Normally, I would not be writing about a man who so obviously disdains the Word of God. But alas, I have friends. Friends who are dear to me, and who apparently have become impressed with a man who has grown so influential.

There’s no need for me to go on about Brian McLaren’s background, accomplishments or his many heresies. For that I would simply direct you to his books. No, wait, that is exactly how my friends became enamored with the man. Stay away from his books; instead, allow me to direct you to apprising.org. There you’ll have plenty to chew on when it comes to the truth of Brian McLaren and his apostate ways.

No, I’m not being overly harsh. The man is dangerous. All men who deny the Word of God and intentionally teach falsehood are dangerous. Brian McLaren does. No apologies. This morning I discover the man seems to think poverty can be eliminated, in spite of our Lord’s words.

For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” – John 12:8

Now listen to Mr. McLaren here:

Because I am one of those people of faith, because I believe in God’s preferential option for the poor, because I see the wisdom behind the biblical teaching of Jubilee, and because I believe that Jesus was speaking about economic justice in the story of the rich man and Lazarus, I’m honored to be part of the mobilization. I hope many, many more people will join us. There won’t be a better time than this to lead our nation toward a wise and compassionate engagement with poverty, or to help our nation and world understand that the only sustainable economy is an economy in which the least of these are re-deemed — or re-valued — in light of the compassion of our common Creator. (online source)

Where do I begin Mr. McLaren?

1. I’m not so sure you are a people of the faith, but since there are many types of non-saving faiths, I’ll give you that one.

2. God has a preferential option for the poor? Have you not read the Scriptures?

God shows no partiality. – Romans 2:11

3. In the narrative of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus was speaking of economic justice? Surely you jest. If you for one moment think that providing for the poor will assist anyone when they stand before the Judge of all, you are mistaken.

4. Notice McLaren equates being redeemed with “re-valued”? Seriously? Redemption is not about being revalued. It’s about being regenerated. Since when did redemption have anything to do with being re-valued outside of regeneration?  No sir, there must be regeneration, even among the poor. If we value the poor among the rich, feed and care for them, will they be saved from damnation?

No. Seems to me that Mr. McLaren’s problem is, he doesn’t read the Bible.

Engagement with poverty might feed stomachs, but it won’t save souls. Jesus said we would always have the poor among us. Mr. McLaren would have you think otherwise. Should we help the poor, the hungry, and the destitute? Absolutely. But not at the expense of leaving the Gospel out.

For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. – Rom 16:18