Rating: 
Summary: Theological Cool Whip
Review: I have heard this book criticized as theological Cool Whip. After reading it, I have to agree. It has volume, but as I go through it I detect little mass.In his attempt to define the Christian walk on earth, Warren doesn't approach the need for Christian community (duh) until nearly half way through, nor the need for a life of service (duh, again) until chapter 30ish. In the end he does (fortunately) mention missions, the Great Commission (rightfully pointed out as our most important task) , and World View Christianity, but then proceeds to nearly over-sell short-term foreign mission trips as THE means of fulfilling the Great Commission. (Don't get me wrong, if God is telling you to go on one, GO! If you want to combine it with a vacation trip, GO! Just don't consider them to be the be-all and end-all of missions work.) I am also put off by his frequent and selective use of paraphrase translations, when more scholarly translations like the NIV, RSV, etc. are available. Is he trying to mold scripture to fit his views, when he should be doing the reverse? Or is it more innocently an example of brain-dead American pop Christianity? Warren also excels in "autocitation", citing his work over and over. The skeptic could wonder why there is no order form in the back of the book. I'm wondering if this whole thing couldn't have been written in a four or five page pamphlet instead of a 300+ page book. It's a little scary that this book is so popular among church goers today. This might be as much an indictment of timid, non-challenging (i.e., BAD) preaching and ineffective Christian education departments as anything. This book would be OK for a new or newly renewed Christian, but for a core church member this book SHOULD be a waste of time.
Rating: 
Summary: Matt 7:1
Review: What I find incredible is that for alot of the critics there is alot of judgements being made. Whether you agree or disagree with Rick Warren (I am in the process of reading the book), stating that those who disagree are in prison or mental institutions and that those who agree are weak-minded is for God...NOT MAN!! State your facts, based on the Word of God, and be done with it. MAY THE LORD GOD BLESS YOU REAL GOOD!!!! The rating is only because I was required to do so.
Rating: 
Summary: Good picture of Christianity though not flawless
Review: The Purpose-Driven Life focuses on helping readers answer the question, "What on earth am I here for?" Warren sets out to help readers become the people that God wants them to be. He elaborates on five truths to answer this question of why we are here. According to Warren, we exist for the purposes of worship, ministry, evangelism, fellowship and discipleship. He states that in fulfilling these roles on earth, we find and fulfill our purposes. This is a comprehensive book about how to live the Christian life successfully. It discusses most of the major themes of The Bible. Warren cites over 1,000 scriptures in the book. He rarely makes a point without quoting from the Bible. The messages of the chapters are relevant for new and mature Christians. The book is formatted in 40 chapters. Warren suggests readers study a chapter a day for 40 days, so that the reader can take time to reflect and meditate on each chapter's lesson. Each chapter ends with a main point to consider, a scripture to remember and a question to answer. I found these questions to be thought-provoking and meaningful. This book is an excellent tool for study groups to read and discuss. It emphasizes the importance of Christian character development and of becoming an active member of a community of believers. Warren provides reasons and practical ways for the reader to serve others inside and outside the church. For a church wanting to develop individuals excited and prepared to do ministry, promoting studies of The Purpose-Driven Life would help to meet this objective. Warren concludes the book by addressing each person's mission within the church and world. He also includes an appendix with further questions to initiate discussion among readers. In citing 1000 scriptures throughout the book, Warren uses 15 different Bible translations interchangeably. He explains that all translations have limitations and that he uses various translations to present scriptures in a fresh way. The references for the scriptures he quotes are in endnotes, so I was continually turning to the back of the book to discover the version and verse of a scripture. To a minor extent, I think this undermines the integrity and flow of the book. I always try to keep in mind when reading a book like this that the author's opinions are not infallible like the Bible. I say this because there are a few times while reading this book when I disagreed with an opinion of Warren's which was stated as a fact. Readers should keep in mind that opinions of Christian authors are debatable and not gospel. I don't think these two criticisms detract much from the value of this book. Warren writes that "The purpose of your life fits into a much larger, cosmic purpose that God has designed for eternity. That's what this book is about." In The Purpose Driven Life, Warren has written indefatigably about this purpose, and I think reading it will help you identify and fulfill your purpose.
Rating: 
Summary: Embraced by the Church
Review: A local church is offering classes using this book. Someone told me it is well worth reading. I am debating buying it here, or taking the class, in which they lend it out free to students. Another book in this genre that I really like is, The Little Guide To Happiness. I like that one alot.
Rating:
Summary: Surprised How Polarized The Reviews Are
Review: As I happen to enjoy reading ontological philosophy, be it theologically or secularly based, this book gets my recommendation. Surprised how polarized the reviews are -- they appear to be either one star or five stars -- I, for one, certainly appreciate what Rick Warren is trying to do here, even though I may not always completely agree with him. As to a book that I think will both educate and fascinate one and five star reviewers alike, I highly recommend your reading [and don't be misled by the title] Norman Thomas Remick's, "West Point: Thomas Jefferson: Character Leadership Education". The entire history-of-philosophy and philosophy-of-history behind America/West Point, Thomas Jefferson, and character education feed right into Rick Warren's title question, "What on Earth Am I Here For?".
Rating:
Summary: You should read this book!!!!
Review: Well, what I think about this book is: I thought it was a good book to read. It will helped me look at my life and see what I should be doing for Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. It touched my life. It helped me to grow more and better. So I personaly think you should get this book and read it.
Rating: 
Summary: Mediochre writing and questionable theology/application
Review: The book doesn't qualify as awful, but the book suffers mightily from bad writing. The largest problem is that the "40 Days of Purpose" could easily have fit into seven. Rick Warren also takes every opportunity he can to advertise his other books and materials and in the chapters pertinent to church membership, he makes no provision for abusive church environments. He is also an unapologetic proponent of contemporary worship style and "seeker-friendly" evangelism. Very little is said about the authority of Scripture and the importance of preaching the truth loudly. Warren makes a big deal out of tithing, when there is nothing in the New Testament authorizing the church to collect a tithe of pocket lint much less anything else. I also see very strong hints of Arminianism in this book, which sort of sits as an emetic icing on top of a very bland cake. There is some palpable good in this book though and many important lessons as well, even if they are articulated in condescending manner. He stresses personal responsibility for growing as a Christian, the need for fellowship, and the importance of a servant attitude. He also makes an important point that every Christian can serve in some sort of ministry, whatever their gifts may be. Still, nowhere as enlightening or edifying as the hype would suggest...
Rating:
Summary: Not for everyone but Still A good book
Review: I'm not a baptist like the author but I still enjoyed this book. Eric Brunsvold. Keep your bible nearby so you can reference all the footnotes. Eric Brunsvold
Rating:
Summary: amazing, its really changed my life
Review: I have been a christian as long as I can remember but I never really found it that exciting, just going to church each sunday and listening to bible stories. I recently got confirmed when I felt that I really was a christian. I got this as a confirmation present - its an excellent book - its really changed my life and now I hope to change other peoples lives with what Ive learnt.
Rating:
Summary: Waiting for Godot is better
Review: If you want to read a truly spiritual book, look up one called 'WAiting for Godot', a play that addresses the real nature of existence.
| 
