Rating: Summary: Not Without Merit but a Difficult Read Review: Some have already written prejudicial comments about those of us who might find this book less than perfect. Therefore, I stand judged; but only by mere mortals. It is my opinion that Rick Warren has written a book that has some degree of merit, especially for those who feel the need to reconcile their "friendship" with God. There are several descriptions of God's nature in this book that quite obviously conflict with one-another. These raise some questions in the mind of this Christian as to the level of understanding the author truly has about the subject matter. Let us recognize, however, that describing what a personal relationship with God should feel like and what God's attitudes and reactions might be is no small task. What makes it a difficult read, in my opinion, is that it seems to be written in a somewhat rambling style at about an eighth grade level. I believe that those interested in reading this book would be better served if they found a used copy for about five bucks and put the other five bucks +/- in the collection plate at church next Sunday.
Rating: Summary: Confused Soul Review: debbie v joyce I'm really sorry you are so lost in your search. Its sad to see how you've expressed yourself about this book and its words. You really need to sit down , talk to God and just LISTEN. He will know what to tell you, He created you and He loves you. Let Him in, you'll love it.
Rating: Summary: Perfect for the value minded Review: People without values will find no use for this book. On the other hand, people with values, people who read the bible, people who love people, people who want to help other people, people who care about life, people who attend church regularly and practice the word of God will find this book very valuable, practical and beneficial.Highly recommended reading. I have given this book away many times as a gift and will continue to do so. Great book.
Rating: Summary: Built On a Weak Foundation, This House Crumbles Review: The opening assertion upon which this book is based--that there are no accidents, that God doesn't make mistakes, and that God had every minute detail of you life planned even long before you were born--makes ridiculous Warren's later assertions that God tests you to gauge the extent to which you contribute to His enjoyment, that He causes you pain to reawaken you to conscience glorification of Him (tell THAT to the parent of a teen suicide victim), etc... You see, initially Warren professes fatalism, a human race devoid of free-will. Later, he perscribes consciousness and choice--much of it demanded, often arbitrarily, by God--that Warren has already declared precluded by fatalism. I know of churches that have integrated this book into its sermons and discussion groups. Fair enough...let the congregation determine what it believes via open and frank discussion. But proceed with caution. Recognize that Warren is just a guy who wrote a book. Badly.
Rating: Summary: Perfect for the weak minded Review: What real knowledge check the gnostic gospels. And Christians faith has gotten a lot weaker I see, but I give it to the good pastor, if I could make $18,000,000.000 dollars tricking other Christians, I would (no on second thought). he could have given the book away or posted on the inet but like lahaye he went the profit way. Sad to say, its typical. The Gnostics gospels give you all the knowledge you will ever need. Remember Christ, you know the savior, who didn't sell anything.
Rating: Summary: THIS BOOK A REFLECTION OF FAITH Review: You get out of it what you put into it. I read this book as part of a small group and got a lot out of it. I was struggling in my faith at the time and thought this book was a little light and "cliche" at first. By about the 8th day in the book, I was forced to take an honest reflective look at myself and my claim of Faith. I would whole-heartedly recommend this book to all! It is a great 40 day journey, transforming "bumper sticker" Faith into a passion filled walk with Christ. I challenge you to read this book with a open heart and mind, and see if God doesn't ignite the fire for His Holy Spirit in you. I also urge you to continue after the 40 days on your journey to live the Christian life, a life that gives honor and praise to God in all you do.
Rating: Summary: It Sort of Grew On Me Review: I already knew I was not going to like this book when I started reading it. For one thing it was a part of a series. We had the Purpose Driven Church, the Purpose Driven Youth Ministry, and now the Purpose Drive Life. When I see a series of books coming like this I usually think they are there to generate money rather than address an issue. However, more important, was the way Warren uses Scripture. Whenever an author quotes partial verses of Scripture in every paragraph and then uses numerous translations to arrive at the point the author was trying to make, I usually begin to tune out. I always remember the old cliche that a text without a context is pretext. This book had all of the markings of the usual kind of theological candy that is offered up by so many local Christian bookstores. Everybody gets excited and people make money. BUT THIS BOOK IS MORE THAN THAT. As I got deeper into this book I found myself reading with more interest. Warren's book elevates God to his rightful position as God. If God is not God OF all, God is not God AT all. He also takes a high view of the Church of Jesus Christ. The reader comes away with a grasp of the importance of the Church and an understanding that there is no such thing as an independent New Testament Christian. Warren then ends up with a section on mission. What do you know? A popular book that is more than just window dressing! I still have some problems with the way Warren uses Scripture. When I use the book for small group studies, we take time to dig through Scripture and point out weaknesses. But this is a book worth reading. It makes a great small group study.
Rating: Summary: defense against low stars Review: I read this book in Korean first, then in English again with the same degree of excitement. Also, I was astonished two times regarding this book. 1. It is a really good book 2. There are some bad ratings about this book. (Even from Christians) So I read some of them, and want to say something. 1. No book cannot replace the Bible. So, please don't expect that this book is complete in every aspect. Some argue that this book don't mention about the Holy Spirit; but the book tells us, for example, how to pray 'all the time' without spending a whole day. Don't you think this kind of prayer is to the Holy Spirit? For those who even don't know there are three personalities, the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, if only he/she keeps praying and keeps the Word in his/her mind, don't you think it's the work of the Holy Spirit? Well, don't put ourselves into unnecessary battles about this point. This book is so simple that it talks about just part of the 'faith', but those that are seemed to be necessary to people, esp., in busy and distracted environment like out times (and after). 2. Some also says, this book doesn't talk about 'family'. Well, it also doesn't talk about many things... colleagues, church members, and friends. Well, family is the most important group among those that we belong, but it also doesn't touch any others. Simply because it tried to focus on the essential principles of faith. 'YOU' need to think about the family, and other people after reading this. This book is not a 'guide' book. This book explains the core faiths we all must stick to and keep. Not explanatory. But declarative. Even the Jesus didn't cure all the people who are sick at His time, because it was not His purpose. That was for showing us that He is the One, and we must believe in Him. The best thing among what He gives us is the eternal life with Him. Don't criticise Him only because He didn't solve your all problems. Like wise, don't criticise this book only because it doean't contain all the subjects in the life of Christians. The 'Purpose' of this book is different that you think, maybe. ^^ It seems to me that there are those who really don't like the existence of God and His soverignity. Especially among those who are strong enough to live very well without Him in this world. I am very sad... I wish they all will return to this truth soon. (Sorry for bad English. But I wish the meaning is understandable)
Rating: Summary: fundy propaganda Review: This book is nothing more than fundy propaganda that is so simply written that it could appeal to people without any knowledge in philosophy and theology. Warren's theology only appeals to the self in that he believes that it is only by believing in his neo-fascist theology that one could go to heavan, but Warren leaves out helping one's community or being tolerant of other religions. The title of the book also scares me in that it resembles something that could be written in Stalin's Russia or Hitler's Germany. I wish that people like Rick Warren would stop using Christainity as cover for their neo-fascist beliefs.
Rating: Summary: A Very Eye Opening Experience Review: Someone suggested this book for me to help me cope with some very stressful changes in my life. This book has been an eye opening experience for me. It has helped me cope with daily events and people that I would often find frustrating. It has taught me alot about who I am, what I need to do to find peace in my life and basically make me a better person. It has made me think about my own imortality. Life is to short to stay frustrated, angry and stressed out. It has helped me to let go of the things that I cannot change and trust that there is a reason that God has put me here. This book is for anyone who is questioning lifes worth. The questions at the end of every chapter help to make you think about what it is you just read and how it pertains to you.It's nice that you only read one chapter a day as I think you crasp more of the context of what is being said. I have since purchased this book for others and suggested to family members having difficult times and I must say that they all have thanked me for the help and comfort it has provided them. This book is a real god send.
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