Rick Warren’s Son Commits Suicide
Please no Rick Warren bashing on this thread
Thanks
I have confidence that Warren is a brother in Christ, even as I do Billy Graham and many others I disagree with. As a brother in Christ my heart absolutely hurts with him at this tragic loss, and I will pray for an unfathomable comfort of the Holy Spirit on him and his family at this time as I would any brother.
Lee
Saddleback Church Says Rick Warren’s Son Has Committed Suicide
Pastor Rick and Kay Warren’s youngest son, Matthew, has committed suicide, Saddleback Valley Community Church announced Saturday.
The evangelical megachurch announced the death of the 27-year-old in a statement. Described as “an incredibly kind, gentle and compassionate young man whose sweet spirit was encouragement and comfort to many,” the statement said Matthew suffered from mental illness that resulted in deep depression and suicidal thoughts. He died Friday night.
“Despite the best healthcare available, this was an illness that was never fully controlled and the emotional pain resulted in his decision to take his life,” the statement said.
“We ask everyone to join us in praying for the entire Warren family and that God’s comfort and peace will be with them as they deal with this difficult situation,” the statement continued.
Heart broken for Rick, his wife, and family.
Jim,
The author wrote an insightful article which also included a puzzling statement: “The anchoring conclusion for me, with regard to Angie, is not the conclusion of many. Yet, I don’t know where else to go, biblically. Who is at fault? God is. Not me. Not my mom. Not my dad. And not even Angie. For some reason, in this fallen world, God allowed the darkness to rule her life to such a degree that she left this world with tears and cries to a God who was not going to show in the way we all so desired and prayed. His ways are not our ways. He is the one who works all things after the council of his will (Eph. 1:11), including leaving countless people in their pain as they cry out to him for relief.”
If suicide is self-murder, which I believe it is, I think it is best to hold the individual responsible for that act as opposed to God or the family. Though I don’t question God’s sovereign control over this event, I would never assign sinful causation to God. God is not tempted with evil, neither does God tempt any man with evil. Every person shall bear their own sin. Fortunately, all sin including suicide is forgivable through the cross. That is the only real comfort anyone can have at moments like this.
Pastor Mike Harding
I can’t imagine the pain of this. My heart hurts for our brother, family, church family. We must pray that God heals and that somehow He uses this for His glory and the sake of the Gospel.
Straight Ahead!
jt
ps - Mike, appreciate your thoughts on this.
Dr. Joel Tetreau serves as Senior Pastor, Southeast Valley Bible Church (sevbc.org); Regional Coordinator for IBL West (iblministry.com), Board Member & friend for several different ministries;
Suicide is a difficult issue to talk about. I personally know
- My childhood friend’s Father, Al Jorden … the first husband of Doris Day … committed suicide in the early morning hours of July 5th, 1967 1
- 2 co-workers whose children (young adult) killed themselves (1 by hanging … other unknown to me)
- 1 co-worker whose daughter (young adult) in the last month attempted suicide (pills and alcohol)
- A close cousin whose son (young adult) killed himself with a shotgun 2
- A former neighbor whose daughter (late 40’s) committed suicide (she worked at a GM plant in Grand Rapids. When the plant closed, she took her own life)
Someone this weekend told me I should not use the phrase “he committed suicide” because the deceased was not responsible for his actions. I disagree with that view and agree with you Mike.
1:I was 18 then, my friend 17. He told me about the mess left in the living room
2:My cousin’s husband never mentions the boy by name. They have a large display of his photos and mementos on display in their dining room. He committed suicide by shotgun in their front yard!
Life is precious. Every day is a gift. It is not ours to take!
My hope is that somehow those closely affected may find comfort and healing and that they will draw closer to Christ so as to better know Him.
"Our faith itself... is not our saviour. We have but one Saviour; and that one Saviour is Jesus Christ our Lord. B.B. Warfield
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