The Purpose Driven Life

[Layback]

Hey guys -

I am on day 5 of a book that you are supposed to read over 40 days. It's written by Rick Warren, and it's called "The Purpose Driven Life". I have to warn you that if you cannot incorporate faith and the bible into a self-help book, then it's not for you.

I find it to be very inspiring. It has alot of truth and it's changing the way I look at life.

Check it out: Purpose Driven Life (http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/index.asp)

[kitalyn414]

sounds interesting. is it heavily christian based, or do you find that it can apply to other faiths as long as you have an opened mind?

i tend to be a little turned off by things that get a little too jesus-preachy, but believe strongly that the messages in the bible are valuable when loosely interpreted. let me know.

[Skyblade]

I'm currently reading the same book, I'm on day 7 :)

[Layback]

It's not overly "Jesus-preachy", though it is certainly written from a Christian perspective. It draws quite a bit from the Bible. I think it could be applied to other faiths as long as your outlook on other faiths is like mine. I tend to look at all religions as a different view of the same thing and it's my opinion that God sees it that way too. Otherwise, he would have given the world only one religion.

[Layback]

What's your opinion of it Skyblade?

[kitalyn414]

thanks layback... i think i'll check it out. as for the 5 points listed on the website, i do believe that we were all created to be christ-like, in that we should serve others, be unselfish, etc. but i don't know about telling others about christ. i guess you can interpret it as telling others about a way of being.... hmmm now that i am writing, maybe i am more christian than i thought. i was raised by athiests so.... interesting.

[Skyblade]

So far, I feel that it has definitely helped me focus on whats important. I am a Christian and a few people had recommended it to me and I go to a weekly bible study and a lot of time people mention the book, so I thought I would pick it up.
Although, I think the introduction promises a little to much, that basically your whole life will be figured out if you read it, or whatever, but I do think it is helpful.
It does quote a lot from the Bible, which I personally appreciate a lot, and uses several translations, which is also cool. I enjoy hearing the quotes from the Message translation because it is so different from the standard NIV or NRSV translations.

[Crimson King II]

Can some of you give a few more specifics on what this book is about. I've seen it a lot and have looked into it a bit, but can't gather what it's trying to do. I can't tell if it's something I'd be interested in, and all of the reviews are very general..."It's helped me....It really helps with priorities...it's not strictly theologistic...."

Okay...but tell me something concrete. That would be great.

Thanks.

[dietzy]

I agree that this is a fantastic book! Unfortunately I have been inconsistent about reading the daily sections every day and reflecting on them so I know I am not getting as much out of it as I should. Did you know that there are like 3000 churches all over the country that kicked off the reading and study of this book at the same time about 3 weeks ago. I think that is pretty powerful. I think I am on day 13 or so...little far behind. Catching up this weekend.

I love the theme and message of the book...I guess because I truly believe that we are made for more than just sitting in a cubicle all day...just working in a dead end job...just getting by...just eeking through life making no lasting impact.

I like how one person put it once...what will be your dash? You know...the dash between the year you were born and the year that you died.

Here is the description off of Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/books/0310205719/reviews/103-1835416-5653458#03102057193200

Here is the description from Family Christian Bookstore

What "level of living" are you reaching for? Survival, success or significance? Rick Warren believes God created you for a life of tremendous significance. One with a mission that fills you with energy, confidence, and satisfaction. A life with direction and impact for God’s kingdom. A purpose-driven life. In The Purpose-Driven Life, the author of the phenomenally popular Purpose Driven Church uncovers seven essentials for understanding and fulfilling your God-given life mission.