warren teaches only what he wants to teach from the Bible. As a result, there are many important teachings that he skips over, de-emphasizes, and leaves out\u2014particularly in regard to prophecy and spiritual deception.<\/p>\n

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. (Acts 20:27-31)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

3) Rick Warren\u2019s \u201cBroad Way\u201d Christianity does not discern the spiritual signs of the times. Just as the leaders in Jesus\u2019 day discerned the weather but not the signs of the times, Warren discerns many of the social and economic problems, but not the spiritual signs of the times.<\/p>\n

O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? (Matthew 16:3)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

4) Rick Warren\u2019s \u201cBroad Way\u201d Christianity is ignorant of Satan\u2019s devices. Whereas the apostle Paul stated that he and other believers were \u201cnot ignorant of Satan\u2019s devices,\u201d Warren\u2019s \u201cBroad Way\u201d Christianity states that Satan\u2019s schemes are \u201centirely predictable.\u201d3 By being ignorant of Satan\u2019s devices, this \u201cBroad Way\u201d Christianity has fallen prey to Satan\u2019s devices\u2014particularly in the area of the New Age\/New Spirituality\/New Worldview.<\/p>\n

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (2 Corinthians 2:11)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

5) Rick Warren\u2019s \u201cBroad Way\u201d Christianity does not expose spiritual evil. Warren\u2019s version of Christianity does not sound a true warning about the deceptive spirit world and spiritual deception. There is much more to evil than the problems that Rick Warren is seeking to remedy with his Purpose Driven P.E.A.C.E. Plan. We are told to expose false prophets and false teachers, not to study under them, spiritually join with them, and further their plans.<\/p>\n

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)<\/p>\n

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13)<\/p>\n

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. (Ephesians 5:11)<\/p>\n

For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? (1 Corinthians 14:8)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

6) Rick Warren\u2019s \u201cBroad Way\u201d Christianity does not \u201cearnestly contend for the faith.\u201d By not declaring all the counsel of God, by not discerning the signs of the times, by being ignorant of Satan\u2019s devices, and by not exposing spiritual evil, Rick Warren\u2019s \u201cBroad Way\u201d Christianity is not fighting \u201cthe good fight of faith.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 3)<\/p>\n

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12)<\/p>\n

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:13)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

7) Rick Warren and his \u201cBroad Way\u201d Christianity are loved by the world and its leaders. Jesus loved the world, but the world did not love Him. Jesus warned his followers they would be hated, persecuted, and even killed by the world\u2014just as the world hated, persecuted, and killed Him. In his compromised effort to reach out to the world, Warren and his \u201cBroad Way\u201d Christianity have become the world.<\/p>\n

They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. (1 John 4:5)<\/p>\n

Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. (Luke 6:26)<\/p>\n

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12)<\/p>\n

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name\u2019s sake. (Matthew 10:22)<\/p>\n

If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? (Matthew 10:25)<\/p>\n

For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? (Luke 9:25)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

8) Rick Warren\u2019s \u201cBroad Way\u201d Christianity is engaged in a process of ungodly change. Rick Warren describes himself as a \u201cchange agent\u201d but in his attempt to change the world, he and his Purpose Driven movement are actually changing biblical Christianity. The Bible warns about those who push for unbiblical and ungodly change.<\/p>\n

My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change. (Proverbs 24:21)<\/p>\n

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (Hebrews 13:8)<\/p>\n

For I am the LORD, I change not. (Malachi 3:6)<\/p>\n

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. (Amos 8:11)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

9) Rick Warren\u2019s \u201cBroad Way\u201d Christianity is frequently \u201cdouble-tongued\u201d and \u201cdouble-minded.\u201d Rick Warren\u2019s attempts to seemingly distance himself from the New Age\/New Spirituality while simultaneously spiritually aligning himself with New Age sympathizers is \u201cdouble-tongued,\u201d \u201cdouble-minded,\u201d and deceptively self-serving. In the Psalms, David refers to those who speak with \u201cflattering lips\u201d and a \u201cdouble heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. They speak vanity every one with his neighbor: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. (Psalm 12:1-2)<\/p>\n

Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. (1 Timothy 3:8-9)<\/p>\n

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1:8)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

10) Rick Warren\u2019s \u201cBroad Way\u201d Christianity is \u201cnot valiant for the truth.\u201d Warren has demonstrated, in numerous ways, that he is politically and spiritually expedient when it comes to the truth. His \u201cBroad Way\u201d Christianity plays to the world and embraces the world because it is the world. It does not hold fast to the truth because it is not \u201cvaliant for the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth. (Jeremiah 9:3)<\/p>\n

If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Time is Here<\/strong>
\nThe apostle Paul preached the importance of adhering to God\u2019s Word. He warned that the time would come when believers would not endure sound doctrine but would find teachers who would tell them what they wanted to hear:<\/p>\n

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2 Timothy 4:3-4)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

As Rick Warren\u2019s \u201cbroad way\u201d Christianity seems to be headed down the \u201cbroad way\u201d of the New Spirituality, it is very clear that his Purpose Driven movement is anything but the \u201cnarrow way\u201d that Jesus Christ described in Matthew 7:14.<\/p>\n

It is important to understand what is at stake here\u2014the centrality of the Cross as the one and only true Gospel\u2014without which the hope of salvation is lost. Jesus Christ, dying on the Cross for our sins, is the central message of the Gospel. It is the plumb line for ultimately discerning truth from error. But in discerning truth from error, it is essential that we must adhere to all the counsel of God (Acts 20:27).<\/p>\n

Jesus is the one and only Savior\u2014the one and only true Christ. Science cannot and will not prove otherwise (1 Timothy 6:20). God is not \u201cin\u201d everything. We are not Christ, and we are not God. What is born of the flesh is flesh. What is born of the Spirit is spirit. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 15:50). It is not \u201cas above, so below.\u201d The apostle John states:<\/p>\n

He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. (John 3:31)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Jesus Christ is Lord. His name is above all names (Philippians 2:9). He is not the \u201cJesus\u201d of The Shack, and He is not the \u201cJesus\u201d of the New Age\/New Spirituality. Most assuredly, He is not the \u201cquantum Christ\u201d of a deceived world and an apostate church.<\/p>\n

The apostle Paul describes the simplicity of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3). According to many of today\u2019s spiritual and religious leaders, it has taken humanity 2000 years to finally \u201cget it.\u201d They say we need quantum physicists, cellular biologists, Ph.D. mathematicians, New Age channelers, and emerging postmodern preachers to finally understand what Jesus was trying to tell us back in the first century. No, this is not the simplicity that Paul was describing. This is the deceptive work of our Adversary as he tries to transform the creation into the Creator and co-opt God\u2019s creation to himself.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, many of today\u2019s pastors have forgotten that Satan is the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4) and that we are to \u201cstand against the wiles of the devil\u201d (Ephesians 6:11). As a result, the church is now catapulting into great spiritual deception.<\/p>\n

For those who still rightly divide and depend upon the Word of God, the Bible warns that the coming deception will be so great that most of the world will be deceived (Revelation 13:13-14). Jesus warned that His way is not the broad way but the \u201cnarrow way\u201d of continuing in His Word (John 8:31). And it is His way that leads to eternal life.<\/p>\n

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. (Luke 21:28)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

(From Chapter 14 of A “Wonderful” Deception<\/a><\/em> by Warren B. Smith)<\/p>\n

Notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. TIME<\/em> magazine March 10, 2009 Amy Sullivan, http:\/\/www.time.com\/time\/nation\/article\/0,8599,1884038,00.html p. 1.<\/p>\n

2. Victoria Neufeldt, Editor in Chief, Webster\u2019s New World Dictionary: Third College Edition<\/em> (New York: Simon & Schuster, Inc., 1988), p. 445.<\/p>\n

3. Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life<\/em>, p. 203.<\/p>\n

Related Information:<\/strong><\/p>\n

LT Research on Purpose Driven Movement<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

LTRP Note: The following\u00a0bullet points\u00a0are…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[52],"tags":[494,516,1286,1394,1395,35,216,234],"class_list":["post-9610","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-purpose-driven-movement","tag-purpose-driven-life","tag-a-wonderful-deception","tag-new-reformation","tag-time-magazine","tag-second-reformation","tag-rick-warren","tag-warren-b-smith","tag-new-spirituality","wpcat-52-id"],"yoast_head":"\nRick Warren's Popular Broad Way Christianity Misses the (Biblical) Mark - From the Lighthouse<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com\/blog\/rick-warrens-popular-broad-way-christianity-misses-the-biblical-mark\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Rick Warren's Popular Broad Way Christianity Misses the (Biblical) Mark\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"LTRP Note: The following\u00a0bullet points\u00a0are...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com\/blog\/rick-warrens-popular-broad-way-christianity-misses-the-biblical-mark\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"From the Lighthouse\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LighthouseTrailsResearch\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2012-07-12T19:14:55+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-07-12T10:51:29+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Warren B. 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