The Piper-Warren Interview

John Piper and Rick Warren were to sit down for a one-on-one conversation at the Desiring God National Conference in October of 2010, but unforeseen circumstances prevented Warren from being there. On May 1, 2011, they were able to film the interview, which lasted an hour and a half.

Piper explains that he read The Purpose-Drive Life with a fine-tooth comb and significantly disagreed with certain Reformed critiques of the book. The heart of the interview is Piper seeking clarification and confirmation from Warren on various doctrines and distinctives. Piper explains his intentions like this:

My aim in this interview is to bring out and clarify what Rick Warren believes about these biblical doctrines. In doing this my hope is that the thousands of pastors and lay people who look to Rick for inspiration and wisdom will see the profound place that doctrine has in his mind and heart.

You can read the rest of his post here, which sets the stage for the video. (I'll update the post with audio if they make it available.)

Introduction

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.

60:01 Total depravity.

61:03 Hell.

69:10 Eternal destiny of those who never heard.

72:40 The extent of the atonement.

77:00 Do unbelievers always do the devil's bidding?

78:40 Your view of the Bible.

82:40 Expository preaching and doctrinal depth.

88:10 Rick Warren's sacred trust.