Piper, Warren and Dr. Mike Horton's response to Piper's moment of madness

It has come to my attention that Dr. John Piper has decided to invite heretic emeritus Rick Warren over to his Desiring God conference 2010. I am currently still in a state of shock over this piece of news, which has been confirmed over at the Desiring God website.

I will respond to this mess in due time. For the moment, here is Dr. Michael Horton's response to Piper's invitation to Warren to speak at the DG2010 conference. An excerpt:

His best-selling book, The Purpose-Driven Life, begins by announcing that it’s not about you, but about God, and then the rest of the book is about you. There seems to be a contradiction between the God-centered theology that is professed and the basically human-centered orientation that dominates much of his message and methods. ...

Pastor Warren tailors his appeals to his audience. To Calvinists, he stresses his support for the “solas” of the Reformation. Yet he tells prosperity evangelist David Yonggi Cho, “I’ve read your books on Vision and Dreams - speak to pastors about how you hear the voice of the Holy Spirit?… What advice would you give to a brand new minister?… Do you think American churches should be more open to the prayer for miracles?” (“Breakfast With David Yonggi Cho And Rick Warren,” Pastors.com). In a June 2006 article in JewishJournal.com, editor-in-chief Rob Eshman reported on a speech that Warren gave for Synagogue 3000, after Rabbi Ron Wolfson became involved in the Purpose-Driven pastoral training seminars. “Warren managed to speak for the entire evening without once mentioning Jesus — a testament to his savvy message-tailoring.” When USA Today asked him why Mormon and Jewish leaders are involved in his pastoral training programs, Rick Warren reportedly said, “I’m not going to get into a debate over the non-essentials. I won’t try to change other denominations. Why be divisive?” (USA Today, July 21, 2003). Rick Warren endorses a host of books, from New Age authors to Emergent writers to conservative evangelicals. So why not include Calvinists?

It's a sad day for those of us who have come to appreciate the ministry of Dr. Piper to some extent. A crisis point for the New Evangelical Calvinism has arrived. Choose this day whom you will serve.