Purpose Driven Life

[Jun_Canada]

What do you guys think abou this book?

 

[ArmouredSaint]

I've yet to read so cannot poll.The book got too much media so I've shy'd away.

 

[revivalgurl]

ive read the book it really touched me in a deep way like when i was wondering why icouldent feel god i randomly opened the book and there was this chapter about why we dont always feel god it really touched me i think the book is good but i put mabey in the poll cuz i dont really know if it is a book that i would give to other people i think it has too much information in one session but thats just me and i was only 15 at the time so i really cant say what an adult would think of it
just my thoughts
revivalgurl

 

[talitha]

I was simply bored by it. Plus, I think it feeds some people's flesh. I voted no.

blessings
tal

 

[Joy]

I voted yes

It is very basic teaching but I believe necessary teaching which many need to hear and put into practise.

Karen

 

[SparkyMaddie]

I already gave the book to a boy at school with alot of problems,he is looking brighter.To me,that says some people will get something out of Ricks book.It was good reading but nothing that I really didn't already feel.It's a great book for searchers

 

[KristiLee]

I just so happen to be going through this devotion with my sister. My sister got saved back in May and I have been saved for 5 years tomorrow. I have found that a lot of the stuff in the book I have already come to know through reading the Word and through revelations from God, but there is also a lot of validation. I am reminded by the book that it is about so much more than myself. God's plan is bigger than my life, it is all of our lives and even more, His kingdom. I don't see how it would satisfy our flesh. I have to disagree with that statement because the flesh is selfish and this book is telling us to live selflessly. I have learned a lot from the book so far. I do think it is even greater for my sister who is a "baby christian" but I think we all need to be reminded of the "basics". We need to remember our foundation or else we lose sight of what our purpose is and what God's plan is!! I would have to say though that it is only good for those who are willing to change. If their hearts aren't searching for truth with sincerity but searching with alterior motives (being successful, being "happy", having peace, etc.) then it could push them away from wanting to know Jesus rather than seeing that they need Him. I woudl definitely reccommend the book!

 

[whatseekye]

I was simply bored by it. Plus, I think it feeds some people's flesh. I voted no.

blessings
tal

I hope you don't mind if I ask, but I'm curious why you think the book feeds some people's flesh. I promise I won't argue against your opinion, which I feel we all have a right to express. I'm just really curious because it's an interesting thought. Thanks and God bless you!

 

[Maharg]

I first read the book when I was at my very lowest and it helped me to completely turn my focus away from myself and onto God. It helped me to utterly change my attitude. I was in a broken and receptive state.

The second time I read the book I was trying to forget that I had ever felt weak, vulnerable and depressed. I was ashamed of what I had been through - didn't want to admit my weaknesses or that I might need anyone, including God. The second time, my perspective wasn't changed through reading the book. I simply got frustrated and bored with it.

I think the quality of our experience of this book (and anything else, for that matter) very much depends on our attitude towards it. this book has some very sound teaching within it and I would therefore recommend it.

 

[goldenviolet]

i have taken this course, and taught it. four times. i have seen many people come to know Jesus and purpose through the way rick warren gave and introduced scriptures of biblical truth... and i have seen christians re-gear with an additude of finding ways to grow, and to fellowship and produce fruit for Jesus. i can say, i saw no one in our groups, both adult and my youth group walk away untouched. we sold/ and gave away over 2000 of these books. i'd recommend it because it is a tool that points to our Amazing God, and His will, and Word.

 

[HoT-MetaL]

Whilst I havent read it, most of the local churches did the course.

The feedback was very good, a lot of people were saved through it and it hit the papers.

It is of good repute.

God Bless, metal.

 

[talitha]

I just found out yesterday that Celebrate Recovery - which our church is involved in - comes originally from the Saddleback church / PD Movement. I was shocked! The fruit from CR that I have seen is good fruit....

blessings
tal

 

[Prayer_Warrior83]

My church did 40 Days of Purpose during mid-2003 in which I was the facilitator of a small-group for university students.

Pros:

- PDL will get you back to the basics of your faith and offer good revision of stuff that you may already know.

- Your church will be united with a common goal. When there is agreement among God's children, the Holy Spirit has more freedom to do what it has to.

- It will broaden your thoughts on how to do things for the glory of God. You will look at things you may consider in your church as being common and trivial, but will later make you think "wow, why didn't Ithink of that?"

- Younger, growing Christians will have more opportunities to express their God-given giftings. I myself was quite new to teaching before we started PDL, but as we progressed, it provided excellent training on how to run and manage a small-group fellowship that I still put to use every week.



HOWEVER!

Cons:

- Rick Warren's use of scripture is often sparing and at times, of poor exegesis and hermeneutics, usually quoting scriptures out of context to back up his own views and ideas. Bible quotes are sometimes written as "The Bible says '[insert snippet of scripture here + footnote number]'". He interchangably uses various Bible translations - including contemporary paraphrases -, and I personally have nothing wrong with use of multiple translations providing that the author always refers To the original meanings and contexts. This is something Rick Warren does not seem to do. If Warren, as an ordained pastor of a church, is not willing to accept the authority of the Bible as it is, then how could he possibly in the sight of God declare authority to teach it?

- Evangelistic passages throughout the book fail to give a full presentation of the Biblical gospel: Law, Sin, Judgement, Destiny, Repentance, Acceptance of the Savior as Lord, Salvation.
Now take a careful look at what is taught instead within PDL on pg. 58:

Wherever you are reading this, I invite you to bow your head and quietly whisper the prayer that will change your eternity: "Jesus, I believe in you and I receive you." Go ahead.
If you sincerely meant that prayer, congratulations! Welcome to the family of God!

This is easy-prayerism at its worst. Just say the magic words and life gets better.
Where's the confession of sin? Does the person saying that prayer immediately identify themselves as transgressor of god's just and Holy Law? If there is no genuine confession of sin, how can there be genuine repentance which leads to genuine salvtion?
You want a truly biblical sinners prayer where someone receives God into their lives? Read King David's in Psalm 51.

Most of the cons I've found only after one year of watching the fruits (or lack thereof) that my church has gained. Too many servants ran their ministries like businesses and presented the gospel as a comodity to be marketed only to be bought out in the end.

Now, am I saying that Rick Warren intentionally teaches these false doctrines and practices for the sole reasons of bringing down the body of christ? No. I think Ps Warren's intentions are no doubt good in nature, yet he misses the mark far too often to be called accurate or reliable.

When you go to Christian bookstores and supply shops, which are you influenced more by: the top 10 bestsellers or what the Bible actually says about certain things?

 

[Evie]

being at the lowest of my lowest in my life right now,after reading this book. It has changed the way I view things about my life and purpose.(and I had no purpose)

He stated 5 purpose for our lives:
1) we are to love the Lord God with all our heart
2) love your neighbor as yourself
3) go and make disciples
4) baptisim them
5) teach them to do all things

Wow! how could someone not say that this is not the reason we live.
What is your purpose?

 

[nhzname]

I've read this book a couple of times, and after the first time, actually bought it for a few people and gave it away. Some have read and grown from it, others ... not. I believe in the main purpose put forth in this book, namely, our reason for being - to live for and love God. Its all about Him, right. As we walk in this truth, the rest of our lives just fall into place as He directs. And just like any other human writer, we will find some we like better than others, as none of us are perfect.

 

[peacechild4]

I read this book... in fact our whole church read it together over the set period.. I think while we were working through it.. the whole church was more united!!

I have become a more obedient Christian because of it.. met up with fantastic women whom I feel connected too and all of them were God led into our group!!
These women wouldn't have come together as they did without that book coming to our hands when it did..

Not long after I read that book... I also recieved the baptism of the Holy Spirit.. I don't know if was related to that book or what came out of it.. But alot of really good things happened to me around the time I read it.. and I tie this in together..

Yes.. I reccommend the book..

 

[Ave Maria]

I'd recommend it but cautiously. Its a good book. I read all the chapters but the last few. However, I don't know if it teaches anything contradictory to Catholic beliefs so that is why I'd recommend it cautiously.

 

[lonnienord]

it is a great book. the only way it could have been better is if it had been written by a Catholic. It does misunderstant scripture about the sacraments; and that is sad. But all in all i believe i am a better Christian because i read and applied it to my life.

 

[Illuminite]

No,I wouldn't hand it to a friend.I read it and also was unmoved by it.He doesn't understand true scripture or at the very least he misses the boat here.
One thing though,if someone is in need and the book helps them-isn't this the purpose? Just my opinion,doesn't mean others cannot be moved to a change.

 

[BarbaraJean]

I haven't read it yet but my husband has considered teaching it beginning the first of the year.