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Summary: The problem with modern Evangelicalism
Review: is they have no catechesis.The first Q & A of the Westminster Shorter Catechism states that the primary purpose of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. That is what we are here on earth for. It took our faithful forefathers 2 lines to say what we are here for, it takes people in our generation entire books and they still don't get it right. The annoying thing about Mr. Warren's book and all others like it is they focus far too much on ourselves and far too little on God. Even the title is self-focussed. The Christian ought never be self focussed but God focussed. It's not about us, it's about Him. Instead, full of their own self-worth, the masses flock to these types of books and the seminars and studies they inevitably spawn. But, if this is so effective, then why do they continue to search for more books and seminars and studies to tell them what their purpose is? I suggest, instead, that you read the Heidelberg Catechism or the Westminster Catechism. You will find rather quickly what you were put on earth to do and then you can get on with living your life with the gratitude towards Christ's work that Christians are supposed to have.
Rating: 
Summary: Powerfully impacted my life
Review: I picked this book up on Saturday at our local Costco's. Couldn't put it down. Our family took turns reading passages of this great earlier today at Sunday dinner and had a family discussion afterwards. This is an AWESOME book. Highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: A Compelling and Passionate, Yet Practical Guide
Review: I read this book because living a life with purpose is something I am interested in - and because I wanted to find out why it was so popular. Even though I was skeptical at first, this book was well worth it. While I don't consider myself particularly religious, my experience of attending a Catholic high school and college opened up a new perspective for me on God, Jesus and religion that I deeply value. In Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life," I was again reminded of how much a person's commitment and faith makes such a difference in the world and in the lives of others. The author holds nothing back in his discussion of what it takes on a practical, day-to-day basis to live a "purpose driven life" and his commitment to communicating things that are difficult to put into words is compelling and inspiring. I really appreciate how directed and structured this book is: Rick Warren talks to the reader in an upfront way about what to do and what not to do if you are committed to living a life devoted to Jesus. It is a very detailed and practical guide for those who are interested in following this path. I was surprised and intrigued to find parallels between this book and another recently-released book that I loved reading and continue to find very valuable in my day-to-day life, "Working on Your Relationship Doesn't Work," by Ariel & Shya Kane. This book also sheds light on the things in life that are unclear and seemingly inexplicable, in particular, how to have magical relationships with people in your life, including yourself. The authors speak in a very honest and compassionate way that makes it easy for the reader to grasp what they are talking about. These books are excellent resources for those who want to live a life with purpose.
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Summary: Absolutely awesome book!
Review: This book is changing the lives of millions of people all over the world! And for one reason...it's God's word. The Purpose Driven Life will show you how design a life of purpose. And it's based on scripture.(...) And what happened to all of those other five star reviews? Interesting, only 1 star reviews. Disregard the one star reviews. Read the book and even more importantly, apply it. One star reviewer, get a life. Even better, Get a Purpose Driven Life with something of value.
Rating: 
Summary: Starts our great but finishes a bit off course
Review: Rick Warren's book, The Purpose Driven Life certainly starts off great. His explanation of why we are here and how much God loves us is excellent. As he finishes, though, he deteriorates into the guilt based philosophy so prevalent in churches today. You must...., if you do this, God will do that...., get busy. Our Lord is not in the business of bargaining with us. He has ordained the "work" we are to do. Walk with Jesus, hear His voice, follow Him. He wants to live His life through us. Look to John Eldredge's series on life - The Sacred Romance, Journey of Desire, Waking the Dead - for a better view on true life in Christ.
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Summary: An Author Recommendation
Review: I'm no theologian.
I don't have an advanced degree from a prominent Seminary.
Nor can I read Greek, Latin or Aramaic.
But I do read the Bible...a lot.
And I love the Lord Jesus Christ with all my heart, mind and strength. I found The Purpose Driven Life to be a fantastic book. Particularly for people still asking questions such as: "Why am I here?" This book will re-direct your attention to Who and What is important...the Lord Jesus Christ! Several reviewers have "strained out a gnat and swallowed a camel" in their criticism about this book. Just remember, 1 Corinthians chapter 12 makes no mention of the "spiritual gift of criticism"....and legalism cloaked as discernment has never once brought anyone closer to the Lord. I suggest that you ignore those who are righteous in their own eyes, get a copy of this book, and read it for yourself.
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Summary: Purpose? Yes, but Pleasure Too!
Review: I took his words seriously but I must say that I also enjoy the pursuit of pleasure as well. I just read The Craps Underground about the dice players who have won millions from the casinos and I thought to myself that this is a road I would like to travel. The purpose is sheer fun and the beating of an indominable enemy.
Rating:
Summary: Simply profound.
Review: Courtesy of http://www.shanebertou.com It was with a great deal of cynicism that I first opened the cover of Rick Warren's widely popular book The Purpose Driven Life. I can't say exactly why I was so skeptical. It could partially be due to the fact that the title makes it sound like a twelve-step program for the spiritually befuddled. Or it could be attributed to the book's almost cult-like following; six million copies sold and counting. Regardless of the source of my contempt I began reading the book secretly hoping to find reasons to discredit Warren's work. The truth of the matter is that The Purpose Driven Life is far from the flavor-of-the-month-next-big-Christian-hype-piece that I expected it to be. Once I eased up on my critical tendencies, and allowed the book to speak to me, I found it to be very useful and challenging to my faith. The premise of the book is that there are five key purposes for which we were created. Fulfilling these purposes is essential to our development, and ultimately our level of peace and joy in the Christian life. According to Warren, each and every believer will experience contentment, regain their joyfulness and experience renewed spiritual vigor once they come to an understanding that: 1) You were planned for God's pleasure.
2) You were formed for God's family.
3) You were created to become like Christ.
4) You were shaped for serving God.
5) You were made for a mission. It is Warren's position that each and every facet of the Christian life is covered by these five purposes. Our understanding and application of these principles will serve as the catalyst to great spiritual growth; individually and corporately as the church body. The book is broken up over five sections, one for each "purpose." There is a brief introduction, and then each purpose is segmented over several chapters. The book is to be read slowly as the reader "absorbs" each day's chapter one by one over the course of forty days. At the end of each day's chapter there are points to think over and verses to memorize for the topic discussed for that day. At the end of each section, or purpose, there are more questions for further reflection. The book is designed to serve as a daily devotional. He also recommends that the reader work their way through the book with a friend or companion, as it is also meant to be a shared experience. Warren's points are fairly well articulated throughout the book. His writing style is one that is accessible to the average or casual reader. He does have a tendency to be fairly repetitive, addressing similar points continually in different ways, but it is essential to the book's effectiveness. While the book does not offer much by way of dense theological content, it offers quite a bit in terms of practical application. The Purpose Driven Life has the unique ability to reach out and touch individuals no matter where they may be in their walk. New believers, and possibly even non-believers, will find the work accessible and easy to navigate through. More seasoned or mature believers will find great value in Warren's ability to challenge them in these fundamental aspects of their faith, no matter how long they've been walking with the Lord. One thing that there is no shortage of throughout this book is Scriptural references. Warren cites over a thousand passages from fourteen different translations and paraphrases of the Bible. At first I found the use of paraphrases to be somewhat aggravating, however as I read the book more I began to appreciate hearing some well-known passages in different words and styles. Sometimes we hear a passage so often that we tend to lose sight of the meaning behind the words we are reading. Warren's use of different translations allows the reader to recapture some of the "spirit" of the passages. At times Warren also seems to use references out of context in order to emphasize his points. However, in most cases the way and purposes for which he uses these verses do hold their integrity when considering the points he is trying to illustrate. I picked up the book on a whim, read it with a skeptic's eye and eventually was won over to what it had to offer. I have completed the forty-day process of reading this book and intend to make it a frequent contributor to my walk for years to come. Bruce Wilkenson, author of The Prayer of Jabez, is quoted on the book's jacket as saying; "The Purpose Driven Life will become the My Utmost for His Highest for the 21st century." As a fan of Oswald Chambers' classic work, I must agree that it certainly has the potential to do just that.
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Summary: A Life Savor
Review: I found this book to be an excellent overview to assist most anyone in developing a substantive frame of reference in which to develop a life plan. I do feel that it is clear that a belief in the supreme Almighty God is first and foremost essential in order to comprehend your purpose. The book is filled with practical truth....you come away immediately geared to set your life in motion...you will have a frame of reference and an all encompassing motive and meaning for your life. What is also great is that you respectfully understand that everyone else has a meaninful purpose to their lives as well. Excellent, I plan to read it once every year.
Rating:
Summary: too rigid
Review: I was given this as a gift and thus started to read it. After about 30 pages I found myself flinching as I remembered my experiences in traditional "Christian" churches...wondering if there is then no hope for the eternal life for those of other beliefs. The thinking is too narrow for my needs and the book goes back to the store.
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