As I stated a couple of months ago I was skeptical about this book. Just from the title it sounds like a trendy book without much substance. Despite some issues that I had with it, I'm glad I read it and would recommend it (I even bought my Mom a copy for Christmas).
First I'll discuss the negative aspects of the book. Although more than 1000 Bible verses are quoted Rick Warren fails to use the Scripture reference and instead uses appendix markers. You have to go to the appendix to get the reference and that does not make it an easy book to study and check it against Scripture. Also, he uses a lot of modern translations for the references and I find those lacking in quality. Now, in about Chapter 38 Warren finally explains that the context of the Scriptures should be studied on their own (this is good) but this should have been in the introduction. I read this book as part of a men's Bible study and people in whom I trust, had already read the book and approved. As I went through the book nothing jumped out at me as being way off. I may not of agreed on some points but nothing that would lead someone off the deep end.
Another negative that I found is that Warren seems to imply that a fully committed Christian is following his 5 areas that he's identified as part of the purpose driven life. I know he's just trying to restate some historical truths but I don't believe a book other than the Bible is essential for Christian living. Maybe Pastor Warren isn't implying this but that was the feeling I got near the end of the book.
Now the positives.... there is a lot of great practical information in this book. What Pastor Warren has done is lay out a lot of great practices that Christians need to consider including your place in God's Kingdom ("It's not about you"), healing relationships with others, service, community, fellowship, worship. The list is extensive and this book reminded me of some things I need to take care of. Again, lots of Scripture is referenced and a good exercise might be to look more at the Scriptures and extend the study.
The book is very readable and Pastor Warren recommends reading each of the 40 chapters over 40 nights. I actually wrapped up the last 3 in one night but followed it pretty closely the rest of the time. He wants the reader to absorb the information so the smaller chunks is a good idea and it worked for me.
All in all, the Purpose Driven Life is a pretty practical book. For the newer Christian it might be best to read it within a group or with a mentor. This is a book that lends itself to discussion. For the experienced Christian don't expect your life to be radically changed from this book but it's a great tune-up or maintenance check we all need every once in a while. I know that a lot of experienced Christians are skeptical about this book but it's not as bad as some think and better than I expected. If you are curious about the book then read it. It's worth the time and effort. I believe any of the negatives I stated do not negate recommending the reading of the book nor the practicality of it.
on top of the largely Biblical content in the book, i think what's making it such a hot best seller, in addition to their marketing campaign to get churches doing a 40-day of purpose, is that it touches on the big question of purpose, formerly known as "the meaning of life"..
Posted by: djchuang at January 9, 2004 06:32 AM
