Purpose driven chewing gum?
No, Pastor Rick Warren has not branded a line of chewing gum to tie in with his thought-provoking and life- (and, as its title suggests, purpose-) inspiring book, The Purpose Driven Life.
But he has captured media attention as his Saddleback Church will be the site for the first joint appearance for John McCain and Barack Obama during this year’s presidential campaign and perhaps because some, like Jake Topper notes today in his ABC political blog, Political Punch, criticize Warren for offering what some call glib, new age Christianity.
In an interview with Topper, Warren talks at length about his Biblically-based preaching and approach to ministry, and later uses chewing gum as an analogy when Topper asks him if its hurtful to be criticized. Here’s how Warren answers:
“…people get under my skin for about five seconds. I consider both praise and criticism, it’s kind of like chewing gum. You chew on it for a little while but you don’t swallow because ultimately I’m living for Jesus Christ. That’s my goal. And my philosophy when criticism comes at me, if it’s true: listen and learn from it. If it’s untrue ignore it and forget it…and (you) ultimately realize God is the judge of your life…”
To read more of Topper’s interview with Warren, click here.