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 Life Purpose Made Simple Yet Profound November 12, 2008
Review of The Purpose Driven Life: What On Earth Am I Here For? by Rick Warren
I chose to review this book because I couldn't resist a best seller. The Purpose Driven Life has sold over 20 million copies. The book has won the Book of the Year Award from the Evangelical Christian Publisher Association 2 years in a row. The back book jacket calls the book "A GROUNDBREAKING MANIFESTO ON THE MEANING OF LIFE." Given the popularity of this best seller, I had to see what Warren wrote to demand the attention of readers who buy multiple copies to give to friends, neighbors, and relatives. Additionally, there are many accompaniments to the main book, such as hardbound and leather-bound journals.
Warren divides the book into 40 short chapters because, he writes, "The Bible is clear that God considers 40 days a spiritually significant time period. Whenever God wanted to prepare someone for his purpose, he took 40 days." Thus, the 40 days are intended to be a time frame for this spiritual journey that encourages self-reflection. At the end of each chapter the author offers a point to ponder, a verse to remember, and a question to consider. Warren states: "By the end of this journey you will know God's purpose for your life."
The promise made by this author grabbed my attention. In fact, chapter 2 is titled "You are not an accident." Warren repeats the premise of this chapter in several different ways, such as "God made you for a reason" and "God never does anything accidentally." Warren contends that most people ask of their life "What's in it for me?" rather than considering that we are "born by His purpose and for His purpose." By the end of the book, I received the main message summed up in the first sentence: "It is not about you."
However, there were statements and paragraphs that challenged my credibility of Warren. He uses the book to express his opinions that I daresay are shortsighted and even stereotypical. For example, Warren defines a "real" servant as someone serving God by serving others and as having 6 characteristics, 1 of which is: "real servants maintain a low profile." Warren hardly has a low profile. Does that mean that according to his definition he is not a "real" servant?
Another area of disagreement is with Warren's supposition. He writes: "There are more than 750 `Halls of Fame' in America and more than 450 `Who's Who' publications, but you won't find many real servants there." How does he know? Has he interviewed each member? No one can tell what constitutes a "real" servant because, in my opinion, only a Higher Power can discern a "real" servant.
Warren uses multiple references to the Bible, and uses verses to prove his points. I had to remind myself that this was his interpretation, and there are multiple translations of the Bible, and another Bible scholar could just as easily make the opposite point by using other verses.
I can't deny that this book has its place in the spiritual journey. I found lessons that were appropriate to my own journey. Warren encourages readers to embrace their weaknesses and accept their vulnerabilities. Having many of those, I was heartened to learn that God does not expect perfection, and I can complete my purpose with all my foibles.
Review by Lynn C. Tolson
 A MUST READ!!! VERY SPIRITUAL & MOTIVATING!!! October 7, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I must say that I was not a very spiritual person until now. I have gone to several churches over many of my 41 years and not one has delivered the message to me that this book has. This book has saved my relationship and given me a completely different perspective on life. I am so interested in learning more about God and have plans to read the entire Bible within the next year. I have already purchased this book for a close friend and my brother. I also plan on sending this book to my children. I urge you to visit the website asscociated with this book to view the wonderful things there [...]. I am in no way associated the author or publishing company for this book. I found this book approximately one week ago after hitting a very low point in my life and while looking for a book that might change my life I found this book the day after a car accident that left me stranded for two days in Texas until some family assistance arrived. Again, I highly encourage those of you who are not familiar with God to give this book an opportunity to make a change in your life.
Best lie-changing book ever! October 6, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I've gone through a rough patch in my life just a few months ago and at one point I was considered suicidal. It was a struggle to just get through the days. I've read "The Road Less Traveled" which helped greatly. But then I read "The Purpose Driven Life" and it changed my life completely. I have a whole new outlook on life now. This is a book that I will read over and over. It helps you to accept things in your life and helps you to understand life in general and focus on God. I HIGHLY recommend this book for ANYONE going through a rough time. As Scott Peck starts his book, "Life is Difficult". That statement is 100% accurate. So read The Road Less Traveled and THEN read the Purpose Driven Life and you will be headed in the right direction.
Wonderful October 2, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Thsi book is really wonderful to read, it really makes you focus on what should be most important in your life. We were created for a reason and we should be living our life for the purpose we were put on earth for, not just for ourselves. In general be a fun-loving, caring, down to earth, spiritual person, and always smile.
Purpose Driven Life September 29, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book was suggested to me by a dear friend and I am so glad I bought it. It is an awesome book. I've enjoyed every page I've read so far. It not only explains what God wants you to do, it helps you believe. I couldn't have asked for a better book to read. It has been a very spiritual journey.
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