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Summary: Purpose Driven Life -- The book and why it matters.
Review: It is understood that this book has generated some measure of controversy. I gave this book five stars for reasons which I will outline shortly, but let me say first that in spite of this book's enormous popularity, it is not a book with universal appeal. Not everyone would be impressed by, or even interested in this book. It is decidedly Christian. It is not an interfaith manifesto. Having said that, the book is not preachy or churchy, and if you can accept or at least live with its basically Christian assumptions, it is interesting, and perhaps useful as a center point for discussion.Taking off on that last point, a very big part of this book's popularity is its ingenious design. The author wrote it to be used by discussion groups (small groups, bible studies, etc.), and it neatly lends itself to such venues. Now, as to why I recommend this book so highly... First of all, I did not want to read this book. I am not, and have never been, a fan of pop Christian literature. I had seen this book and heard much about it, but I had pretty much decided not to read it. I changed my mind for a couple of reasons. First, my daughter gave it to me for Christmas. Second, it was encouraged strongly by the international church I have been involved with here in Beijing, China. So I decided to give it a try. I found the book to be very impressive in a few respects, some of which have already been alluded to. The first thing that impressed me with this book is that it makes a very important point that hits directly at the core of the "national sin" of the American culture. America is a culture where the individual is god, and where the rights of the individual tend to take precedence over the needs of a group or family. The divorce rate in America is extremely high, for example, because the family is seen as an obstruction to the rights of the individual to pursue self fulfillment. The second thing that struck me right away is that the book is divided into "bite sized" chapters that cater to the "sound bite" and "photo op" generation. Stuff has to happen fast, and the message has to be short and sweet, or modern Americans lose interest very quickly. This book is carefully crafted for a generation of people who grew up on television. Finally, as I have mentioned, this book is tailor-made for groups. It has a potential to generate a lot of interesting discussion. I have been alternately impressed, frustrated, disgusted, and encouraged by the "seeker" movement in America. Impressed, because a way has been found to communicate a faith that has always been the religion of the "common man" to large numbers of common people. Jesus himself came from a poor, working class family, and the Bible says that the "common people heard Him gladly." Frustrated, because as the message has been made more palatable, it has also been watered down. Expository preaching is almost a lost art in many mega-churches. Disgusted, because in most large "seeker" churches, discipline is logistically impossible. Pastors of large churches do speak out against such things as adultery, but very, very seldom is any action taken against those in the church who live profligate lives, unless they are on the church payroll. Encouraged, because the seeker movement militates against the sectarianism that has been so much a part of American life throughout its history. The seeker churches are community churches which are very interdenominational in their approach, and facilitate fellowship and interaction among Christians from a very wide variety of denominational backgrounds. Folks who come to faith by way of seeker churches tend to identify themselves as "Christians" rather than as "Baptists," "Pentecostals," "Lutherans," etc. This is very healthy. No movement in recent history has been so effective in breaking the back of the putrid and petty sectarianism that has so long been such an embarrassment to American Christianity. This book is dynamic precisely because it is designed for this movement. It is intensely contemporary, and, as such, would not have been this popular thirty years ago. And it will probably be forgotten rather quickly. But it does a very good job of making that point that we, as Christians, serve a God who very personal and intensely focused. And it is useful as a window into the seeker movement, which is a very influential and compelling phenomenon in contemporary American society.
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Summary: If you read just one book this year---make it this one
Review: I used to find the Bible intimidating. Rick Warren writes in such an easy style---he is absolutely brilliant at explaining our real purpose on earth and stating profound truths in simple ways. People tell me that I'm not the same person anymore. I've changed. I'm a better man. Thank you Rick.
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Summary: The Purpose Driven Life
Review: How important am I in life? In Gods eyes, you are #1. Remeber, God made you in his image and likeness so what else would you be but #1. Now if you are a devil worshipper, you are #2 and we all know what #2 stands for don't we???
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Summary: the purpose driven in life
Review: how important i am in this world!!!!!1
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Summary: Why were the five star reviews deleted?
Review: I have noticed too that many five star reviews were deleted from this board and please don't be fooled by five star reviews being written by one star reviewers. One definite sign is when the same person reposts the exact same post 4-5 times. Nice try, but it won't fly! So Amazon, answer the question, why are some 5 star reviews being deleted, especially when they approach 100, 200, 300 or more helpful votes and individuals pass a certain self publisher in the Amazon top 1000 or the Amazon top 500?? Why is that Amazon? I'm curious. We are all curious.
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Summary: 'Precious Jewels from a Deep Mine'
Review: Although my favorite spiritual self-help book is 'With Joseph in the University of Adversity: the Mizraim Principles', by J. Parks, this one certainly ranks among the two or three best ever written. Warren is excellent in every area of applying theology to our everyday life, and his organization is the key to making it all work! The theology is scholarly, yet easy to digest, and will not leave the reader unsatisfied. Warren is doctrinaly sound and personal in his approach. If you're looking for systematic theology for an everyday devotional, this one is the very best. If you want sound principles for everyday life that you or a graduate can use, go with Parks (if you can find a copy). Both of these are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Also recommended: 'With Joseph in the University of Adversity: the Mizraim Principles' 'How to Win Friends and Influence People'
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Summary: A very good book
Review: I picked this book up at our local Costco several days ago. So far I have gotten about half way through it and already feel changed. To me this is like a mental and spiritual enema. There is so much garbage out there and so man negative influences. Since reading this book I have kicked the beer habit and not longer play pc games. I was hooked. I was also hooked on horror movies like Motel Hell and such. Rather than watch that junk, I am now watching a set of Bible video tapes featuring Charleton Heston. I also went to see The Passion and this weekend started to go back to church for the first time in years. I threw away all the pc games that I had. What a wanton waste of thime that was! Instead, I am researching religious articles on the internet and reading The Bible right along with The Purpose Driven Life. I cannot recommend this book enough. It has changed my life.
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Summary: Very very good!!
Review: I started reading this book a week ago. I haven't finished it yet, and normally I wouldn't write a review before I finish a book. However I just logged on and saw what the previous reviewer said. In my opinion and from what I have read so far, the previous review presents a distorted view of the book. Rick Warren has written a book with 40 small chapters, that can be read one per day and each of them can stand on its own. Each of those small 8-10 pages chapters presents vital for REAL life topics. Life can only be found in God and in His Son Jesus Christ. I know this because I found it in Him many years ago. This book will help you to see life from God's point view and hopefully to discover what you may be missing from your life: GOD. As another author (Lee Strobel) wrote in the back cover of the book: "Rick Warren is absolutely briliant at explaining our real purpose on earth and stating profound truths in simple ways". "Profound truths in simple ways" is what you will find in this book. Don't miss these truths. You will miss LIFE. Sincerely,
Tassos Kioulachoglou
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Summary: Why were the five star reviews deleted?
Review: I agree with that southerner who said that reviews should not be deleted, unless you are going to delete all of the reviews. Why have a message board with voting privleges if votes and reviews are going to be thrown out? Who's behind this board Democrats and Al Gore? If Amazon continues this nonsense, I too may decide to take my business elsewhere.
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Summary: Not sure of what your purpose in life is?
Review: If you are like some of the 1 star reviewers, disoriented and not sure to do with your life or what direction to take, then I highly recommend The Purpose Driven Life to help you find your Life's purpose. This book represents a masterpiece of wise counsel. No matter whether you are a new believer, a 1 star reviewer seeking forgiveness and direction, a seeker, or a seasoned saint, let God use the pages of The Purpose Driven Life to place your feet firmly on the right path. Great book. Written by Rick Warren but God's words.
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