Collection
Description
Religion & Spirituality. Nonfiction. HTML: A Groundbreaking Manifesto on the Meaning of Life The Purpose-Driven Life will help you understand why you are alive and God's amazing plan for you---both here and now, and for eternity. Rick Warren will guide you through a personal 40-day spiritual journey that will transform your answer to life's most important question: What on earth am I here for? Knowing God's purpose for creating you will reduce your stress, focus your energy, simplify your decisions, give meaning to your life, and, most importantly, prepare you for eternity. This recording offers a blueprint for Christian living in the 21st century---a lifestyle based on God's eternal purposes, not cultural values. Using over 1,200 scriptural quotes and references, it challenges the conventional definitions of worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism. In the tradition of Oswald Chambers, Rick Warren offers distilled wisdom on the essence of what life is all about. Full of hope and challenge, The Purpose-Driven Life will be a classic treasured by generations to come..… (more)
Awards
Christian Book Award (Winner — 2004)
User reviews
LibraryThing member nesum
You know, I've heard from people I trust that Rick Warren's sermons are very good and doctrinally sound. I will assume they are right. If so, I don't know where this book came from.
Most of the points in this book are sound, but a good chunk of it is so incredibly off that they really made me quite
He uses a very wide variety of Bible versions, supposedly because he wants to "compare translations." But he leans most heavily on paraphrases, especially The Messages, which is notorious for being just a terrible version of the Bible, filled with inaccuracies and Eugene Peterson's own theology. Obviously, Warren here is just trying to pick and choose which version of a verse agrees with himself. And then he hides the verse citations in the end notes where it is very difficult to find them so you can check his quotation.
But there are two major problems here. The first is that this is a very man-centered vision of Christianity that hardly seems to seek God at all. It is all about making God make your life wonderful. And that's wrong. Our faith is God-centered, because only He is worthy of it.
The second major problem is that this book is directed to people who don't know any better. Normally, I will give a book a few stars for being "mostly right" or "partially right," but this book is being marketed directly to people who do not know much about Christianity. It is being marketed to small groups that do not read the Bible. Therefore these people do not know better. They cannot test what is said in this book.
If a mature Christian picks up this book, he will recognize the mistakes but learn nothing new. Therefore the book is worthless to him. If a new Christian picks it up, he will learn something new, but not recognize the major mistakes. Therefore it will be harmful to him. Either way, the book should be avoided. Therefore, I must give it my lowest rating and urge everyone to study the Bible (a real translation, not what Eugene Peterson wishes the Bible said); challenge every word you read from any of these books. Look up every reference Warren makes, because half the time, he is either misquoting with a bad version of the Bible or taking the verse completely out of context.
Do this with every book you read, but, most importantly, read the Bible!
Most of the points in this book are sound, but a good chunk of it is so incredibly off that they really made me quite
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angry. Some of the points were small and minor, such as the statement that there is no such thing as Christian music (chapter 8), only Christian lyrics, which is directly opposed to Scripture (Psalm 150, for example -- how else can we "praise with a trumpet"). Then there are huge points, like where we suggests that we can force Jesus to come back earlier by our own actions (chapter 36).He uses a very wide variety of Bible versions, supposedly because he wants to "compare translations." But he leans most heavily on paraphrases, especially The Messages, which is notorious for being just a terrible version of the Bible, filled with inaccuracies and Eugene Peterson's own theology. Obviously, Warren here is just trying to pick and choose which version of a verse agrees with himself. And then he hides the verse citations in the end notes where it is very difficult to find them so you can check his quotation.
But there are two major problems here. The first is that this is a very man-centered vision of Christianity that hardly seems to seek God at all. It is all about making God make your life wonderful. And that's wrong. Our faith is God-centered, because only He is worthy of it.
The second major problem is that this book is directed to people who don't know any better. Normally, I will give a book a few stars for being "mostly right" or "partially right," but this book is being marketed directly to people who do not know much about Christianity. It is being marketed to small groups that do not read the Bible. Therefore these people do not know better. They cannot test what is said in this book.
If a mature Christian picks up this book, he will recognize the mistakes but learn nothing new. Therefore the book is worthless to him. If a new Christian picks it up, he will learn something new, but not recognize the major mistakes. Therefore it will be harmful to him. Either way, the book should be avoided. Therefore, I must give it my lowest rating and urge everyone to study the Bible (a real translation, not what Eugene Peterson wishes the Bible said); challenge every word you read from any of these books. Look up every reference Warren makes, because half the time, he is either misquoting with a bad version of the Bible or taking the verse completely out of context.
Do this with every book you read, but, most importantly, read the Bible!
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LibraryThing member tloeffler
A great example of how words in the Bible can be interpreted to mean whatever you want them to mean. I agree that life needs to be lived with a purpose, but none of his stuff seemed to follow anything logically.
LibraryThing member jonmodene
Shallow and callow look at man from man's own view point.
He can sell a lot of books but cannot understand the Book.
A modern American tragedy that will have eternal consequences for millions of misled souls.
He can sell a lot of books but cannot understand the Book.
A modern American tragedy that will have eternal consequences for millions of misled souls.
LibraryThing member ukbar
Brainwash for fundamentalists. The Reason Driven Life by Robert Price is a great explication of what is wrong with this book.
LibraryThing member perrigoue
Gospel-lite at it's greatest! When I hear people reference their spiritual life with whethe or not they've read this book I get worried. Could do a better job with helping the reader understand their total depraved sinful nature and their absolute need of a God that will save them from death.
Read
Read
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Piper's "Don't Waste Your Life" instead. Show Less
LibraryThing member writestuff
I received this book as a gift - otherwise I probably wouldn't have read it. I don't read a lot of nonfiction, and when I do it is not usually self-help or inspirational nonfiction. The Purpose Driven Life is meant to be read slowly over 40 days - one chapter a day. My husband and I read it
As a Christian, I believe that Christ is our savior and died for our sins. I believe in the power of prayer. I believe there are ways to live our lives which make us better people and give our lives purpose. In many ways, this is what Rick Warren writes about - the problem with the book is twofold:
1. Warren repeats everything again and again and again. At some points, I wanted to scream "Okay, I get it!" Some of the information is so basic I felt Warren was talking down to the reader.
2. Warren presents an exceptionally narrow way of viewing the world which I felt was not inclusive enough. He made me feel that if I didn't subscribe to his interpretation of God's word, than I was not the 'right kind of Christian.' I've always hated that view - it makes me uncomfortable and it doesn't feel correct to me. I didn't appreciate the subtle judgment against other faiths which was woven into the text
On the up side, Warren presents information clearly, concisely and gives the reader a series of questions and meditations to strengthen his points. The book is well organized.
I'm afraid I can't recommend this book to a lot of people - even some Christians (like myself) may feel the book talks down to them and doesn't resonate fully with their beliefs. If you are a person who loves inspirational and religious philosophy, you may want to give it a try.
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together and discussed it; and in this regard it was a good experience.As a Christian, I believe that Christ is our savior and died for our sins. I believe in the power of prayer. I believe there are ways to live our lives which make us better people and give our lives purpose. In many ways, this is what Rick Warren writes about - the problem with the book is twofold:
1. Warren repeats everything again and again and again. At some points, I wanted to scream "Okay, I get it!" Some of the information is so basic I felt Warren was talking down to the reader.
2. Warren presents an exceptionally narrow way of viewing the world which I felt was not inclusive enough. He made me feel that if I didn't subscribe to his interpretation of God's word, than I was not the 'right kind of Christian.' I've always hated that view - it makes me uncomfortable and it doesn't feel correct to me. I didn't appreciate the subtle judgment against other faiths which was woven into the text
On the up side, Warren presents information clearly, concisely and gives the reader a series of questions and meditations to strengthen his points. The book is well organized.
I'm afraid I can't recommend this book to a lot of people - even some Christians (like myself) may feel the book talks down to them and doesn't resonate fully with their beliefs. If you are a person who loves inspirational and religious philosophy, you may want to give it a try.
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LibraryThing member JeremyMeeks
Worst book ever. This thing is a joke. Had to read it as a TEXTBOOK for a class. My University shall remain nameless. Laughable.
LibraryThing member ScottBridwell
Didn't finish this book...In college I studied "The Purpose Driven Church" as a text book and I've been to the conference at Saddleback. This book was for me a re-run. I don't like devotionals or fluff or hype and thi book has all of that and more. I keep waiting to see the Purpose Driven Happy
Maybe, just maybe this would be a good book for a new believer, but I hope they don't stop there.
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Meal where I can collect all 6 Purpose Driven Toys.Maybe, just maybe this would be a good book for a new believer, but I hope they don't stop there.
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LibraryThing member herlibrary
I've heard it all before. God loves you, you are here to serve God; the only way to serve God and have an eternity in heaven is through Jesus Christ; the Bible (in it's many versions and translations)is the word of God....yada, yada, yada....All this as a prelude to spend an eternity with God. No
This book will be helpful for those who "believe" and have "faith" in this Bible story and for those who are afraid of dealing with the wrath and smiting of this loving and forgiving God.
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thank you. I find the thought of living blissfully happy and praisng God for E T E R N I T Y eternally and blissfully boring. Don't forget that quite a few of those blissfully happy angels and Watchers rebelled against this eternal bliss and abandoned the blissfully happy "Eternity" ship.This book will be helpful for those who "believe" and have "faith" in this Bible story and for those who are afraid of dealing with the wrath and smiting of this loving and forgiving God.
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LibraryThing member grace4quiddity
Well what can I say that wont go against millions of people who think this book is great stuff? Well... I enjoyed chapters 17-19 concerning the church family. It helps to reaffirm that you can be a part of a family and still accepts it's faults.
That's it... oh... and it has nice graphics!
That's it... oh... and it has nice graphics!
LibraryThing member pkb
Starts out pretty good....but then gets a little "too worldly" in ideas/thoughts. Not sure it's so Biblically based! (sounds like it is tho...)
LibraryThing member eschator83
I'm astonished at how hard it is to find much else written about whether humans have a purpose in life-and what that might be-and what it's orgination is. I am delighted to see the popularity of this Warren book (345 as I write this), and I encourage every member to consider the subtitle (What on
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Earth Am I Here For) and read Warren's answer if you haven't found another answer you think is more valid and truthful. This would be a great discussion topic for an LT group, I'll go look for one now and hope other members will join me (Seeking Purpose). Show Less
LibraryThing member nycbookgirl
This was a wonderful devotion that my sister and I did together. I definitely recommend this devotion and only read one chapter a day. Also, do the devotion with someone because it's great to bounce thoughts off one another. It really makes you sit and re-evaluate your life, your commitments, and
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your priorities. But no, it won't tell you what career path to choose. Show Less
LibraryThing member SCRH
A popular work. Millions sold. The book is much like a long sermon. But will it have a lasting impact? Warren packages some truths that are worth pondering.
LibraryThing member TexasTam
This book made me stop and take note of just what my purpose was. I found it doing this study with a small group...which is better than just reading it by yourself. I found that I am made to worship our Lord and Savior, love others as I love myself and that I am part of a family and I will be glad
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to do that for all eternity. Show Less
LibraryThing member wScott
The huge success of this book has brought out all the contrarians. I'm a Christian and this is one of the most inspiring books that I have ever read.
LibraryThing member n_yay
I learned a lot. Make sure you take it one day at a time. It's not about the content, it's about the reflection.
LibraryThing member PeaceUMC
In 40 brief chapters, which can read as daily devotional, Rick Warren answers the age-old questions: Why am I here? What is my purpose? Asserting that our responses to those quandaries must start with God, he explains how we can achieve fulfillment by enacting His plan.
The Purpose-Driven Life is a
This is a book of hope and challenge you will read and re-read.
The Purpose-Driven Life is a
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blueprint for a lifestyle based on God's eternal purposes, not cultural values. Well-grounded in Scripture, it offers fresh insights on worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism.This is a book of hope and challenge you will read and re-read.
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LibraryThing member rybeewoods
For as much as I want to hate it 'cause of it's popularity and all that, it has served a good purpose and has a good message.
LibraryThing member lisasikkema
One of my all time favorites. I have read 2-3 times, great book to just pick up and read 1 day here or there.
LibraryThing member djaquay
Interesting, but IMO very overrated. About 1/4 reads like a promotion for his church (or at least how he runs his church). The rest has tidbits here and there, but nothing that I found earthshattering, and I think my wife stopped reading 3/4 of the way through.
LibraryThing member ShortyBond
This book DID change my life!! Wonderful. Absolutely amazing!
LibraryThing member DLUC
Well known author offers a plan for finding and living purposefully for Christ. It is divided in 40 chapters with the intent of reading a chapter a day and then reflecting upon it.
LibraryThing member acovarrubias
About 9 years ago my sister in law gave me her copy of 'The Purpose Driven Life' by Rick Warren. I have to admit that I read the first few chapters (days) and then it sat on my bookshelf and it is still there today. So when I was given the chance to receive a copy and to give an honest review I was
The Purpose Driven Life, What On Earth Am I Here For, New Expanded Edition by Rick Warren is celebrating its 10th year anniversary. In this anniversary edition there are 2 new chapters, The Envy Trap & The People Pleaser Trap, online video teaching by Rick Warren as well as an online community to discuss the book with.
In the back of the book there is an Appendix of Discussion Questions and Resources, notes with the book and verse of the bible that they were taken from. This anniversary edition represents a new approach for a new generation incorporating a new understanding of barriers that keep people from finding their purpose.
I am sure that if you read The Purpose Driven Life years ago that you already know what the book is about. The book is broke up into 42 days of lessons and at the end of each day there is points and verses to ponder. You can study the book alone or as a group. Mr Warren offers a packet that includes DVD's, the book, training materials and online resources. This book is supposed to help people that are Christians become better christian and ones striving to find there purpose in life.
The book is set up to answer the questions:
1. Why am I alive?
2. Does my life matter?
3. What on earth am I here for?
In this book there are 5 concepts to help you discover your purpose and live far beyond just surviving day to day life.
1. It will explain the meaning of your life.
2. It will simplify your life.
3. It will focus your life.
4. It will increase your motivation.
5. It will prepare you for eternity.
My Thoughts
The Pros
I have only been reading this book for about 2 weeks now, so these are my opinions and views of the book so far. Right off the bat you notice that each day is easy to read and Mr Warren uses simple language that anyone can understand. The book is arranged by 42 days and the teaching for each day is short and gives you many verses from the bible that match the topic being discussed.
I liked the fact that each day has an online video chapter summery for that day, and if you have any questions or just want to talk about the book you can go to the online community. There is a message to be heard video by Rick Warren that is a little over 40 minutes long, but to me in has really nothing to do with the day you are on.
I like the fact that one of the themes throughout the book is that we were made 'for Gods pleasure'. That God made us for a reason and not to just exist and to survive day to day life. If you are at all like me, there are days that I feel like I may know what my purpose is and days that I have no clue.
Many feel that the bible is a mystery, but I don't think so. Even though I have days that I question everything in my life, I know that we were created by God and for a purpose. When I was younger I would say, "I wish God would just come down here and tell me what to do"! One day it hit me, He did give me that answers on how to live and answer many of my questions, in the Bible.
There are some points in the book so far that have got me to thinking, like What is the driving force in your life? He also brought up a good point, some of us want more material things to make us happy, more important and more secure. In truth the happiness that we feel in material things only last a short while and fade and then we need more to give us that happy feeling again. In truth acquiring more possessions and power can cause us unnecessary stress, to feel unfulfilled, empty and exhausted and therefore we do not live up to our full potential. I have been guilty of this, just as I am sure many of us are.
The Cons
There are a few issues I had with this book such as the bible versus quoted in it are paraphrases, and in my opinion this can be dangerous. If you read only a portion of the verse you may not get the whole meaning. In other words the paraphrase may not be the meaning of the scripture at all. You have to read the whole scripture to get the meaning and to understand fully what is being said.
I also did not care for the many translations of the bible that were used. There are 14 bible translations that were used to quote scripture from. I prefer the King James Bible and the New International Version. These 2 bibles basically say the same thing and the main difference is that the NIV Bible does not contain words such as thee, thou, etc. There is no drastic changes in the verses as other bibles have. There is one translation used, The Message, that I found I had reread the verse paraphrase and it did not even say the same thing as the Kind James Version.
Another thing I did not care for was that in some parts of the book Mr Warren states some things as fact, when in truth they are his own thoughts.
All that being said, I believe that The Purpose Driven Life, Expanded Edition as a whole is a good book to help guide you in the direction of serving God and finding purpose in your life. It is a good tool to help guide you, but is in no way a substitute for your bible. When a verse is referred to in the book, please find it in your bible and read it. I am not saying that Mr Warren says to replace your bible with his book. I am just saying to go to your bible for confirmation of the verses.
I will be finishing the book because I am curious to see what else it says.
*This book was given to me to review by Book Sneeze on behalf of the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own and I was not further compensated in any way, besides the book.
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very interested. I was interested for two reasons. One was because I wanted to see what all the hype was about and two was because my sister in law really wanted me to read this book. So that is how I came to post this review of The Purpose Driven Life.The Purpose Driven Life, What On Earth Am I Here For, New Expanded Edition by Rick Warren is celebrating its 10th year anniversary. In this anniversary edition there are 2 new chapters, The Envy Trap & The People Pleaser Trap, online video teaching by Rick Warren as well as an online community to discuss the book with.
In the back of the book there is an Appendix of Discussion Questions and Resources, notes with the book and verse of the bible that they were taken from. This anniversary edition represents a new approach for a new generation incorporating a new understanding of barriers that keep people from finding their purpose.
I am sure that if you read The Purpose Driven Life years ago that you already know what the book is about. The book is broke up into 42 days of lessons and at the end of each day there is points and verses to ponder. You can study the book alone or as a group. Mr Warren offers a packet that includes DVD's, the book, training materials and online resources. This book is supposed to help people that are Christians become better christian and ones striving to find there purpose in life.
The book is set up to answer the questions:
1. Why am I alive?
2. Does my life matter?
3. What on earth am I here for?
In this book there are 5 concepts to help you discover your purpose and live far beyond just surviving day to day life.
1. It will explain the meaning of your life.
2. It will simplify your life.
3. It will focus your life.
4. It will increase your motivation.
5. It will prepare you for eternity.
My Thoughts
The Pros
I have only been reading this book for about 2 weeks now, so these are my opinions and views of the book so far. Right off the bat you notice that each day is easy to read and Mr Warren uses simple language that anyone can understand. The book is arranged by 42 days and the teaching for each day is short and gives you many verses from the bible that match the topic being discussed.
I liked the fact that each day has an online video chapter summery for that day, and if you have any questions or just want to talk about the book you can go to the online community. There is a message to be heard video by Rick Warren that is a little over 40 minutes long, but to me in has really nothing to do with the day you are on.
I like the fact that one of the themes throughout the book is that we were made 'for Gods pleasure'. That God made us for a reason and not to just exist and to survive day to day life. If you are at all like me, there are days that I feel like I may know what my purpose is and days that I have no clue.
Many feel that the bible is a mystery, but I don't think so. Even though I have days that I question everything in my life, I know that we were created by God and for a purpose. When I was younger I would say, "I wish God would just come down here and tell me what to do"! One day it hit me, He did give me that answers on how to live and answer many of my questions, in the Bible.
There are some points in the book so far that have got me to thinking, like What is the driving force in your life? He also brought up a good point, some of us want more material things to make us happy, more important and more secure. In truth the happiness that we feel in material things only last a short while and fade and then we need more to give us that happy feeling again. In truth acquiring more possessions and power can cause us unnecessary stress, to feel unfulfilled, empty and exhausted and therefore we do not live up to our full potential. I have been guilty of this, just as I am sure many of us are.
The Cons
There are a few issues I had with this book such as the bible versus quoted in it are paraphrases, and in my opinion this can be dangerous. If you read only a portion of the verse you may not get the whole meaning. In other words the paraphrase may not be the meaning of the scripture at all. You have to read the whole scripture to get the meaning and to understand fully what is being said.
I also did not care for the many translations of the bible that were used. There are 14 bible translations that were used to quote scripture from. I prefer the King James Bible and the New International Version. These 2 bibles basically say the same thing and the main difference is that the NIV Bible does not contain words such as thee, thou, etc. There is no drastic changes in the verses as other bibles have. There is one translation used, The Message, that I found I had reread the verse paraphrase and it did not even say the same thing as the Kind James Version.
Another thing I did not care for was that in some parts of the book Mr Warren states some things as fact, when in truth they are his own thoughts.
All that being said, I believe that The Purpose Driven Life, Expanded Edition as a whole is a good book to help guide you in the direction of serving God and finding purpose in your life. It is a good tool to help guide you, but is in no way a substitute for your bible. When a verse is referred to in the book, please find it in your bible and read it. I am not saying that Mr Warren says to replace your bible with his book. I am just saying to go to your bible for confirmation of the verses.
I will be finishing the book because I am curious to see what else it says.
*This book was given to me to review by Book Sneeze on behalf of the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own and I was not further compensated in any way, besides the book.
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LibraryThing member T_Renee
This book helped me to understand my relationship with God; all that He wants for me & who I am. It requires quite a bit of reflection and is tremendously helpful in moving you to another dimension in God.
Subjects
Publication
Grand Rapids : Zondervan, [2002]
Original publication date
2002-10-01
ISBN
0310205719 / 9780310205715