May 27 - Rick Warren Addresses Critics on Doctrine, Purpose Driven Life

John Piper, an influential Reformed theologian, took the unusual step of interviewing famed pastor Rick Warren and giving him a chance to address the countless criticisms he has received since the publication of The Purpose Driven Life.

The entire 98-minute talk was centered on doctrine, which Warren admitted he was rarely asked of in interviews.

With some 30 million copies sold and available in over 50 languages, The Purpose Driven Life is the bestselling nonfiction book in history. Instant fame, however, came with a slew of naysayers. Critics have mainly hit at Warren's doctrine as presented in his book.

But during the interview with Piper, Warren revealed that the book was not intended for nonbelievers. It was written as a workbook to accompany Saddleback Church's 40 days of purpose – an annual spiritual growth campaign. It was only at the end of writing it that he realized a nonbeliever may come across the book and read it. So he added a few things about salvation.

Piper had drawn some flak last year when he invited Warren to speak alongside some theological heavyweights including R. Albert Mohler and R.C. Sproul. Some supporters of Desiring God complained, arguing that Warren was not on the same page with them theologically or doctrinally. They felt he relied more on pragmatism than biblical doctrine.

While Warren is not known for being a doctrinal preacher, Piper noted that one reason for this "is his intention to be theologically sound and practically helpful without using doctrinal or theological terms in his public ministry."

"I would take the doctrinal knowledge of any 500 Saddleback members and compare it to any 500 members of any other church and we'd beat them," he said.