A few weeks ago I mentioned the Saddleback Forum, a televised discussion between popular megachurch pastor and author Rick Warren, and the two presidential candidates.  The idea was that Warren would "interview" each of the candidates separately, ferreting out their views on a range of topics supposedly of interest to the average Christian.  Warren claims he and his church represent the "middle" of Christian perspectives, as opposed to the left or the right.

I did not watch the forum, but judging from the feedback by the editors of The Christian Century, Warren didn't stray very far from the stereotypical issues of evangelical Christians, i.e., gay marriage and abortion.

This seems a little strange to me, given Warren's self-described "middle" role, and the fact that many evangelicals are waking up to the deeper issues facing our nation and the world, and that there are implications of the faith regarding those issues.

But, it was his show to do as he pleased.

I think an interesting observation raised by the editors of the magazine was the issue of the candidates giving credence to Warren and his approach, and what this implies regarding the interplay of religion and politics.

Check out the linked article and see what you think.