The Purpose-Driven Life by Richard Warren, Rick Warren (2002, Hardcover, Illustrated)

I started reading The Purpose Driven Life at the request of a friend who was going through a difficult time in her life. The book is designed to teach the reader about God's purpose for his/her life and how to live in such a way as to fulfill that purpose. It contains 40 short chapters (4-5 pages each) and suggests reading 1 chapter a day for 40 days (a symbolic number in the bible...40 days of rain, 40 days in the desert, etc.) The book recommends reading it with a friend so that you can stay accountable to the reading, discuss each chapter with that person, and better absorb the message.

The book is designed for Christians at any point in their faith. It does not matter if you are new to Christianity or have been following God for 60 years, it has something to teach you or reinforce in you wherever you are in your walk. Pastor Rick Warren does a good job of defining God's purpose for our lives as found in the scriptures. He writes in a very accessible way and because you only read 1 short chapter a day, you have time to let each message sink in. While at times some of the messages seem basic, it is through mastering the basics that we can grow and evolve into more authentic, committed Christians.

In addition to writing about God's purpose for us, Pastor Warren provides practical ways to fulfill our role. Each chapter concludes with a "Point to Ponder" (the message of the chapter), a "Verse to Memorize" (to reinforce God's purpose for us) and a "Question to Ask" (so that we can apply the message to our own life). All in all, it is a very practical and useful book that, whether you read with a friend or on your own, will provide daily encouragement that will enrich your life. It is the type of book that you'll be able to pick up many times in your life to help guide you in your Christian walk.

I have read this book completely through from cover to cover. I even spent several hours trying to compare Mr. Warren's beliefs to God's Word.

Because of the abundance of versions and paraphrases used, and the fact that the references were listed in the back of the book, instead of with the quotations within the body of the book, it took a considerable amount of time to look them up and compare them to what God says in His Word. It was very confusing for me. However, what I was able to compare of Mr. Warren's opinions and God's Word showed discrepancies between the two.

Mr. Warren bases a lot of what he says on what has worked in his congregation to draw large numbers of unregenerate people, not necessarily what has worked to build strong, mature believers, who are grounded in God's Word.

One comment he made alerted me to his true beliefs about God and His Word. He said that the Bible alone was not sufficient for our spiritual growth. If that is so, how does he account for so many believers who have been imprisoned around the world and have stood strong for their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ just by being able to remember the verses of God's Word hidden in their hearts? Christ, Himself, said that man was not to live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

One does not need to read Mr. Warren's book to find his purpose in life. God tells us in Ephesians 1:4-12 what our purpose in life is to be: "According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love...That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ." He is the one who created us, and He knows better than anyone else His purpose for each life on planet Earth.

Spend your money on a solid version of God's Word, read it, study it and you will be able with much less effort to find your purpose for life.

Books like this happen when supposed Bible "teachers" don't do their homework. I even wonder if Warren has ever truly understood the Scriptures in lieu of his obvious ignorance of the Author's intent and Hebrew heritage spattered on every page of the Old Testament. The purpose of our life is to glorify the one who created us. Period. That's all. Buy my book and pay ME money. That's never been a popular truth with the majority of the world, so you can't make much cash with it. That may be why Rick didn't go with that line of thought. Here's an example to show how foolish Mr. Warren's "Christian" premise is. You want somebody who was blessed by God? Who God gave tremendous gifts and power too? Who spoke with God like know one else has in 2000 years? The apostle Paul is arguably the most "purpose driven" man in the last two centuries, and did God grant him happiness or financial stability, or lots of friends? At the end of Paul's life he was abandoned by his friends (with the exception of one or two), he had no money, no miraculous power, and he was suffering daily both physically and mentally under the burden of the knowledge that there were people who were still rejecting the Savior and would be ultimately condemned to eternal suffering. You see, Paul was blessed with the gifts of God, but those gifts are not ones that the secular world cares for. They are the ability to love those who hate you, patience, longsuffering, gentleness, kindness to those who are unkind to you, knowledge of God's word (which back then was only the Old Testament). Paul glorified God daily by proclaiming the truth that Jesus was not just a prophet, or a good man, but that He was Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent God. That He alone could raise Himself from the dead thereby conquering death for those who only so much as submit to the fact that He is their Creator and Master. That is the purpose that all people are called to, but only few respond. True Christianity will always be hated by the world because it professes the selfishness inherent in us all. Paul was stripped of his money, friends, and health by this world. That is the evidence that he led a purpose driven life.

The author is too opinionated & he takes far too many liberties with scripture. Many of the people I know who have read the book were turned off by it. That is unfortunate because they are not very spiritual & are searching, but only hear alot of negative in this book. With so many to choose from I say keep looking!

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren is an interesting tool for Christians to examine their faith and mission, particularly in a Church group setting. It asks people to examine themselves, as individuals, and to check up on where they are at as a congregation of Christ's ambassadors. I think the first part of the book is uncomfortable for many readers because while it mentions what a wondrous creation of God we all are, it also stresses that "it's not about us", it's about our living and working to bring glory to our Creator. It's all about Him. Many modern Christians are tied up with "prosperity preachers" who tell you that if you're right with God, you can expect great things to happen for you: money, success, and even, fame. Mr. Warren cautions the reader not to get too comfortable with the world around us and our success in it because our place, or lack of it, in eternity demands that people live by the will and rules of God, not man. It's a good wake-up call. I didn't like the use of so many sources of Scripture that were not familiar to me, but I read somewhere that he said he did that so people wouldn't see the same old text and just gloss over it because it was so familiar. While I don't think the book is perfect, it gives a needed perspective to faith in a society that is ever increasingly materialistic and status driven. I'd buy it again to gain that perspective.

The first few pages turned me off and I managed to get through half of the book before I realized this is the apostacy that Paul said would happen in the church during the last days. The author makes you focus on yourself rather than on God. I could see how some people could even feel worse for having read this because what if your purpose in life is a stay at home mom serving her family. The author makes you feel as if you need to be the Mother Teresa's of the world and how many of us obtain that stature in life not to mention its not very fruitful (children) in the kingdom of God. We have the Holy Spirit to direct us not another theologian selling God. If you need a book to help in your TRUE walk with God other than the Bible try Calvin Miller's Into The Depths Of God.
God Bless

I was utterly revolted by this book.

When I saw the title on the best seller list, I was anxious to get the book. I had been profoundly moved by other books such as Walden, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, and Man's Search for Meaning that discuss the relationship between Life and Meaning, which I consider the core issue of all of human existance. These books really make you dig in and look at life in a new way, and reward you with an open mind. Between the title of the Purpose book and its great popularity, I looked forward to reading it.

The very beginning of the book dashed these expectations. We are told that the world is spiritually adrift because of people's focus on the interior. Forget about your interior life, feelings, pasions, hopes, dreams, intellect. Look outside, to an unseeable, unknowable, intangible "spirit", we are told. And not just any spirit. Mot the 4500 year old spirits of the Hindus, not the spirit of the ancient Hebrews, not founding myths of the Norse, the Greeks, the Romans. And definitely not the earth-based myths of the Druids, Africans, and Asians. No, forget all the spirits of all the races of all of history, except one.

And forget all of your own personal experience, failures and hopes, joy and regrets, pain and happiness, and those of others around you. You see, the ONLY source of purpose in all of life is provided by one very specific supernatural being. And get this: the being does not actually speak of communicate. No, we need to read about it in a collection of stories written 2000 years ago. (For some reason, this sole source of Purpose stopped communicating at that time.)

And only some of these stories are true: the ones decided by a vote in an ancient Roman city two millennia ago. Other stories written during this same period about the same people are false, heretical.

It gets worse: even the official stories contradict each other. Some appear to advocate love among all men; others provide instructions for taking and managing slaves. "Thou shall not kill" shows up in some parts, while others describe bloody genocide committed to appease a vengeful god.

Fortunately, we have Rick Warren to rationalize and interpret all this for us.

So, if you are willing to disregard the entirety of your interior thoughts, mediations, memories, experiences, and seek entirely external guidance; if you are willing to disregard 95% of the historical religions, myths, and philosophies of the world; if you are not bothered by contradictory, illogical, and disconnected writings; if you can accept that all foundational writings stopped 2000 years ago; and if you are willing to give yourself over to the strong paternal direction of a single person who will interpret your Purpose for you and guide your thinking, then you may like this book.

But you will scare the heck out of me.

I was looking for something much more inclusive, and "ecumenical" in the broadest sense of the word. I'm pleased to see how the idea of Purpose resonates with so many people in these materialist and amoral times. On the other hand, I am disappointed in the narrowness of the conversation.

I got this book through our church who went through the book together. It's a lot of information to grasp and should be re-read regularly if you really want it all to sink in. It's basic message is found in the first sentence of the book, "It's not about you." Great book - great tool for growth.

It was a good read in the sense that it has an uplifting and positive message. I never felt like it was to introspective or hard to follow. The only problem is it is really meant for a small group setting as a large portion of the book is the connection to church, the group, and your community. I would highly recommend it for a small group and not so much for the individual.

It is so amazing that a book that openly encourages a faith in God has been embraced by so many. The fact that it has been embraced is also what poses the greatest problem. Rick Warren teaches a "Seeker-friendly" message to appeal to unbelievers and new believers. Initially, this desire sounds like a good idea because the whole goal of Christianity is to share the good news. However, the Gospel is not an easy message and the seeker-friendly movement (where I categorize this book) is preaching an easy gospel in order to turn attention to Christ with the hope that some will come to know him. I think it is much more important to share the full gospel in order to gain true believers who are prepared to weather the storms of the Christian life. Jesus taught taking up our own cross and dying to our selves. If this was mentioned in The Purpose Driven Life, I hardly think the book would be a bestseller. The real gospel requires a life of struggle to conform to the image of Christ and fight against our sinful desires. This struggle is a beautiful thing because it brings us even closer to God. The Christian life is not all about seeking out blessings and seeing what God has for you. It is about you giving yourself to God and seeking his will. This book isn't creating disciples, as much as it is creating confused seekers looking for what is in it for them.

Good book on spiritual psychology... no mention of sin or consequences. Temporary soother and pacifier... no lasting value to the soul.
Be wary of these mega-churches... they are not biblical. Warren is now a rich man and quite popular... just like Elvis (Pentecostal) True Christians are NOT supposed to be loved of the world... our Saviour sure wasn't and we are not greater than He.
Be CAREFUL with these books... Satan is a master disguiser.

I loved the book! Not knowing many scriptures by heart, I valued what was in print. I read how God loves me and it saved my life! Literaly! I was close to committing the final act of suicide. Medications, therapy and what modern psychology was not doing this book did. I learned to "live" by God and for God. I do not recommend it as a cure for depression, but it does lift the spirit in what I call very turbulent times in the world. The end of the world can come at any time...Jesus did not even know when, as only God knows and I tell ya...you better get your act together. Learn now to accept God and let Him be proad of His people and I do beleive one can reach into Eternity. plummy401

Book is not as hard to read as the bible... But you really need to be motived to read it. If you read it you will like it... Good Luck

Garry, KCebay.com
username: kansascitylistingservice.com

I really liked this book, and was surprised by its strong Christina Influence (Refreshing). The message is a little different for everyone but for me it reminded me of why I work. I have been successful, written books, and mentored many in my footsteps, but doing all that by itself is not nearly important as having real meaning and purpose to my actions.

Reading this book narrowed my focus to my family and my relationships and has consequently made my proffessional life more fulfilling.

If you feel like all you do is work work work, and you are looking for something to help you understand the why behind it all this is a great book.

this book is life-changing, it brings everything in your life into perspective and will leave you with a deeper, more understood reason for being alive today...why god created you and your purpose.dont miss this oppertunity!!!

Rick Warren has nailed it on the head. This book is well written and easy to follow. You can expect to recieve a positive tool that provides you with a clear understanding of our purpose here in life. I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE IN OUR SOCIETY.

My friend and I worked through this book together as a personal study. We found that it might be suitable for new Christians, people who are considering Christianity, or for people who have not been taught basic Christian themes.

However, we found the book to be a bit trifling in many places and overgeneralized in several others, particularly for anyone who has had an enduring Christian walk. The scriptures were not easily demarcated and not always immediately recognizable as the Word of God. Perhaps that was on purpose - for those who cringe at too much Scripture referencing.

Considering all the hype, we were expecting far more from this book. It is clearly food for thought if one has never engaged in spiritual thought before, but otherwise, it's quite elementary.

ONE OF THE BEST CHRISTIAN BOOKS I EVER READ. IT PRESENTS THE BASIC BIBLICAL TRUTHS IN A CLEAR AND EASY WAY TO UNDERSTAND. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE BOOK TO ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED TO FIND THE PURPOSE FOR LIVING.

It's too bad Christians tend to grab onto something like this as if it's the new "1000 points of light." There is so much in Warren's book that is simply mysticism with a new twist. If anyone doubts that, then they should spend some time researching which other authors Warren recommends, who he extols, who he has written forewords for, and the type of explanations he is providing these days for many of the New Age-type trains of thought that are making headway into the church today.

Once again, we have a book that fulfills its purpose: it itches the ears of those who read it. We Christians need to spend more time in God's Word and less time pandering to people who write the next Christian "best seller."

Regardless of what Warren believes or states, the Bible alone IS all-sufficient for Christians today. It is through that book that we know the One who came to set us free. Trying to determine His will outside of His book, not only leads to error, but leads us to justify ourselves and our lives by what we FEEL. Whether it's Gestalt, behavior modification or anything else we might wish to call it, Rich Warren's book serves up more of the same and does little to help us understand Who Christ truly is as revealed in God's Word.

Except for research purposes, this book should probably be avoided.

I have a web page for hurting hearts and was dealing with a gal who had tried to kill herself 2 times, many problems.

I sent her the Purpose Driven Life book in hopes she would read a short chapter each day.

She is not too free with her feelings, however - she has stopped the panic e-mails and is now asking good questions regarding salvation.

My hope as she reads the Purpose Driven Life she will start to understand life a little better and a life will be saved.

Before I sent her the book - her e-mails were "I've been told I'm going to Hell because I tried to kill myself so what is the use to try" - now her questions are "I felt like I gave my heart to Jesus, but I must have done it wrong - How do I know I am saved" We will probably never know the true depth of how the Purpose Driven Life has impacted her life.

I did get an e-mail that only said "Wooo Hooo for Purpose Driven Life" - She was excited to have the book.

You will need to back and forth to check his Biblical data. Most of the Bible quoats are in half sentences. Leaving you to check his version againest charter context. What a waste of time. For a new Christian, stay away from this book. Too many half truths. I used my own copy given out from my chuch as a door stop. I could not give this book my blessing, because there are no blessing in it. God Bless and be careful.

I loved the day by day progession in this life changing book. It is not a work to read through and never pick up again. This is a book to be studied. WHAT ON EARTH AM I HERE FOR? I recently began to get serious about that question, with my children all raised, and working only part time it seemed that there surely was something else, Lord knows I am not a person to just watch TV and vegitate.
Along about Day 18 Rick writes " Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less." That along with the concept that Life is not about me, really began to click. I found the Bible passage, Titus 2 that says "older women teach the younger women" teach them what? I messed up my life with multiple marrages, always busy making a living, etc. etc. Then it hit me, I could teach the right way by telling others how I had done it the wrong way. I know, you probably don't care that this life is not about you. But once you get it, you will change and all old things will pass away and your life will be better. Given a fare chance, The Purpose Driven Life could lead you to a better relationship with you wife, husband, children, neighbors and even old cranky Aunt Sue. And as Rick says, Its not about you.

I absolutely love this book. It is a very inspirational book for my life. Not only did this book show me how to be a better Christian, it taught me how to be a better Christian. I didn't really need this book, so I thought when I bought it. After a couple of days of the book just sitting around, I finally opened it up. Being a Christian for over 15 years, I thought I knew everything there was to know about the Bible and God. I knew I had a great life, a wonderful devoted husband and a great daughter, what more did I need? Then it finally hit me,this book showed me that I needed to get more involved with my church,not only going every Sunday, but actually participating and getting involved. So I decided to get more involved. As of today, I am a better Christian knowing and understanding that God has put some wonderful gifts into my life. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to have a relationship or a better relationship with God. This book is well worth the money and is a great book to share with anyone!