Rick Warren faces backlash over political tweet about Crucifixion leading to deletion

In a recent social media stir, former Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren found himself in hot water over a tweet discussing the Crucifixion of Jesus. The post, which suggested that Jesus might be seen as a political centrist today, elicited strong reactions from various segments of the Christian community, ultimately leading to his decision to delete it.

On Tuesday, Warren shared a quote from John 19:18 alongside an image depicting the Crucifixion scene, stating, “They crucified Jesus with two others — one on each side & Jesus in the middle.” He went on to comment about the two criminals flanking Jesus, implying that seekers of the “real Jesus” would find him positioned in the middle rather than aligned with either side of the political divide.

Despite his post receiving approximately 3.5 million views, it was met with considerable backlash from notable conservative voices, leading to its removal by Friday morning. Criticism ranged from accusations of poor theological understanding to outright condemnation. Attorney and podcaster Jenna Ellis characterized Warren’s tweet as “theologically inaccurate” and suggested he should feel embarrassed for making such a statement.

Responses from others followed suit; podcaster Allie Beth Stuckey labeled Warren’s take as “possibly the worst Biblical interpretation I’ve ever seen,” arguing that Jesus’s position in the Crucifixion did not imply a centrist stance on critical moral issues. Meanwhile, Daily Wire host Michael Knowles pointed out the implications of Warren’s analogy, noting the contrasting fates of the thieves on the crosses.

Warren’s previous influence has drawn scrutiny, with some critics asserting that it contributed to a broader theological decline within the Evangelical church. Megan Basham, a reporter from the Daily Wire, remarked that millions of Americans have been guided spiritually by Warren over the years, questioning the implications of his interpretations on the church’s current state.

This incident comes in the backdrop of ongoing controversies surrounding Warren, including the 2023 decision by the Southern Baptist Convention to uphold the removal of Saddleback Church from its ranks over the appointment of a female teaching pastor. Observers continue to speculate about the ramifications of Warren’s latest social media blunder on his reputation and influence within Christian circles.