A Purpose-Driven Life?

[AlecBGreen]

Im reading it now and its changing my life. No joke. I get up with so much energy, Ive become more patient, I feel closer to people. Has anyone else read this book? Id love to talk to some of yall about your reaction to it. If you havent read it, I HIGHLY reccomend it. The author has a real way of putting things into a fresh perspective. Also, his command of scripture and citing examples is GREAT.

[wryter2000]

1. I haven't read it

Thanks for the tip. I'll put it on my want to read list. :hi:

[demosincebirth]

2. I'll check it out.

[JerseygirlCT]

3. I'm afraid knowing more about the source

I'd be unable to read it now.

Something about bigots turns me off, and Warren has definitely been exposed as a bigot.

[AlecBGreen]

4. I hear you

My brother is gay and homophobia and the viscious degredation of our gay brothers and sisters makes me shake with rage. Rick Warren thinks that "choosing to live the gay lifestyle" or whatever he says is a sin. I cant argue with him cause he's not here.

Even so, see if you can find a copy. That way you can see what the book has to offer w/o giving him any money.

I am a little more than halfway through and it has literally changed my life. I hope others will find it a blessing as well.

[JerseygirlCT]

5. Thanks

I hope I didn't come across as harsh to you - I surely didn't mean to sound like that.

But like you, the blithe way so many of these supposedly moral people point fingers at our gay brothers and sisters and do everything in their power to make them "other" and evil... it makes my blood boil.

[AlecBGreen]

6. a random quote

Christianity is not a religion or a philosophy, but a relationship and a lifestyle. The core of that lifestyle is thinking of others, as Jesus did, instead of ourselves. The Bible says, "We should think of their good and try to help them by doing what pleases them. Even Christ did not try to please himself." Thinking of others is the heart of Christlikeness... Chapter 23 - "How we grow"

Religions are manmade institutions. Being a Christian has little to do with what church you attend, but rather, making oneself into a disciple of Christ by striving to "be perfect, just as your Father is perfect." We prove our love for our Savior by developing a close relationship with him and leading a lifestyle that brings him glory. What do you all think?

[54anickel]

7. Eww, I'm from a Lutheran background so that "striving to be perfect" line makes me cringe.

I'm more of the "sin boldly, but believe and rejoice in Christ even more boldly" crowd.

Regarding the 2nd paragraph, is Warren trying to say that Christianity isn't a religion? Or is this a way of "elevating" Christianity above all other religions? Is he saying Christianity is more than a mere religion, it's the only "right" way for anyone to be in a relationship with god?

The quote used in the 1st paragraph seems to be a bit out of context, and I find it interesting that he chose the C.E.V. for this one. The book reminds me of some of the pop psychology of the 70's. It's geared toward the personal growth of the individual, while many of the Bible quotes were addressing the growth and well-being of the community. I realize he uses various translations throughout the book. Anyway, the quote is from Romans 15:2 --- http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2015&version=CEV

Romans 15 (Contemporary English Version)

Please Others and Not Yourself

1If our faith is strong, we should be patient with the Lord's followers whose faith is weak. We should try to please them instead of ourselves. 2We should think of their good and try to help them by doing what pleases them. 3Even Christ did not try to please himself. But as the Scriptures say, "The people who insulted you also insulted me." 4And the Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope. 5God is the one who makes us patient and cheerful. I pray that he will help you live at peace with each other, as you follow Christ. 6Then all of you together will praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The focus on community seemed to get lost in Warren's application.

When Warren does manage to address community, it's focused on the fellowship of believers. He pretty much ignores the wider application of a sense of community with all humankind - with all of creation. Not much about loving what God loves or even trying to discern what that might be.

I have the book, it was a gift from one of my nieces. But, I never got into it. I couldn't get past the "you were put here to prepare for eternity" message of his 3rd chapter.

That's just me though. I had some pretty bad "born again" church experiences early in my life so that whole "decisional, evangelical theology" tends to give me the creeps (as does Warren). I'm working on overcoming those prejudices I still hold from my past. Anyway, he does have some gems in there and if it motivates you or (better yet) draws you closer to God that's great! It just doesn't resonate with me at all.

[54anickel]

8. Whoops, think I opened my mouth and inserted my foot again...

is that 2nd paragraph from the book or from you AlecBGreen? Either way, revisiting my comment with fresh eyes, I see I was less than compassionate or understanding to say the least. It's obvious my prejudices still run deep and I offer you my most sincere apologies AlecBGreen. The book is obviously having a significant impact on your life and your relationships. I celebrate your transformation with you.

[AlecBGreen]

9. yeah 2nd paragraph is mine

thanks for apologizing, but i didnt take offense. we are all brothers & sisters in Christ :)

[54anickel]

10. Thank you for your kind words and understanding. n/t

[Critters2]

11. A friend of mine has finished writing a book entitled _The Jesus-Driven Life_

as a response to this book, from a Girardian perspective. He's completed it, and Brian McLaren has written the foreword. He's been shopping it around to publishers, and hopes to have it available within a few months.

But, there's some pretty bad theology in Rick Warren's book, especially the punishing God/apocalyptic stuff. Maybe you haven't gotten to that yet.

[54anickel]

14. Critters, could you keep us updated on the release of that and/or the author's name? I'd be very

interested in reading that. I came across this in a Google of _The Jesus-Driven Life_ :

Analysis of Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life
Michael Hardin
www.preachingpeace.org
December 2005

http://www.preachingpeace.org/documents/Analysis_of_Rick_Warren.pdf

Wonder if this happens to be your friend's work.

[Critters2]

15. That is my friend's work.

Michael Hardin and I serve together on the board of Theology and Peace. His book is an expansion on the document you cite.

[54anickel]

16. Then I'd be very interested in reading it when it comes out. I've been perusing the Preaching Peace

website. I'm trying to decide which premium I would want to request once I'm able to scrape up the scratch for a donation.
http://www.preachingpeace.org/premiums.htm

[Critters2]

17. You might be interested in the Theology and Peace Conference, as well,

since you're in the Midwest. Michael and I will be leading an "Intro to Mimetic Theory" session (unless a crisis currently unfolding in my church overwhelms me to the point that I'll need to bow out...praying that doesn't happen).

Here's the website: theologyandpeace.org

As to the premiums, I've used the "How Jesus Read the Bible" dvd in adult ed, with very positive response. I can't remember what all the other premiums are. I'll have to take a look.

[54anickel]

18. Thanks Critters. I'll check it out. n/t

[GreenPartyVoter]

12. Read it a few years ago., The conservative evangelical bent in places rubbed me the wrong way, but

that's all I remember about it really.

Glad you are able to draw something more positive from it, though. :hi:

[supernova]

13. When this book came out my former church

was all in a tizzy about it. It's a mainline denom and not fundie at all.

They even read it in the Adult Sunday School. But it didn't charm me so I stayed away (not knowing much about the author then) Just knowing he was a mega church pastor was enough to put me off.

(It was repeated choices for material like this that eventually made me realize I was in the wrong place on the whole.)

I am glad you have found it useful though.