I've seen threads on here about this book before, but didn't search for them again.
What is your opinion about this book? Doctrinally sound? Too misleading? Good read for all?
I put it up there (or more to the point, down there) with Ragamuffin Gospel as far as pop-theology garbage goes. I wouldn't recommend it at all.
I ask all this because on Father's Day, my sister told me she was reading this book. I started to object, but then my dad nudged me and said later that anything positive and Christian is good for her to read. She has had issues in the past and has all but admitted she is an atheist. Anyway, that's a whole other story.
I'm sure your dad means well, but this is just wrong. Exposing your sister to a false doctrine is just as bad, if not worse, as having no exposure to the Gospel at all.
So, it got me wondering, what is so negative about this book really? Do some resent the fact that it was a commercial success or is there really something evil or false doctrine or unbiblical about it?
My first problem with it is that it is full of pop-theology junk and short on sound theology.
The Gospel According to Oprah, if you will.
My second problem is that he uses a terrible translation of the Bible, which is no translation at all, but a paraphrase.
The third problem is that he reduces God to a means to an end.
It is clear that everything is dependant on our following Warren's plan and God is just more or less an interested observer.
Fourth, every move of God started with repentence and prayer. Repentence and prayer, always repentance and prayer.
There is no repentance and the only prayer is "not Thy will but mine be done".
Simply put, it's a theological trainwreck.
A good rule of thumb is, anytime someone tells you that they've reduced God's will for your life to an easy to follow five step plan, run like Hell.
Our church did this program (40 days of purpose, and also 40 days of community) and I found it mostly unobjectionable with some definite benefit. Warren does a good job with motivating people and churches to reach out to their community and serve which is always a good thing and I believe he is a man of good character and his heart is firmly in the right place.
Did I read the book, well, actually only parts but that was because I had a newborn at the time...my attention span ran to paragraphs back then I am afraid.
__________________
Because CF no longer has an atmosphere conducive to free discussion, I have left for greener pastures (TR, SoF) where I maintain the same username.
David Mullins did a "Purpose" retreat at our church, using the Purpose Driven Life as the base reading material and although it is very commercial, I didn't find any bad theology in it or anything. I gave my copy to my sister. I don't know if she ever read it, but it has some good evangelism in it.
Our church did this program (40 days of purpose, and also 40 days of community) and I found it mostly unobjectionable with some definite benefit. Warren does a good job with motivating people and churches to reach out to their community and serve which is always a good thing and I believe he is a man of good character and his heart is firmly in the right place.
Did I read the book, well, actually only parts but that was because I had a newborn at the time...my attention span ran to paragraphs back then I am afraid.
That's actually quite impressive. During the school year, I think that a few paragraphs is about the highest that my attention span goes (it went down to one sentence in Plasma Physics). That I managed to pull off a 3.6 this semester is proof enough that salvation by grace is a true doctrine.
__________________ Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (John 3:18)
Our church did this program (40 days of purpose, and also 40 days of community) and I found it mostly unobjectionable with some definite benefit. Warren does a good job with motivating people and churches to reach out to their community and serve which is always a good thing and I believe he is a man of good character and his heart is firmly in the right place.
Did I read the book, well, actually only parts but that was because I had a newborn at the time...my attention span ran to paragraphs back then I am afraid.
Actually, we did something similar at our church! It was a positive experience for everyone (we did 40 days of prayer too!)
This is one of the books I had to research when I first asked questions about God. I understood it. This was before I even walked into a church. It offered me a perspective I never really thought of. I recommend it often because it is an easy read; many are like had been, intimidated by the Bible. The main points are there and the rest works itself out. I remember going through it and checking if THAT IS really what the Bible said, and that I never knew this or that. It was a pivotal point for me because that is when I realized I wanted to know why I believe what I believe, and quickly learned with the right kind of faith (true); it is ok to question the unquestionable. It is always good to know fully why you think or believe a certain way; not only does it make it easier to explain the subject to others, but also solidifies truth from fiction dispelling any inconsistencies. I also agree, between interviews and media information I have read on Warren I too believe his heart is in the right place. I really did not see anything significantly wrong with this book at all? I have read the entire thing.
__________________ "What good fortune for those in power that people do not think" -- Adolph Hitler
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."
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I have read the book and our church did the 40 days of purpose as well. Could not fault the book, the teaching material(dvd's etc.) He uses many translations for references throughout the book, not just one. It really helped me and the church I go to to really understand why we are here and what we are to do. I recommend it fully!!!!!!!!!
__________________ Theologian Karl Barth was asked once. What is the most profound piece of theology you have discovered? He answered "Jesus loves me this I know for the bible tells me so."
I'm a member and on staff now at a "purpose driven" church, so needless to say not only did I read the book but I also agree with it for the most part.
As for Rick Warren getting rich off the books and such, I believe he and his family only live off his pastoral salary, all the proceeds from the books and associated stuff goes to charity.
__________________ Just to be is a blessing. To live is holy. Abraham Joshua Heschel
and I believe he is a man of good character and his heart is firmly in the right place. 
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