John Piper interviews Rick Warren on Doctrine

I would encourage everyone to check out the 98 minute interview on the DesiringGod blog. Here are the topics Piper brought up during the interview:

3:29 The glory of God.
7:16 David Wells and the weight of God’s reality.
9:00 Would you write the book the same today?
12:00 The sovereignty of God.
18:47 How do you speak of God’s sovereignty in the presence of tragedy?
22:01 How do all things work for bad for those who reject Christ?
24:14 Do you hedge on Larry King?
27:00 Unconditional election.
30:18 The importance of eternity.
34:42 How do you conceive of eternity: in heaven, on earth?
38:53 What is the Gospel?
42:00 What did Jesus achieve on the cross?
43:40 Repentance.
50:50 Why don’t you call yourself a Calvinist?
53:09 Propitiation.
54:39 Prevenient grace.
1:00:01 Total depravity.
1:03:00 Hell.
1:09:10 Eternal destiny of those who never heard.
1:12:40 The extent of the atonement.
1:17:00 Do unbelievers always do the devil’s bidding?
1:18:40 Your view of the Bible.
1:22:40 Expository preaching and doctrinal depth.
1:28:10 Rick Warren’s sacred trust.

Be reminded, as I was: "Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble'" (I Peter 5:5).

Piper is not so foolish to not see this. what is going on?

Although I have a regular appreciation for John Piper's preaching and writing, I can only conclude that his bad theology, although it does not pollute most of what he produces, has led him astray here.

I think most people, at least those I have heard speak about John Piper, do not realize that he is not nearly as theological as his reputation would have it to be. For example, I think Piper is a much better worshiper, or worship-encourager, than a doctrinal expert or teacher. He is a better biographer, culturalist, story-teller, big-picture-communicator, and "preacher" than a doctrinalist. This is, of course, not offered as a point of debate, but just my own evaluation and conclusion. Feel free to leave it or take it for what it is worth. My point would be, in evaluating and endorsing Rick Warren, I don't think John Piper is operating in his strengths or in the best interest of the church. I would say the same of when he associates with Mr. Cuss Mouth (I am not ashamed to say I can't remember his name). Piper's bad theology is leading him into compromise and taking others with him who have been deceived into thinking he is a leader or theology master.

For the record, I don't think Piper's messages or writings are bad or should be shunned. A couple of the best messages I have ever heard are by him, and he has authored a few of my favorite passages. So, I don't think he is a heretic, at least not yet.