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The Purpose-Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? [LARGE PRINT] (平装)
by Rick Warren
| Category:
Spirituality, Religion, Enlightenment |
| Market price: ¥ 228.00
MSL price:
¥ 208.00
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MSL rating:
 Good for Gifts |
| MSL Pointer Review:
"The meaning of life through God." (NYT) This is a book of hope and challenge that you will read and re-read, and it will be a classic treasured by generations to come! |
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AllReviews |
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An American reader (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-11 00:00>
This book has reminded me about things that I have long ago forgotten. I now realize that while attending church, I wasn't participating much, being a passive observer rather then anything else. After reading this, I now look at church in a whole new way. This is a good an analysis of scripture and religion on a personal level. The book is extremely helpful to those who are experiencing difficulties in life or who are questioning if God even really cares about them. I do believe this is certainly an enlightening tool for many searching for a better relationship with God in all respects, daily interactions and spirituality. The Purpose-Driven Life will give anyone who reads this, a clear picture of why we're here on earth. |
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Grace (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-11 00:00>
Judging from the several criticizing reviews I've read on this page so far for this book, it seems that many people are eager to pounce on something of substance that is geared to help others grow in their development as people. Some things never change, I suppose.
This book is for the person who WANTS to better themselves - the person who SEES the room for improvement in their lives and is going to take the step THEMSELVES. That's what life is all about, and I believe that is the message Rick Warren is trying to get across here. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but the way I see it, if this guy can get just one person to be drawn into his book and recognize the personal need to help themselves make their lives better, then I say he's done his job, and he's done it well. And judging from the position this book has had on bestseller lists all over the country, I think I rest my case.
The world is in need of conversion, plain and simple. It's in dire, dire need. Books like this can't work the miracles single-handedly, but they can be a bit of a stepping stone - a push in the right direction. And sometimes, when we are at a loss for words, we need the wisdom and ability of others to help open those ideas up to us.
There's a way to get something worthwhile out of this book if you decide that's what you want. Read the ideas that have been expressed on the pages. Ponder what they might mean to you. We can't ask other people to do it for us, but we can benefit from their example. I support Warren 1000% and hope with all my heart that the public continues responding to this book he has crafted with a more than apparent faith in God. |
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Trevor Raichura (MSL quote), Japan
<2007-01-11 00:00>
By now if you have not heard of this book, you likely have not been reading any Christian literature recently. Rick Warren has done a masterful job of writing a book that can be enjoyed by many Christians in different settings and at different stages of their lives. The book is divided into 40 bite-sized chapters, each of which makes a point about what we are doing here on earth, and how we can live meaningful, productive, edifying lives unto God.
Rick Warren has excellent organizational skills and it shows in his writing. His points are concise and orderly, and backed up well with Scripture. He also uses enough anecdotes and modern-day application to engage the reader to apply the teaching to his/her own individual situation. Our five major purposes, according to Warren, are: (1) We were created for God's pleasure; (2) We were formed for God's family; (3) We were created to become like Christ; (4) We were shaped for serving God; and (5) We were made for a mission. Each purpose takes us deeper into the heart of God, and prepares us for the challenge that lies ahead. Each chapter wonderfully blends into the next, and has a short re-cap at its end, making it easy to review what one has just read.
Those things having been said, I do have a few objections to the book. First, I was not fond of his use of different Bible translations when quoting scripture. I read his reason for doing it (it brings old verses back to our attention because they're phrased differently) but I still didn't like it. Second, he footnoted all the scriptural references, which means having to flip to the back of the book every time an interesting verse comes along (which is frequent). At first I thought this was to save space, but then I started to notice that almost every quotation begins with "The Bible says...." Couldn't that space have been used to include the reference right next to the verse? Third, his opening sentences are often trite, cute-sy sentences meant to make us feel good, and seldom reflecting the way things truly are. Fourth, I see this more as a book written for the average church-attender, who worships God on Sundays only. Since that (in my humble opinion) has not been the case with myself, his points didn't always hit home with me. If you are involved in ministry already, you might find this book to be a little on the "light" side.
Overall, though, this is a well-written, challenging book for most Christians. I recommend it be used in a small group situation, where you can share experiences and questions with one another. It allows for ample discussion! |
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Moore (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-11 00:00>
In some point in time we all ask the age old question. What am I here for? Rick Warren helps us with that question by exposing God's blueprint for our life in this inspiring book. The Purpose-Driven Life.
None of us have ALL the questions and answers for God's purpose, but it all starts with GOD who has planned our missions and assignments. If we seek him first we will find our purpose. That is clear in Matthew 6:33
Many seek faults in a man's testimony and efforts, because they don't understand the original intent or the assignment for that man. Rick Warren's assignmemt was to expose his purpose/work using God's affirmative word and promises through the Bible.
Success will only follow us when we learn how to surrender, discern, worship and pray in the now where we are planned. If we never position ourselves for the blessings of God, they will never materialize.
Therefore I recommend The Purpose-driven Life to anyone who is struggling with purpose, position and doubt. I was once there in 1998 when I was incarcerated and broken like a wild donkey through God's correction. Along with the Bible and Rick's book and others, I was able to see clearly God's purpose for my life. But first I had to surrender, discern and forgive myself and others before manisfestation would ever take flight.
Thank GOD for men like Rick Warren. |
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Fike (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-11 00:00>
I'm not sure why all the poor reviews for this book. I have a feeling the secular types with their typical rotten attitudes are trying to weigh in on this wildly popular book. Perhaps they feel threated by it somehow. I don't. I personally needed this book and I think society as a whole has a very desperate and real need for this book (as well as the bible). It just doesn't know it yet. This book has re-taught me things I have since long ago forgotten. Over the years, my church attendance has been, let me say, "spotty" at best, but this has given me a new reason to try to improve on that. I now realize that while attending church, I was the typical "taker" and never a "giver". After reading this, I now look at church in a whole new way. It seems half the appeal of going to church in the first place is to gain personal fullfillment and meaning in your own life by helping other people “through” church. I always thought church was strictly for worship. Nothing more, nothing less. Being a recently recommitted believer, I can't wait to put this new found knowledge to practice. |
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Scott Riley (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-11 00:00>
The book starts with the line, "It's not about you." I think I was hooked right then and there. I have found myself wondering lately "what's the point?" and what my purpose in life is. This book really helped guide me through the process of trying to figure that out.
I'm a member of Saddleback Church, and love to listen to Rick Warren speak. He makes church interesting, and connects with people. His written style presents very much like his sermons. Rick understands people very well, and uses this ability well in this book to show how scripture can apply to YOU.
I don't think Rick's intented audience is the Christian who has spent years reading the bible and other christian literature. His target audience is non-believers, seekers, and believers that may feel a little lost in their life. Negative reviews you read almost invariably complain about the biblical translations he uses, or the number of translations, or other details of his presentation of theology. And I think they are missing the point, which is to speak to the heart of the reader, and encourage them down a path of discovering the truth on their own.
Also, just to provide some clarification on some of the criticisms you see here and in other places:
1. Rick Warren "reverse tithes" and gives away 90% of everything he earns. He takes no income from Saddleback, and has in fact paid back the church all the income ever paid to him since its inception.
2. He urges the reader to join a church, and/or join a small group, to study the bible. He's not asking the reader to consider him the sole source of information, or to join his church. He's sincere in urging the reader to study and find the truth themselves.
3. He in no way represents this book as any kind of replacement for the literal word of the bible. Probably the most common phrase used in the book, and in his public sermons, is "The bible says..." or "The bible tells us..." And he always makes it clear where in the bible he is reading that from, so you can go take a look for yourself. |
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Monty Rainey (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-11 00:00>
There's probably not much I can say about this book that hasn't already been said before, by others far more eloquent than me, but good or bad, everyone that reads this book will certainly have cause for reflection. A PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE, by Rick Warren, I believe has now sold something like 25 million copies. Obviously, this book has touched a lot of lives and will continue to do so for years to come, and I believe any book that might bring unbelievers to the Christian life is certainly a worthy endeavor.
I'm not going to spend much time on layout here, as most readers have already found countless reviews telling of the books structure; the questions posed, the forty-day program, etc. I will say, I believe this book is best served in a group setting, where discussion is allowed to more closely examine the semantics posed. The book is well written, but is, at times, difficult to follow.
While I agree for the most part with the overall message of the book, most individuals, and even study groups, are not going to have the benefit of a language scholar knowledgeable in the canonicity background of the bible, or versed in doctrinal isogogics, categorics and exegesis of God's word. This can create some severe problems and leads me to point out that the book is not without flaw. For example, in chapter 3, Warren emphatically states that baptism is not an option for Christians: it is a must. There is no clear delineation of exactly what "baptism" Warren refers and I fear many Christians will readily assume water baptism is a must for all Christians. I can hear the consternation now, "Poor old Uncle Harry was never baptized and we'll never see him in heaven." Now, before everyone gets their feathers ruffled about baptism, let me explain, the ONLY place in the bible where we are told baptism is a requirement for salvation is in Mark 16:16. The problem is, none of the most ancient manuscripts, Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus, Codex B, etc., contain the last 11 verses of the 16th chapter of Mark, indicating the source for the King James, Textus Receptus, has been tampered with. These 11 verses also tell us to worship with serpents and other goofy ideas that have sent many a Christian into some dimension of the twilight zone.
Another thing I simply must point out is Warren's insistence that to walk with God, one simply must be a part of a congregation. While I fully support fellowship in organized Church, let me remind you of the words of Christ in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there with them." I don't want people getting a notice that since they are not members of a church, they are not true Christians!
My purpose here, however, is not to argue the validity of the last 11 verses of Mark 16, or to debate church membership. My purpose is to illustrate that this book, fine as it may be, is not without severe flaws. Let it serve you well to point you in the right direction, but don't believe this is the be all end all of the plan of God. |
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Bernhoffer (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-11 00:00>
At first I was turned off to this book because I heard that it was George Bush's favorite book. Then when I was in a Christian internet dating service, a bunch of women seemed to say that this was their favorite book. The title made it seem like it was some sort of book about motivating Christians to become little millionares-just like at Toledo St. Francis they would twist the meaning of the Parable of the Talents to mean that we should go out to college and be a big success in life as our service to God. but a Talent was an ancient unit of weight. But this is a good book on the subject of Christian Discipleship.
HOWEVER, when I did get the book on CD, I liked it very much. It shows me that I am LIVING THE LIFE because so many so-called Christians like to ridicule me for my lack of material successs. I really don't get much encouragement from people about my being a good Christian although Dallas Seminary once did try to recruit me over the telephone but I thought they were too high pressure. My only failing seems to be my lack of social acceptance at church, so I had to ignore those three chapers. But I do some sort of activism in letter writing for causes that I believe in; but a priest I used to talk to on the phone on weekends in grad school for counseling had suggested letter writing activism because he belonged to Ammnesty International. I do serve God in my bible study and my trying to get published as an author. I did that for 15 years and gave up. I also serve God in resisting the pagan influences and pressures of evil influential people in our community. It is just nice to know that although now I just study the Bible that I am encouraged that I am doing a good job as a believer in Christ!
I also liked that Rick Warren defined the difference between sexual arrousal and sexual lust. That was something I was not aware of: and I sure do get excited about pretty girls! |
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John Morgan (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-11 00:00>
Wow, it seems as though there are quite a few people who don't seem to remember the words of Jesus, "Do not say look here nor there, but the Kingdom of Heaven is within you..." and, "It is done unto you as you believe..."
If you believe that God's Good is away from you and in some "future state" known as eternity, I think you're missing the whole point of being a Christian. To me, a Christian is one who strives to bring forth the Living Christ in all that they think and do and say.
Jesus also said, "Do not be tricked by appearances..." When I am looking at things just as they are then I am allowing myself to be guided by my senses only and the senses are the least reliable guide to knowing what is really going on, but when I let my intuition guide me and intuition means "inner teacher" then I can see that God is within everything and every one.
Jesus healed all manner of disease and trouble not because he focused on disease and trouble but because he focused on Truth, on beauty, on God, on Love and didn't Jesus say that "God is Love"....
Meister Eckhart, a 13nth century theologian once said, "Jesus became God for us, we wrong him when we do not become Gods for him..." Because even Jesus said, "Have I not said ye are all gods?" He was quoting a scripture found in Psalms.
Our purpose here is to let the Divine shine through us...but how can we when we focus on fear, hell, sin, punishment, judgement, etc. People say, oh, well God says that we shouldn't idolize...any time we pay attention to our sickness more than health or our lack rather than our prosperity or our sin rather than our brilliance we are idolizing a false god.
My God doesn't change. My God cannot change. My God is Love. My God is Peace. My God is abundant. My God works through me and through everything I think and do and say.
I feel that this book pushes buttons because people don't have an expansive view of their faith. They keep it in a box. They keep it small. They live in fear thinking someone is going to steal it. Truth cannot be stolen. Truth cannot be taken away. Truth cannot die...and Jesus proved this...because the Truth is not a form...Truth is an absolute and that Truth lives in us, moves in us, and has its being in us, as us just as we live, move, and have our being in Truth...
God is Love and Love is God and all of God's Love is right where we are. My purpose is to live a life of Love. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. I am One with Love now. I live in Christ and Christ lives in me and I am come so that I might have life, and have it abundantly.Being an example. an expression, an extension of Christ's non-changing Love is my purpose...it is what drives my soul to greater and greater realizations that I am here to be exactly as God created me to be; a Whole and Holy Being living in a Whole and Holy Universe.
Is Love driving your life or fear? What is the purpose of your soul? |
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Sandra Peters (MSL quote) , USA
<2007-01-11 00:00>
I am not discrediting the book in any way. First of all, if it helps you to find your purpose in life, then so be it, and I am not disputing that it probably has, in fact, helped many readers, particularly if one is a Christian. However, what Divine Power one believes in is an individual affair. As a Buddhist, there was nothing new in this book for me. I think we should respect all religions and beliefs even if they differ from our own, Christian or not. That is not to say we have to agree with others' beliefs, but we should respect their freedom of choice.
The book provides words to contemplate, but I do not believe it will specifically tell the reader what their individual purpose is in life or why they are here. If one is a Christian, nothing in this book is going to stand out as a new concept. If one is an agnostic or atheist, what is written here likely will not provide any real answers relative to their personal beliefs, or lack of them.
The answer to life's purpose is unique to each person, and there are as many answers to that question as there are stars in the universe. If you live a life of compassion, love for humanity, peace, respect and understanding, then the answer to "why we are here" need not be found in a book; you have already found the answer to life's purpose within yourself. My own personal opinion is that the book is highly over-rated and few people would have heard of the book if it had not been for the dramatized publicity which brought it to light.
(A negative review. MSL remarks.)
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