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Purpose Driven Life - Church     A review and commentary by Robert Wise

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The Purpose Driven Life.       Author, Rick Warren

Scriptural?     Not Exactly!

Deceiving & Man Centered?   I Think So!

Meat of the Word?       No!

Thank you for reading this review and commentary. Though lengthy, I do believe you will benefit from reading the entire text. My hope is that after reading, you will take the opportunity to do your own evaluation, if you think it is necessary. I, as one reviewer mentions below, strongly urge you to have a King James Version of the Bible next to you as you read and take the time to compare the Scriptures mentioned in the book.  My love for God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and for you, have left me no alternative but to write this article. Please accept it in the spirit it was written, “to enlighten you to the real Scriptures and to help you avoid being deceived by writings though written by famous and/or education persons, that do not measure up to the Bible.

 

        Rick Warren's newest book is taking the world, well at least America by storm.  The Purpose Driven Life has sold millions of copies so far.  Convert that into dollars and you have over $20,000,000.00 dollars in gross sales.  Now don't get me wrong.  There is nothing wrong in making money in itself.  There certainly is something wrong in making money promoting a product that is as unscriptural as these books are.  I have studied this subject extensively and I can without reserve say that Rick Warren and his newest “purpose” are deceiving churches and preachers.  There are numerous Scriptural errors in this book. I believe that most people who read it will ascertain that the book seems to be a good read and a practical book giving decent advice, while not Discerning that the book is filled with dangerous errors and is loaded with tons of "New Age" philosophies.  The book does cover a lot of basic teachings for new Christians in a sense, but the biggest problem is that there is no conviction, repentance, or actual absolute reliance on the Master for our life sustaining needs. There is a lot of fluff . . . milk instead of meat of the word.  The book “A Purpose Driven Life”, reminds me of a more humanistic view than a Christian view of what we are here for.  The Scriptures referred to in these books are taken from translations that are certainly of suspect and without a doubt are being used to bring the definitions into view with the authors wants and wishes.  This is in itself, dangerous ground.  Warren himself stated; "Therefore I have deliberately used paraphrases in order to help you see God's truth in new, fresh ways...(The Purpose Driven Life, pg. 325) How deceiving to all of us to think that we need to see God's Truth.... in ANY new light or way!   John 14:6 says, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”  I for one, do not need a “new, fresh way” … Jesus’ way is good enough for me!  It’s my contention that if you take approximately one-fourth of this book and throw away the rest, you will end up with a new believer’s Sunday school lesson.  Certainly not enough true Gospel messages to make such a tremendous splurge on the Christian scene.  Maybe, that in itself speaks volumes … is it possible that the Churches today have left so much of true Biblical teaching behind that even a small amount of fluff like this can cause such a storm.  I do believe this is not only possible, but also probable….. Author.

       Nathan Busenitz of Shepherd's Fellowship states the following: "The Purpose Driven Life is not outright heresy.  In fact, it teaches many very biblical concerns, such as the importance of worship, fellowship, spiritual growth, spiritual service, and evangelism.  At the same time, its approach is typical of contemporary Evangelicalism - fluffy, feel-good, and watered-down.  Because of its shallow doctrine, its cavalier approach to Scripture, and its market-driven approach, The Purpose Driven Life should be read with much discernment - if it is read at all.  Those seeking to deepen their understanding of Warren's five categories will probably be better helped by any of the countless Christian classics that have more thoroughly addressed those topics".

Here are some of the book reviews from Amazon.com concerning the Purpose Driven Life. To be fair, there were a lot of positive reviews also, but as with all beliefs, there are two sides to consider.  There are a lot of churches promoting these books, and as I do not support them, have decided to include reviews that are of the negative approach.  Please take a look at Amazon.com for all the reviews, pro and con.

Christianity for the Lazy, January 24, 2005

Reviewer:

Raymond Johnson (Kingwood, TX USA) -   

This book and the home study sessions now being touted by many churches is a bunch of bunk. Mr. Warren has written NOTHING NEW here! All he has done is ripped off the work of others before him and dummied it up. As I went through this 40 days with some friends 2 Catholics, 4 Lutherans, 3 Episcopalians (The local Lutheran Church was the sponsor). I was bored to tears!!!!! We are reading along and I stated that this sounds like Brother Lawrence in "The Practice of the Presence of God". Well in the next chapter Mr. Warren finally gives credit to Bro. Lawrence after having used his work repeatedly. As we continue through the book I find myself saying that this is nothing more than what has been said before by St. John of the Cross or St. Teresa of Avila and their books are a whole lot more interesting translated from the "Old Spanish".
Do yourself a favor do not try to cram zero to spiritual in 40 days! The walk is never-ending!!! Read the Complete Works of St. Teresa (it is a 3 volume set) and "Dark Night of the Soul" by St. John of the Cross. You will be better off!

 

Please DO NOT BUY the Purpose-Driven Life! It sucks!, December 29, 2004

Reviewer:

D. K. Mueller "D Mueller - church of Christ" (MI United States)   

I own this book. It is awful. He misquotes the Bible, and promotes the "Just believe and be saved" LIE of the denominations. Why doesn't he just tell people the truth? Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. Acts 2:38
NOT just believe. Get baptized, Rick Warren! Get real salvation!

 

Modernistic, New-Agey claptrap, December 28, 2004

Reviewer:

Michael A. Reed "Pastor Mike Reed" (Herlong, CA United States) - 
  

Okay, in all honesty, there are a few good points made, but too many important facts are missing, and Pastor Warren seems to utilize some questionable methods. First, there is really NO real covering of the issue of "How to Get Saved"-without that first being established, the rest is useless self-righteousness, which are as filthy rags in the eyes of God. Also, in Chapter 11, it is suggested to use "breath prayers", short words or phrases, repeated over and over again, to "practice the presence of God". That's identical to the vain repetitions used by various eastern cults when in meditation, and very similar to the positive affirmations used in pop-psychology and the New Age. Then, there is the issue of accepting worldliness and disposing of biblical, Christian separation from apostates, along with more, ad nauseum, all adds up to a pretty poor excuse for a Christian book. I recommend trying some good "Sword of the Lord" literature, instead. Or just, uh, the Bible?

 

My Purpose is in Christ and Him Crucified, December 22, 2004

Reviewer:

Michelle "Michelle" (Tennessee) - 

I do not recommend this book but if you choose to read it then read it with a King James Version Bible and not the Message paraphrase because this really distorts Scripture. The Christian's purpose can easily be found in the Holy Bible. This book is not much into the meat of God's word it is a works driven and based book. If I read this book as a non-Christian I would be given the impression that doing good works in the right frame of mind would be enough to get me to Heaven. That associating myself with a church will get me to Heaven. But this is not true. The line is blurred between the Christian (faith in Christ and Him crucified) and the non-Christian. Simply filling my life with good works and happy people won't get me to heaven. ONLY faith in Christ and Him Crucified will do that. Rick Warren is wrong in saying that a Christian is defined by his church or the group he associates with. The group did not save my soul neither did the church. Faith in Christ alone saved my soul! As a Christian this book is an offence to me. The quotes of atheists and new age leaders is disgusting. There are ample Christian examples of faith and changed lives in our Christian history and in the Holy Bible without the need to quote from non-Christian philosophers. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 2 Cor 6:14. People say this book changed their lives...being reminded to put someone else first, that there is more to life than yourself is a good but it's taken too far in this book. I am not a Christian because of my good works but because of the mercy and grace of God making a way by His Son Jesus who died on the Cross for Me. As a Christian I will do good things because Christ is in me - but my works will not save me and they will not define me. There are plenty of non-Christians and non-faith people who do-good works but their works do not make them a born again believer in Christ. You want your purpose than read the KJV Bible and ask God to fill you with what He wants in your life. It's easier than you think to get an answer from God - faith in Christ!

 

Beware of Hucksters Selling Easy Answers, November 30, 2004

Reviewer:

a47percenter

This book gave me a purpose -- to tear down false idols like this author and his snake oil religious salesmanship.
The book claims that there are "five purposes for our lives" which are "clearly revealed" by the Bible. They are (1) You were planned for God's pleasure, (2) You were formed for God's family, (3) You were created to become like Christ, (4) You were shaped for serving God, and (5) You were made for a Mission. These purposes seem somewhat repetitive to me, but the author apparently thinks they are complex. In his introduction, entitled "A Journey with Purpose: Getting the Most from this Book", he advises that we also purchase two additional items, the Purpose Driven Life Scripture Keeper Plus and The Purpose Driven Life Journal, to aid us in our spiritual journey. What, I wonder, is a Scripture Keeper Plus? The new and improved version of the Scripture Keeper, standard model? Is this a book or an advertisement?

Once you get past the author plugging his "purpose driven" paraphernalia, you will notice that he cherry-picks the Bible for quotes that will "prove" his personal viewpoints, even if the Bible's actual meaning is quite different from what he is saying. For example, in Chapter 1 the author goes to great pains to state that his book is not a "self-help" book. He then writes: 'The Bible says, "Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self."' Huh? The Bible predicted and dissed the contemporary self-help genre 2,000 years ago? According to the book's endnotes, that quote of Jesus putting down self-help literature is from Matthew 16:25.

The King James version of Matthew 16:25 is as follows: "For whosoever shall save his life shall lose it: and whosever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." Reasonable minds can differ on what that passage means, but it clearly was not aimed at the self-help industry of late 20th and early 21st centuries.
The author continues his biblical borrowings in Chapter 1 by saying that "God has not left us in the dark to wonder and guess" about the meaning and purpose of existence. He has given us the Bible, our "Owner's Manual" of life. To "prove" his point, he quotes, no surprise, the Bible itself: "God's wisdom . . . goes deep into the interior of his purposes. . . . It's not the latest message, but more like the oldest -- what God determined as the way to bring out the best in us." According to the endnotes, that quote is from 1 Corinthians 2:7.
      The King James version of 1 Corinthians 2:7 is as follows: "But we speak of God in mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory." Again, reasonable minds can differ on what that passage means exactly, but it is distinctly speaking of the presence of deep mystery and hidden wisdom in this world God created. The passage serves as a timely warning to be wary of snake oil salesmen like Rick Warren, who promise to reveal the mystery and hidden wisdom of God in a five-step process.
      The book is divided into 40 chapters, and the author advises us to read and digest one chapter each day. The chapters tend to follow the pattern described above, where the author makes an unprovable philosophical statement and then cherry-picks a biblical quote to "prove" his point.
      Some of his points are blatantly unscientific, such as some ramblings in Chapter 2 to the effect that the universe is the result of intelligent design rather than any sort of evolution. In this chapter he also makes bizarre and philosophically unsound statements such as "There would be no right or wrong, and no hope beyond your brief years here on earth" without God. There are all sorts of demonstrated ethical and philosophical frameworks that give great thought to right and wrong without taking God into account. One such framework is the United States Constitution and the laws it has generated. Rick Warren and I and our friends, families and countrymen have derived great benefit from this secular framework of right and wrong. As far as there being no hope beyond our brief years here on earth without God, our children and grandchildren provide hope and reason for acting ethically and morally with regard to future generations. God can be a wonderful force in our lives, but atheists, agnostics and other non-believers can love their children and the world around them, and can know right from wrong, as well as anyone else.

Some of the author's points are worthwhile . Examples are his Day 3 teachings regarding simplicity and anti-materialism, his Day 7 admonitions to be Christ-like, and his Day 8 material about hypocritical worship. But given his shameless attempts to sell his various "purpose driven" companion items, I question his ability to practice what he preaches.

If you are looking for purpose and meaning in life through Christianity, there are some wonderful books out there. My personal favorite is the Journal of George Fox. The books of Bishop John Shelby Spong are also extremely enlightening texts that provide readers with the opportunity to both learn Biblical history and to deepen your spiritual faith. I recommend avoiding authors like Rick Warren, who promise easy answers to questions that prophets and saints have wrestled with for generations.

 

For the dogma driven Christian only, November 26, 2004    Reviewer:

Reader 

I saw this book on the bestseller list and picked up a copy to read, the title seemed like applicable to any one, who does not want a purpose driven life anyway? After a few pages and watching a coincidental interview w/author on Larry King, I promptly returned it to the bookstore. I don't have any comments on devout Christians who find it useful but I am appalled at the self-righteousness and exclusivity that seems to pass off as 'Christian belief' - by the author among other people. Literal interpretation of scripture/religion is easy, compelling to do and elicits lots of people as followers as everyone wants the easy way out. But we are given thinking brains for a reason, that we balance faith with humility/acceptance and tolerance of all forms of living - be it Christian or pagan or any other form of faith. If you believe your purpose in life is through Christ's words then someone else has a right to say his/her life is meaningful, say, through Buddha, or even Martin Luther King, or Gandhi, or anyone. There is no evidence, spiritual or otherwise, that one is better than the other and we are all better off acknowledging that.

 


 The reasons for this book, November 8, 2004

Reviewer:

Alex Johnson (Durham, NC) - 

This book and its success will tell you much about what's wrong with America and many Churches today. But it
will not help bring you closer to God. America is full of churches that have no purpose and are spiritually dead. But these same churches are experiencing huge growth and large numbers of new members. They are held out as models and praised.
Why is this? Because many so-called evangelicals have become more interested in getting people into the doors of Churches
than getting Christ into the hearts of people. And the leaders of the Church are as often as not playing politician or
businessmen while the people of the Church are neglected. That neglect leads to a need for a "simpler" and more
attractive Christianity to appeal to the ignorant and worldly.  So in comes Rick Warren with his new commandments. The new Christianity is much more attractive because it turns the Church into a sort of community "club" and entertainment
center. In the new purpose-driven Christianity, "sin" (an unpopular topic) is replaced by "loyalty" to worldly institutions.
Rather than confess sins and bow before God, the new Christians believe that they are above sin in many cases. Or (worse)
they see Grace as a license to sin without consequence. Sin is a problem for the people they hate outside their Church, not for them. Rick Warren gives these new Christians five new commandments (or purposes) all of which they can fulfill while leading an utterly sinful and amoral life. Its a Christianity of works over faith and of pride rather than confession of Sin. It’s a Christianity where bodies stacked in Churches means more than bringing people to God.  The true "purpose" in all of this is to turn our Churches away from God so that they are like stadiums, entertainment complexes, political halls, clubs and places where businessmen (like Warren) can sell products.

 

 

Self-aggrandized purposelessness is indeed 'driven', November 1, 2004

Reviewer:

A reader (Milpitas, CA USA) - 

Deceitful, October 26, 2004

Reviewer:

Michelle Parker (LaGrange, GA USA) - 
  

This book is very deceiving. I would give it a negative number if that were possible. It mixes in scripture and tries to give an explanation of that scripture in a twisted way. Warren may want to do a "good" job, but he's going about things in the wrong way. Every church seems to be jumping on this bandwagon and people need to start waking up and realize what's going on. It's NOT Christianity.

Self-aggrandized purposelessness is indeed subserviently 'driven'. Unfortunate for the author, he has managed to do more harm than just to himself and advocate simplicity and indulgence for vested interests. Be sorry and read this book, or spend the precious time and find some purposes elsewhere. The book talks with basic simplicity-prone prose and ignores the sociological implications of idealism. In the book, one doesn't find the awe of god but instead, the awe of mobs. A Gould's quote would give a good summary of such problem: "only two possible escapes can save us from the organized mayhem of our dark potentialities - the side that has given us crusades, witch hunts, enslavements, and holocausts. moral decency provides one necessary ingredient, but not nearly enough. the second foundation must come from the rational side of our mentality. for, unless we rigorously use human reason both to discover and acknowledge nature's factuality, and to follow the logical implications for efficacious human action that such knowledge entails, we will lose out to the frightening forces of irrationality, romanticism, uncompromising 'true' belief, and the apparent resulting inevitability of mob action. reason is not only a large part of our essence; reason is also our potential salvation from the vicious and precipitous mass action that rule by emotionalism always seems to entail. skepticism is the agent of reason against organized irrationalism - and is therefore one of the keys to human social and civic decency".

Scared people indeed write horrible books.

 

 

What about birth defects and AIDS babies? , October 20, 2004

Reviewer:

R. Ellison "rickshark" (Texas) - 
  

Warren claims that there are no accidents, and that God plans every detail of every child. He does not even try to explain unpleasant things like severe birth defects or mental retardation. He also claims that God plans and designs everything in the world - again, he does not discuss how the bacteria that causes flesh rotting disease or the plague fits into God's plan. Or nasty animals like mosquitoes, or poisonous reptiles. This book is for people who don't know or care about science and medicine. He is the Christian fundamentalist version of Depak Chopra or Wayne Dyer. Where is Voltaire when we need him?

 

Purpose Driven Wallet, October 19, 2004

Reviewer:

N. J. Spencer
  

One must ask when reading this book. What does the Bible say? Look up his 16+ Translations used. That isn't a huge issue by itself. The fact that some are Catholic, etc... Mormons, Oneness Pentecostals and Jehovah's Witnesses also have used it too. I calculated about 60% of the time Warren uses the Message Paraphrase hardly an accurate translation. Does this affect Warren's book?

On Pg. 19 Warren quotes The Message
Matthew 16 (MSG)
25 Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.

Compare to the NIV...
Matthew 16 (NIV)
25For whoever wants to save his life[1] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.

And then says, "This is not a self-help book." See the difference and how it affects the book? Warren is also hostile to anyone disagreeing and disrupting unity. It’s the Unity above Principal. Christians are ALWAYS to speak against error. That does NOT preclude Dr. Warren.

I am no KJ Onlyist. But Warren plays fast and loose with the scriptures. He is openly hostile to traditional worship. CCM is fairly shallow as is Warren's book. I can't help but wonder where Sin is? One must understand their own sinfulness in order to understand WHY they need Christ. It’s not to make your life in this life better. The scriptures do not teach this Warren does.

Warren takes scripture after scripture out of context and seems to select translation on how well it follows his theory.

Warren's book is shallow at best and deceptive at worst. Read it but with a Bible handy. Hopefully something a bit more literal than the Message.

Warren is making money on this. You see Purpose Driven everything that should give one pause. As for loving Jesus you will love this book. I love Jesus, but I do not like this book. I only love one book in that level and that is the Holy Bible. I care not what translation you use. Be cautious in accepting whatever comes down the pike.

Those who are solid in the faith. Will find this book basic and glossing over various things. However, the unbeliever is not going to get a clear picture of Christianity. They are going to see it presented in a "What's in it for me." Mentality. I just don't see where this is edifying for anyone. It is theologically weak and wrong in several places.

The book starts out with its not about you. Then goes about telling you it’s all about you.

 

Unscriptural "Purpose", October 15, 2004

Reviewer:

Marika P "history buff" 

This book is not scripturally sound, as is especially evidenced by the fact that Rick Warren relies mainly on a paraphrased version of scripture to make his points, which is very different from what a literal translation states. In addition, most of his advice is based on human ideas instead of biblical wisdom and human ideas are generally wrong while God is always right.

It's a shame that so many Christians are gravitating toward this book looking for some magical “40-day" formula instead of seeking the truths found only in the scriptures. I cannot recommend this book under any circumstances.

End-Time Deception, July 25, 2004

Reviewer: Todd Thompson (Palestine, Texas)

 

When Jesus said most people on earth will be lost, He did not temper that by saying...except all churchgoers, or....except everyone who reads popular writers. Mt.7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and MANY there be which go in thereat:

You must realize that the world's system has church.

14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it.

15 Beware of false prophets, (where are false prophets but in the church) which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

When one reviewer said this could only happen in America, he was probably correct. America is covered by a glass bubble of false security and unreality brought on by materialism. As long as you think this is just a big happy Christian society, you will swallow whatever is offered to you. You devour the latest bestseller but can't seem to figure out Proverbs.
The adversary is vastly smarter than you and you have absolutely no chance against him unless you understand the BIBLE.

Not only is this book about consuming individuals for the benefit of Church Big Business, it is part of the end-time plan to offer up millions of softened and conformed persons to further submit theirs minds and wills to the next world order. The author talks down to the readers saying that their identity is found in church attendance, and says that the church is their "source." And sets a clear division between church leaders and you, making you an ever-so-necessary cog in their wheel.

The Word says that most people will be lost. What sets YOU apart? What makes you different from the church crowd? The carnal world has church. How do you know you are not part of the majority that will be lost?
Ex 23:2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil;
Lu 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

If you are a student of history, you will recognize, in this book, the methods of socialism. The methods of socialism are to convince you to give up your individual power, your individual confidence, and your individual initiative. So much for helping you find your purpose...that's just the lure...that's why it's called DECEPTION. This end-time plan cannot trust or permit your individual power, ministry or anointing. Your individual power, initiative and anointing is the enemy of this dark philosophy.

The devil's plans are massive; they are based upon militarily sound principles and executed over centuries with patient expertise. If you refuse to think critically and/or engage your discernment you will be deceived and lost, end of story.

Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

If you refuse to separate yourself from the crowd by discernment and holiness, you have absolutely no chance. Get back in the Word, fight for wisdom and understanding and discernment.

Now, let us take a few minutes to look at some quotes from the Purpose Driven Life and The Purpose Driven Church and compare them to what I believe the Bible actually says.  PDL-Purpose Driven Life,  PDC-Purpose Driven Church. RW-Robert Wise

PDL, pg. 325 “….We often miss the full impact of familiar Bible verses, not because of translating, but simply because they have become so familiar!  We think we know what a verse says because we have read it or heard it so many time.  Then when we find it quoted in a book, we skim over it and miss the full meaning.  Therefore I have deliberately used paraphrases in order to help you see God’s truth in new, fresh ways…”

Revelations 22:18, 19 says…   “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”   

RW … I contend that the Lord has supplied us with all the understanding we need for the different Scriptures.  The problem with writing paraphrases is that it allows misleading meanings to come into the definitions without any scrutiny from the reader.  I know most persons will say….:I cannot believe you think I would read something and just take it at face value”.  Well, unfortunately that is exactly what most of us do all the time.  The majority of persons are just too lazy to take the time to compare and study what they are reading. Authors know this and take advantage of it.  Satan uses these types of deceptions all the time.  Don’t act so alarmed. It’s true; we just have a hard time accepting it sometimes.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

PDL, pg. 231 “The last thing many believers need today is to go to another Bible study. They already know far more than they are putting into practice”.

RW … Evidently Mr. Warren believes that once you have learned a certain amount from the Bible, it’s all over.  As he says here…a Bible study is the last thing many believers need.  I for one know that every time I pick up my Bible and read something, I seem to gain more insight than the last time.  I believe this is one of the ways the Holy Spirit works in our lives.  Therefore I urge any and all Christians to attend a Bible study if they are not now doing so.

PDL, pg. 307 “I strongly urge you to gather a small group of friends and form a Purpose Driven Life Reading Group to review these chapters on a weekly basis … After you have gone through this book together as a group, you might consider studying other purpose driven life studies that are available for classes and groups.”

 

RW  … WOW, what 76 pages won’t change?  Only 76 pages ago, Mr. Warren seemed to be all against Bible study.  I guess the difference he is contending, is that his book is not the Bible therefore it is ok to have this type of weekly study group.  How sad this makes me feel. I can only imagine what the Lord must think about such statements. To think that the Bible is not appropriate for believers but this book is! This borders on Blasphemy!    I believe Mr. Warren’s statements speak for themselves in that it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that this statement is nothing short of self-promotion and salesmanship.  As a former Sales Manager for a major medical laboratory, I recognized right away what was going on.  Subtle for sure, smooth as can be, sly as a fox…. but it is nothing else but advertising and promotion.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

PDC, pg. 297 “Read Scripture from a newer translation.  With all the wonderful translations and paraphrases available today, there is no legitimate reason for complicating the Good News with four hundred-year old English.  Using the Kings James Version creates an unnecessary cultural barrier.  Remember, when Kings James authorized the new translation, it was because he wanted a contemporary version. I once saw an advertisement that claimed, if Kings James were alive today, he’d be reading the New International Version!  That’s probably true.  Clarity is more important than poetry”

RW … The King James Version of the Bible is a word for word translation of the original wording.  The problem with the different translations is that they have been paraphrased. It is the same as when someone tells us something and instead of repeating it verbatim, we say it in our own way and by doing so, we sometimes distort or misinterpret the meaning of the original.  Using multiple versions also causes confusion and God is not the author of confusion.  I honestly believe that the reason most persons write by paraphrasing is so that they can intentionally change meanings to fit their own beliefs even if those beliefs are contrary to actual Scripture.  I do not believe any of this is an accident. Persons as intelligent as Mr. Warren know exactly what they are doing.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

PDC, pgs. 255, 271 “Crowds always flock to hear good news.  There is enough bad news in the world that the last thing people need is to hear more bad news when they come to church. They are looking for anyone who can give them hope and help and encouragement…A good salesman knows you always start with the customer’s needs, not the product.

RW … I was not aware that sales techniques were a part of sharing the Gospel message with the lost or the saved.  Can it possibly be, that the problem with most churches today is that they are so busy trying to figure out what the church members needs are, that they forget the Gospel message is what they need.  So many churches are concerned with get togethers, fun activities and the like that they overlook many badly needed areas of the church that need their attention.  So many preachers are so afraid to speak the truth or to use language in their messages like: repent, death, apathy, hell and damnation for the unsaved, etc.  They are afraid if they insult a member they may be ask to leave.  Good news, I thought the Gospel was the GOOD NEWS!  Once again, this shows the difference in what the Bible tells us and what man can do with free hand paraphrasing.  And, bottom line is this, we have to know the bad news to know the good news.  If we are taught there is no bad news for those who reject Jesus and their Savior, then we are teaching only one-half of the Gospel message.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

PDC, pg. 244 “Making a service comfortable for the un-churched doesn’t mean changing your theology, it means changing the environment of the service”.

RW … Making things comfortable for the un-churched?  I wonder how a un-believer comes to be convicted by the Holy Spirit to change when he is so comfortable in his surroundings.  The un-believer needs to be un-comfortable in his sins and his life in order to repent, believe in the Gospel, and become saved.  The un-churched MUST be told the Gospel which lets all of us know that we must repent and be baptized.  John the Baptist, preached a message that was not so comfortable but it certainly worked.  Jesus preached about repentance.  Jesus talked about Hell.  Jesus talked about damnation of the unsaved.  Where is all the comfortableness in this?  Being comfortable is not the answer.  The Word of God is the answer and the Word of God can be found in the Bible, not The Purpose Driven Church or the Purpose Driven Life.

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 Conclusion:  While there certainly are some good points in the books by Rick Warren, there are too many discrepancies and too much distortion of the Scriptures to make it them good books.  Don’t be deceived if or when your church asked you to begin a study group on these books.  Tell your Preaches and Pastors, that there are enough good Bible Study materials available along with the Bible to more than teach you what your purpose is.  By the way. ….. Your purpose in life? …… To accept Christ and Him crucified, be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost and to spread the Gospel to all nations while you await His return and your rightful place as a saved soul in the Kingdom of Heaven for eternity or live as you wish, try to make your heaven here on earth, ignore the Gospel and Christ only to spend your eternity in the Lake of Fire as told in Revelations.  The choice certainly is yours to make.  Just make sure you make the right one for once the Judgment comes, there is no changing of the mind.

Blessings,
Rev. Wise