Since exploding onto the global stage in 2002 with his phenomenally successful book The Purpose Driven Life, Warren has been the warm and friendly face of \u00c2\u00adevangelicalism\u201d\u201da welcoming, avuncular alternative to hellfire-and-brimstone finger waggers such as Pat Robertson and the late Jerry Falwell. With his goatee and dressed-down aesthetic (for our meeting he\u2019s sporting jeans, a bright blue and \u00c2\u00adrobin\u2019s-egg plaid oxford, and black slip-ons), 58-year-old \u201cPastor Rick\u201d\u009d cultivates the casual, cool-dad aura of the boomer generation to which he belongs. (He has the Korean rap phenomenon \u201cGangnam Style\u201d\u009d as his ringtone and, in classic \u00c2\u00adSoCal fashion, shuns socks unless visiting wintery climes such as New York in late November). Warren\u2019s ministry, similarly, presents Christianity in a relatable, user-friendly package, much in keeping with his book\u2019s uplifting promise that every one of our lives has meaning.<\/p>\n
These days, however, the aggressively upbeat Warren is increasingly disheartened by what he sees as a \u201cmalaise\u201d\u009d afoot in the land. \u201cI feel America is in the emotional doldrums,\u201d\u009d he says sadly. The economy is sluggish, the political system is a disaster, and citizens are at each other\u2019s throats. He observes, \u201cI think America is more divided today\u201d\u201dand it\u2019s sad\u201d\u201dthan at any time since the Civil War.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
Warren voices special concern for younger generations. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of people in their 20s and even early 30s still waiting for their lives to start,\u201d\u009d he observes. They can\u2019t find jobs. They\u2019re moving back in with their parents. \u201cThey\u2019re like, where\u2019s the American Dream for me?\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
Bottom line, says Warren: \u201cThis nation is in desperate need of some direction and purpose and meaning. Somebody\u2019s got to speak up now. And I thought, OK. If nobody else volunteers, I\u2019ll step up.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n