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What are readers saying about The Purpose Driven Life?
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-11-19 02:36:44.
(Language: English)
  
It is indeed a insightful book, has has many good things to say and teach. But we must be careful. The Gospel that Rick Warren presents in this book is not the Gospel of the Bible. There is no sin nor any atonement in it's pages. "Give your life to Jesus and you will have purpose" is true indeed, but it is not the Gospel. We are sinful. evil men and were sentenced to hell under the wrath of God. Christ was sent as the substitution of us under that wrath, that our sin would be laid on Him, and we would be saved by His righteousness and live with Him and for Him forever. Indeed, we get a purpose, but that isn't what Christ died for. I would not be so bold as to claim knowledge of Rick Warren's motives, and as far as I know his heart was for the evangelizing of his readers. But the Gospel within these pages is no Gospel at all. Take the book for what fruit is in it and drop the rest.It's good for Christians with discerning hearts. His Gospel presentation is very weak, but there is some gold in here. Not really recommended, though. 
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-01-26 10:58:02.
(Language: English)
Had been hearing about this book for a looong time now. bought it sometime back. Since its a compulsarily daily reading book with instructions not to read beyond one chapter a day....it makes you digest the truths rather than just taste them...only started but makes outlook towards life much clearer...everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him Col 1:16b
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A Reader posted a review at 2011-04-01 07:45:56.
(Language: English)
Chapter a day for 40 days, takes less than 15 minutes a day. Good for those feeling a bit lost and need some guidance back. I highly recommend getting the journal that is an option with it as I think it is key to not just read, but self reflect.
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A Reader posted a review at 2011-04-01 08:08:48.
(Language: English)
Truly made me look into myself...
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-02-17 08:36:11.
(Language: English)
What a terrible book. Apparently the salvation of any person is a result of the faithfulness of another. Saying that demeans God, that ultimately our work (which are affected by our sinful motives mind you) actually have merit. What that means is that God is ultimately not in control of this universe, if we come to this conclusion then how can we as Christians rely on God? That contradicts the very core of the gospel. This book very poorly presents the very nature of sin, repentance and redemption. Not to mention his cherry picking to convey his own points, which I'm sorry to say is a very shallow watered down doctrine. I would exercise caution when reading this as it does not even serve as a supplement to the bible. In fact I would recommend just sticking to bible as it is not a "one size" batch of books. It touches and speaks to each individual person regardless of what stage of life they are in, or what the securities and struggles are. It continues to speak to us as a personal story just for us!
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A Reader posted a review at 2011-05-07 02:09:34.
(Language: English)
Have not read this book in awhile, but I remember it being very good and helpful...need to go back to this and read.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-05-20 07:47:11.
(Language: English)
Excellent book and highly recommended! If you're looking for a self-help book, this is not it. Most all self-help books are written with the perspective that "It's all about You",...you'll quickly find the statement in this book "It's NOT all about you". What this is, is a book that defines what it means to be a Christian, how they should live, how they should serve God, and how they should serve others. While this book is written to Christians, I think that if you are unsure about Christianity, this book will give you the basic tenets about the Christian life. There is a lot of meat here! The book is broken up into 40-day sections. You might be tempted to read this book in a few days,....don't,...there is just too much to take in and digest. It'd be better to read and then reflect on what you just read.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-07-29 02:40:08.
(Language: English)
At first, I was blown away from this book. Our church organized around this book... and now it kinda leaves me with a somewhat sour taste. Many "rank and file" Christians that I know who've read it feel overwhelmed... how do I find my huge, massive, world-changing life's purpose? Well, it's simply to be Jesus where you are in your situation, and be ready for God to invite you on His mission, no matter where it takes you. Hmm... I didn't need 300 pages or 40 days to say that. This book has, however, helped a lot of people in their relationship with God.
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-01-13 07:22:38.
(Language: English)
Excellent book. Very insightful. Much of the information was just reaffirmation for me. Looking at the big picture and remembering what is truly important. Knowing the strength and determination from various family members and friends...all the trauma and problems they faced personally and have overcome...helped give me the strength to live my life with loving meaning and purpose. I believe this book is a very good read!
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-03-16 09:23:15.
(Language: English)
This book claims "It's all about God," but then the book is very "I"-centered (anthropocentric). Warren plays fast and loose with the Scripture, proof-texting everything from whatever version or paraphrase he can find, often twisting Biblical Truth, then "proving" his point with some verse or other. Read it with your Greek New Testament open (you won't need your Hebrew Old Testament at all!) and be alert -- it is very misleading. The particular man-centered, feel-good "gospel" Warren pitches is very commercial-friendly; it sells, so he writes it. This book toys with the Word of God for the author's own man-centered purposes. Study it with the Greek beside you, and you will find that many (if not most) of his "Scripture proofs" never said what he says they say. I cannot in good conscience recommend this book to anyone. READER BEWARE!
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A Reader posted a review at 2011-02-26 12:10:54.
(Language: English)
I'm reading this because I heard someone say on t.v. news report that Rick Warren doesn't follow the Jesus of the Bible. That comment didn't set well with me because I really liked Rick Warren's interview with John McCain and Barak Obama. So I decided to read his book and see for myself what he says about Jesus and determine which Jesus he does in fact follow. 1st thing I noticed is that Rick Warran uses a lot of psychology in this book. The readeer is supposed to do four tasks a day for forty days: actively read (write within the book) a chapter a day, answer a opinion question at the end of the chapter, recite throughout the day a short phrase, and write on a card a bible verse and look at the card throughout the day. Rick Warren strongly suggests for the readers to get into groups. 2nd thing I noticed is that most of the verses he quotes come from paraphrased Bibles (translations where "poetic licenses" are exercised) such as "The Message" (written by Eugene H. Peterson, copyrighted 2002). "The Message is a combination of thougt-for-thought and paraphrase translation, that is, sections of scripture are translated and reworded. In the appendix 3 makes the disclaimer that he doesn't want verses to become familiar and that he wants the audience to see a verse in a new, fresh way. But on day one he makes an emphasis on the verse Ephesians 1:11 from "The Message. Looking up that same verse from the New King James Version of the Bible which is a more word-for-word translation that verse shows to be taken out of context in "The Message" and taken out of context in the book.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-07-21 09:39:23.
(Language: English)
What he says is right and good but insensitive in pastoral and healing terms. Without which no one can 'do' anything. I agree he is anti-intellectual and that the Church needs both sorts. I am adopting an inaugural Edit strategy to see how I would improve the delivery of his message and make it more like a book you WANT to pick up. I am in Supported Housing and like the global Church Leader population all his discourse is framed around Two Point Four and Normal lives. Books like these of course need to be framed around continently separate areas as per usual you are left 'translating' it into your sphere. I hated Book, hated Course, did it out of love for Bob [Fuller) but God has done and seems to be doing SO MUCH in my life Purpose wise ghastly horrific brokenness and sin not withstanding that in a way it has become a bit of an unacknowledged platform in my life. Gods Family Wow and Yummy and what a challenge! Mission PTL Two significant friends of ginormous proportions, Love thy Church I would protect St Johns woe to anyone who derides us the weapon will fail. Gods Glory help us in that bit in John 17 'I gave them the Glory and GLORY has come to Me via them. But as a book it is a trial to read hence above Project. I am not an Editor but this will be my first time at editing anything!!
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-01-25 06:46:33.
(Language: English)
This book is not only inspirational and a must read for anyone, particularly anyone who hasn't gone to church in a long time, or has seemed to forgotten God and his power and importance in your lives. It's also a good book to help understand things better, including at times of crisis, etc. I highly recommend this book. Though written from more of a protestant perspective, it has gotten me to be more involved and more interested in being a more active Catholic. This was an excellent book, written from a traditionalist non-denominational viewpoint. I was baptized Catholic, confirmed, and went through first communion, and used to only attend church on holidays with my folks. However, this book brought me closer to God and now I can trust in his Son Jesus Christ,our Savior who died on the cross for our salvation. As a result I have regularly been attending mass now, and also picked up a Catholic Bible at a local Christian book store, and will from time to time read scripture. This has brought about a true renewal for me, particularly during tough economic times, being without a job, and our Country and New President bringing upon us some uncertainty, rather than what he promised. I would recommend this book HIGHLY to ANY Friend of mine who has questions, and am willing to help stand aside them during their 40 day adventure.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-02-16 11:16:04.
(Language: English)
I had all but turned my back on God for more than 10 years, and then I found myself back in church because I thought my bad-tempered toddler needed some Sunday school lessons. Turns out I was the one who needed it. I chose to read The Purpose Driven Life as part of a devotional challenge during a discipleship class I was taking at my church. This book came my way at just the right time and it had a profound affect on my understanding of the grandeur and majesty of God and how small I really am. But no matter how small I am in the scope and size of the universe, God still loves me and desires for me to know him! I can't convince anyone to love this book. I can't even explain my love for it. It's something you will just have to experience for yourself. And maybe you won't have the same reaction I did. This was something I needed to read at the time and place I was in my life when I read it. It may not be the book that changes your life, but it did mine, and I'm grateful.
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-07-02 07:15:18.
(Language: English)
the worst part about this book is not being able to read ahead. this book takes u on a wonderful 40 day journey thats opens your heart, mind, and spirit to the presence of GOD and his purpose for your life. great book i recommend all Christians old middle and new should read. This is a treasure to have in the libary
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-01-05 02:25:25.
(Language: English)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92z_54tpI0o A purpose driven scam to get your money and to brainwash you. Honestly people. If this is how you derive purpose in your life then you are not living at all. You are looking for excuses to be told how to live. Can't you see life for its intrinsic beauty? The beauty of being here and living now. I look around me and find purpose in the breath of being alive, not being told how to live. Why make life and your ability to be part of it so cheap by buying into this cult mentality or any other for that matter?
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-03-30 08:27:42.
(Language: English)
This book is a joke. The reason I gave this book a 1 star rating is that it is supposedly a Christian book that is meant to connect people with God, and while it does present some good true advice, it does not actually present the Gospel. However, it does present the shallow watered down American version of the Gospel. The closest thing Rick Warren says about the Gospel is on page 58, "Real life begins by committing yourself completely to Jesus Christ." But he misses the most crucial part of the Gospel - the death and resurrection of Christ, and without these there is no Gospel! The death and resurrection of Christ explain why you would you commit your life to Him. However, later on in the same page we see Rick Warren leading people to pray this prayer "Jesus, I believe in you and I receive you..." and then he says that if you prayed that prayer then "Welcome to the family of God!" No mention of repentance or anything like that. All this is going to do is make people false Christians who never entered the small gate onto the narrow path. No wonder this book sold over 10 million copies and was a Christian bestselling book, as Christians today would rather read a "Christian" book that makes them feel like they are in Disneyland than a book that actually proclaims the Gospel and "hard" Biblical truth.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-11-13 09:49:48.
(Language: English)
Honestly, this book is nowhere near as good as all the hype surrounding it. A shallow and disappointing read. I'm reading it, one chapter a day, because that is what I committed to do. I am going to finish it, but I must say that thus far I have not gotten much from this book. In all honesty I do not find the chapters that deep or insightful. It seems to be filled with "religious-fluff," and the quoting of scripture from \many\ different versions of the Bible, some very obscure versions, and frequently quoting from the Message "Bible," I find to be distracting and a way of bending the scriptures to fit his points. I am not very impressed by this book and don't understand what all of the excitement for this book was. I could recommend many books above this one, and for me personally it does not even rank anywhere near the top of my list for devotional books I'd recommend.
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-03-09 03:33:47.
(Language: English)
This book was written for people that are firm believers, ardent church goers. It is not written for an average, not very religious person. Its stated goals that it will help you understand why are alive and reveal God's amazing plan for you. For someone not very religious it does neither. For a follower of Rick Warren, this is probably an outstanding book. It says some good things about tolerating others, yet there is a little hypocrisy in that it espouses only the one faith and not any others. I think I liked the section best that talks about serving which everyone could do more.
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Shaun posted a review at 2010-09-12 10:11:08.
(Language: English)
This book has sat on my shelf for over five years. I am glad that I read it now as it means so much more as I now understand Christianity. I thought this book may be about providing purpose, which I feel I already have. However, this book is more a review of what Christianity (not religion) is and how it should apply to your life as per the Bible. This book will make an excellent reference and I look forward to reading it again some time in the future, for the parts that just escaped me at the moment.
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-01-29 12:04:24.
(Language: English)
This book is an easy read.. It captures my soul in the rich truth of importance and place in life's arena. It is a gentle re-affirming work that expresses "purpose" and establishes personal "worth"..It is transforming.. renewing the mind, healing and strengthening a broken soul.. It is a great reminder to keep one's eyes focused on God and His will.. It's not about our wants and desires.. it's all about God's plan and purpose in our lives..
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-08-31 12:01:25.
(Language: English)
Rick Warren is a prophet of this age. I as a charismatic and evangelical pastor with social concerns and progressive political postions, just like Rick Warren, trully respect him. If Karl Barth was like St. Athanasius and Billy Graham, St. Patrick, Rick Warren is certainly in league with St. John Chrysostom. Both never wrote a theological thesis, but exegete the Scripture and preached about how we should apply the Word of God in everyday life. Yet, in any respect, their theological stances are orthodox to the point, and their daily lives are examples to follow. Because Rick is talking only about what is truth and how we live truth, especially in this book, people of different faiths and walks accept this book and value it.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-04-20 02:20:00.
(Language: English)
I read lots of books that have changed my vision of God but this one is the best of all after the Bible.If I had to live on an island, I would own two books in my library: my Bible and the latter. Sincerely I believe that every Christian should have read at least once this book.Each chapter of the book is very short: there are an average of 6 pages per chapter. The book has 40 chapters. It is therefore easy to read for 40 days at a rate of a chapter a day.My heart is certainly in heaven, but my feet are firmly on the ground. So I found in this book a very pragmatic tool that will help me be a better human being in a world where chaos seems to dominate.To read without hesitation ...
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-08-08 04:13:54.
(Language: English)
AUGH! This book seriously set me back in my Christian walk. Initially, it was one of those books I felt that I had read because everyone else had, kind of like the Da Vinci Code, but after reading an article in Time magazine about Rick Warren and what he is doing with his church and profits, I knew I had to see what this guy had to say. Unfortunately, the Purpose Driven Life is an uninspired amalgam of platitudes and fundamentalism. Here are some problems: “Noah had never seen rain because before the flood, the ground was irrigated from the ground up.†“Abortion is wrong." (folowed by practically no argumentation in support. “Many of our troubles occur because we base our choices on unreliable authorities [such as] reason.†Also, Warren puts way more emphasis on the infallibility of the bible and evangelism than I am comfortable with. Since this is obviously such an influential book, it is scary that he would get to set the agenda for so many Christians.
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John posted a review at 2010-04-13 09:45:57.
(Language: English)
When I first read The Purpose Driven Life I was disappointed, because it did not “push any buttons” but after the second and third reading I realised it was very cleverly nuanced and the sub-text “rang bells”. It was predicated on a new age gospel of mysticism and pantheism informed by eisegesis[1], plagiarism[2], and the works of new age gurus and mystics leading to “spiritual transformation” using a communitarian[3] agenda. We do not find the full gospel in Purpose Driven Life. Warren has hidden (a) the whole reason Christ had to come and die; (b) why we must repent and be saved; (c) the unseen world and spiritual warfare (d) the gifts of prophecy and discernment (e) the Biblical portrayal of God so we can know Him and obey him (instead of thinking of him as only a god of love who simply wants to be pleased with us or glorified by us). Warren uses 15 different versions of the Bible (mostly paraphrases) in Purpose Driven Life to argue for a new age gospel predicated on mysticism[4], pantheism/ holism[5], interspirituality and communitarianism[6]. He draws heavily on the works of Robert Schuller (who he plagiarises) new age gurus[7], Catholic mystics[8] and Peter Drucker[9], who mentored Warren. Warren quotes from the The New Century Bible on page 88 of Purpose Driven Life which states, “There is one God and Father of everything. He rules everything and is everywhere and is in everything "[10]. Warren’s choice of a Children’s Bible suggests that he believes that God is "in" everything (rather than "above all” and “in you all”[11] (i.e. by His Spirit in all believers)). The version Warren has selected may be in simple language but it communicates pantheism, and pantheism directly contradicts the biblical teaching that God is separate from His creation. All the Roman Catholic mystics Warren refers to in Purpose Driven Life appear to have engaged in contemplative prayer with the aim of achieving “union with God” and for Theresa of Avila this led to an ecstatic state and at times to levitation[12]. Some of the side effects they experienced appear to be more consistent with seducing spirits than “union with God”. Brother Lawrence, who provided Warren with the inspiration for “breath prayers”[13], used to "dance violently like a madman". John of the Cross experienced mysticism of a homoerotic nature, described in "dark night of the soul”[14] and Theresa of Avila and Madam Guyon’s mysticism has been described[15] as “erotic bride mysticism”. Guyon mystic experience was accompanied by demonic attack and poltergeist activity[16]. It is clear that Warren believes that we can only gain spiritual maturity (or spiritual formation) if we engage in contemplative prayer and enter the inner silence of alpha consciousness[17]. This is very dangerous and provides access for deceiving or seducing spirits. Contemplative prayer and holism may only appear in the sub-text of Purpose Driven Life but they lead inexorably to a mystic connection between all contemplative traditions and to interspirituality and ecumenicalism. This is articulate by Warren in his global peace plan. He states "Who's the man of peace in any village - or it might be a woman of peace - who has the most respect, they're open and they're influential? They don't have to be a Christian. In fact, they could be a Muslim, but they're open and they're influential and you work with them to attack the five giants. And that's going to bring the second Reformation."[18] Peter Drucker has had a major influence on Warren’s new age gospel especially the emphasis on systems-based communitarianism[19], holism[20] and interspirituality which have become part of the Purpose Driven paradigm. Communitarianism is a worldview that man is only complete as part of a viable “organism” or organisation (a view that resonates with pantheism, holism and systems theory). It is a common thread running through both Drucker’s worldview and the New Age Movement and its purpose and objective is to transform all philosophical and religious thought to what they call the "Mass Mind", and to give it power over individual thought. Consensus is the favored means by which this will be achieved, and when it is complete, the Mass Mind will rule the activities of every individual, forcing him into compliance with communitarian ideals. I think Warren's statement on page 131 of Purpose Driven Life that “each part gets its meaning from the body” illustrates communitarianism in a church context. Yes, God wants us to be one with Himself and with each other: one family in Christ, all led by the Holy Spirit according to God's perfect plan. But when God's guidelines for His Body of believers are placed into the context of a secular management system and when each member is told to find its "meaning" or purpose in the collective "body" rather than in Jesus Christ, the Head of His body, the Biblical ideal becomes little more than a tool to conform people to an unbiblical process. There is evidence that the latter approach is being applied.in his “group-think” approach to church. Warren uses well nuanced language and metaphors yet he models an attitude that breeds intolerance and judgment toward individuals who violate his politically correct guidelines concerning unity and relational synergy. He equates sincere Christians who question the adoption of the world's methodology with germs and disease within the body. And he calls on the church leadership to "remove growth-restricting diseases and barriers so that natural, normal growth can occur” (Purpose Driven Church page 16) In 2006 Rick Warren was recruited by the Committee of Foreign Relations[21], a globally influential platform for the Illuminati. There are those[22] who believe that he has become an agent of the New World Order and he is paving the way for the apostate church. This would certainly explain the success of The Purpose Driven Life [1] Eisegesis is the process of misinterpreting a text in such a way that it introduces one's own ideas, reading into the text. [2] is the use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work? [3] Communitarianism is a worldview that man is only complete as part of a viable “organism” or organisation [4] Purpose Driven Life p 89 and 299 [5] ibid p 89 and 299 [6] ibid p 131 [7] Huxley (p 248) and Siegel (p 31) [8] Brother Lawrence (p 88), St John of the Cross (p 183), Theresa of Avila (p 125 & 231), and Madame Guyon (p 193) [9] mentioned in Purpose Driven Church p 90 [10] Ephesians 4:6 [11] King James Version [12] St. Teresa of Avila, 2007, Autobiography , Translated by E.Allison Peers, IntraText Edition CT, chapter 20 [13] Purpose Driven Life p 89 [14] John of the Cross, 1909, The Dark Night Of The Soul, Translated by David Lewis - Original Spanish with English translation p 33-34 [15] Sundararajan, K. R. 2008 Bridal mysticism: a study of St. Bernard of Clairvaux and Nammalvar., Journal of Ecumenical Studies June 22 [16] Madam Guyon, no date, An Autobiography of Madame Guyon . Chicago: Moody Press, p 99 [17] Purpose Driven Church p 126-127 [18] The Pew and Religion Forum May 23, 2005 [19] Purpose Driven Life p 131 [20] ibid p 88 [21] http://foreign.senate.gov/ [22] http://www.texemarrs.com/022007/occult_theocracy.htm
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