The Purpose Driven Life - book Review


Well known men have endorsed the Purpose Driven Life book; Bruce Wilkinson, Lee Strobel, Max Lucado, Billy and Franklin Graham and many others. Churches love its message and are willing to pour everything they have into doing it.

Like Tommy Tenney who coined the phrase “God chasers” Warren has coined his phrase “Purpose-Driven” and is using to its utmost. There is Purpose-Driven attached to just about everything. Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry; Purpose-Driven children’s Ministry; Purpose-Driven worship conference; Meditations on the Purposing Driven Life; Daily Inspiration for the Purpose Driven Life, etc. (Tenney also likes his book and lists Warren as a “top influencer.”)

While beginning to read this book and hearing both the pros and cons to it before reading it, I was intrigued how it would start off and how it would finish, not just what was squeezed in between the covers. I read it without a bias hoping for the best; and it’s not all bad, but on the other hand it’s not all good. There are some problems that we cannot afford to ignore. I describe it like a scale with all the good things said on one side and instead of putting one or two large weights representing the things wrong on the other side, its numerous small marbles put on one by one until the scale tips. You can ignore some of the marbles but not all of them; you have to deal with the sheer weight of things that are wrong in his model of Church and the book

Warren begins the book by saying this is 40 day spiritual journey. An interesting number to pick to represent the time to read his book; one is to read a chapter a day for the next 40 days. I have heard that some have gone through it twice or more. I have also heard of church’s discontinuing Bible study to go through this book.

He has one sign a covenant with a partner and with HIM in the beginning to commit the next 40 days of their life to discovering God’s purpose in their life, asking the signers not to miss a single day of reading it. “By the end of the journey you will know God’s purpose for your life and will understand the big picture-how all the pieces of your life fit together” (p.9)

I already had a problem with someone squeezing this life change into the time limit of the book, especially if someone is new Christian or a not a believer yet. By doing this we impose time limits on how God wants to work with us as individuals. Not everyone has the same learning curve, nor is God on the same time schedule with us all. Can we expect him to reveal what he will do with our lives before he has shaped us in our life? I wish it were true that we can find our purpose within 40 days, but it simply is not true. God has been changing lives by HIS WORD for thousands of years on his timetable. So the promise of his book to change your life in 40 days is flawed.

God’s true purpose can take time and expecting it to be revealed in 40 days is certainly putting God on mans schedule. It took Moses 40 years out in the desert to find his purpose. It took Paul 3 years being personally taught by the Lord in the desert before he was fit for ministry. How can we think that we can do in 40 days what is needed, without going through our trials and tests that forge us for our purpose we are to have in God. What about the principle of new believers being grounded in the faith, knowing the core doctrines first before they find their purpose? God first prepares us for the ministry and the ministry for us. David served as shepherd to the sheep before he was prepared to be king of Israel, and even that took many years to transpire.

One can learn God’s general will for all the believers by reading the New Testament through, which would take less than 40 days. But to tell people they will know their purpose in life in 40 days by reading this book is hardly reasonable.

Can we do the work of God correctly without understanding the word of God first? Does God prepare people for their purpose and ministry using the same method? Everyone God used always had a time of preparation, sometimes as long as the purpose God used them for.

Warren states on p.11 “Real spiritual growth is never an isolated, individualistic pursuit. Maturity is produced through relationships and community.” Noah, Joseph, John the Baptist, Paul and many others were all individualistic in their training so to say never is not an accurate statement. This is the beginning of his premise of community in the church as necessary for finding purpose in ones life. (by the way this will be his new sequel community)

“God blesses churches that are unified. At Saddleback every Church member signs a covenant that includes a promise to protect the unity of our fellowship. As a result, the church has never had conflict that split the fellowship. Just as important, because it is a loving, unified fellowship, a lot of people want to be a part of it!” (p.167)

I hear people sign covenants in how and what they are going to do service in the church and how much they commit to tithe. This is how this book is being interpreted and used by some. Covenant participation was employed by the Congregationalist church in early America as a reaction to the Catholic priesthood. In this covenantal agreement every believer was to do their share and participate in church activities. This can be a good thing if not brought to the extreme. As the Scripture teaches we are all part of the priesthood and gifted to serve.

Who can argue with seeing more participation? However “Saddleback practices church discipline -- removing hundreds of members for non-participation or for unrepented sin.” [Christianity] CT article: Rick Warren may be America's most influential pastor Item 1237, Posted: Thu., Nov. 21 2002 Weblogged by ReligionNewsBlog.com http://www.religionnewsblog.com)

Warren says in his book on p.132 “The only Christians not members of a local fellowship were those under Church discipline…removed from the fellowship because of gross public sin.” So why is he also removing hundreds of members of his church for not covenanting in participation. Is this a good thing, what would be the standard like this for someone being active or not. This seems to imply a forced participation. This certainly bring this to practice to the extreme. People often need time to see where they fit in and it is God’s Spirit that will prompt them to participate not mans programs.

Saddleback members are required to sign a membership covenant and join a small group in which they study good Christian habits necessary for growth such as having a daily quiet time.

The Scripture Mt. 5:33-37 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’” But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne;”nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.”Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black.

“But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”

The problem I see is when someone has a disagreement of what is taking place or is led by the Lord to go somewhere else or do something else, they have to break the covenant they signed.

Once you’ve signed a church membership/service covenant you’re committed to wherever it takes you, if the church changes direction (which may not always be a good one) you are obligated to also. Otherwise you are causing conflict that splits the fellowship. This is why Jesus commands us in Matthew 5:33-34 not make oaths. Do we need to sign on the dotted line to prove or commitment or our faithfulness? The New Testament does not impose any obligation for agreements like this nor promote it. Where is this found in the Bible? Our word is to be yea or no, we are to be people of our word.

Warren tries to find a connection with 40 days and begins his premise on p.9 “Whenever God wanted to prepare someone for his purposes, he took 40 days.”

I have no idea how he can actually say this even by finding the number 40. Warren begins his book on an assumption that is not right. Lets look at what he uses.

P.10 “Noah’s life was transformed by 40 days of rain.”

This is wrong, the Bible never implies this; Noah’s life was not “transformed by 40 days of rain.” His “purpose” was to preach righteousness for 120 years while he built the boat as a means to escape the coming judgment.

“The Spies were transformed by 40 days in the Promised Land"

The number 40 is significant but Warren attributes to it something the Bible often does not. 40 is often the number of testing or judgment. Num. 14: they came back after searching the land for 40 days, were fearful started murmurings, were killed with plagues. Not a good thing. In fact, because of the spies (except Caleb) lack of faith Israel stayed in the wilderness for 40 years and failed,(Num.14:34-38) only two men made it into the promised land.

He mentions David - 1 Sam. 17; Elijah - 1 King 19; Ninevah -

Jonah 3 The entire city was transformed when God gave the people 40 days to change.

It means 40 days to repent, or judgment was coming. And it did not take Jonah 40 days.

Also “Jesus was empowered by 40 days in the wilderness.” This is wrong: He was led into the wilderness to be tempted (Mt.4:1; Mk. 1:13) Jesus was filled with the Spirit before he went into the wilderness and returned the same way (Lk.4:1,14).

“The disciples were transformed by forty days with Jesus after His resurrection.” The Bible does not say this, it actually happened on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was given.

Yet Warren overlooked Moses who was in the wilderness being trained in humility for 40 years not 40 days. Warren makes the number 40 days a method to reach a goal which it is not.

It appears that the book is written mostly to non-believers Where Warren states p.20 “1.You discover your identity and purpose through a relationship with Jesus Christ. If you don't have such a relationship, I will later explain how to begin one.”

As Warren audience seems to be for new believers, much of what he says is redundant for those who are mature and know Scripture. But then I ran into another problem. The Purpose-Driven Life, cites over 1,000 verses of Scripture with an excessive use of paraphrases, and some that are extremely liberal in their writings. New Living Translation, the Message (in the majority, quoted over 90 times in his book), Living Bible, New Century Version, and the NIV which is accepted as a good paraphrase (and probably superior to the other paraphrases) in fact the literal translations of the KJV, NKJV and NASB were rarely used. While the intent may be to be helpful in bringing the meaning to our modern culture, many times they can hinder the meaning. Out of hundreds of verses quoted you can count the literal translations used on 2 hands, near one percent.

P.104 Warren states “This is why I encourage you to read Scripture in different translations and paraphrases.”

It would be more advantageous to study the original words of Greek and Hebrew in a Concordance, Dictionary or Interlinear? We should be pursuing to move closer to the original texts meaning, rather than further away by using a thought for thought translation in paraphrases. Before you apply Scripture you need to understand it correctly. The principle is to seek its correct meaning then give it application. A paraphrase is more like a loose commentary and many are not nearly accurate to the literal word of God.

To understand the Message translations flaws and weaknesses compare these Scriptures and see how explaining statements of Christ and Christian living are being changed.

NKJV John 10:30 “I and the Father are one.”

The Message: John 10:30 I and the Father are one heart and mind.”

NKJV John 14:28”...The Father is greater than I.”

The Message: “The Father is the goal and purpose of my life.”

The Message Rom. 8:9 “But God himself has taken up residence in your life, you can hardly bethinking more of yourselves than of him.”

NKJ Rom. 8:9 “But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.”

The word for flesh is sarx in Greek, the very point Paul is writing about is the new nature vs. the old, to check that you possess the Holy Spirit. The Message translation completely distorts the meaning. Neither the Spirit n or the flesh mentioned in the Message.

NKJV Romans 1:26-27: “Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.”

The Message: “Worse followed. Refusing to know God, they soon didn't know how to be human either - women didn't know how to be women, men didn't know how to be men. Sexually confused, they abused and defiled one another, women with women, men with men - all lust, no love. And then they paid for it, oh, how they paid for it - emptied of God and love, Godless and loveless wretcheds.”

He inserts the word no love and loveless changing the meaning of sexual immorality the lack of love, not lust driving them to cross the human barriers of same sex partners becomes the sin,

KJV Romans 8:35-37: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?”

The Message: “Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:”

This promotes the idea that one can do whatever they want after they are saved and be loved by God. Yet God says specifically that we are not to “even to eat with such a person”(1 Cor 5:11), “put away from yourselves the evil person.”(1 Cor 5:13).

1 Cor. 6:9-10 “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” Rev. 21:8 “These people will “have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone”

Because of the use of the paraphrase there are many scriptures taken out of their context or softened, and formed to fit into the overall theme of his book. This is poor scholarship with the translations. His application may often be correct on much of what he says on Christian living but he at times uses the wrong passage to get his point across. I find Warren has a talent to communicate his message of application of Scripture but not always Scripture itself. The truth is eclipsed with the overuse of paraphrases and at times the Scripture is not communicated well, especially for non or new believers. There are many errors but to recognize them requires tedious work, most do not have the patience to look up each Scripture quoted in the Bible, read them in entirety in the context that they are written and look to a literal translation.

Overall I find it hard to describe this book. There are portions I really liked and I know would be helpful and then there were other portions that were a real concern, appearing detrimental. He had good things to say and it’s hard to disagree with many of his practical points. But there are some points and explanations that one must disagree with if they are to side with the Bible.

Some of his insights are very practical and clear common-sense ideas seen throughout the book. Warren writes some very good practical comments: we are not to focus on self; you were born for God’s purposes. “Only the creator or the owner's manual could reveal its purpose.” “The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment (p.17) “What ultimately matters is not what others say of you life but what God says” (p.33) “If worship is mindless, it is meaningless” (p.103). You exist for God’s purposes, that he as not provided heaven on earth when he’s planned the real thing in eternity,” refined by trials people can see Jesus in you (p.197).“The bible must become the authoritative standard for my life” (p.186).Warren puts down seeking experiences and affirms knowing God by his word. He does mention the cross (p.78) being born again (p.118) and God as trinity, however these are spread through out the book and not concentrated on when mentioned. He speaks against earthly prosperity and controlling God with prayer. The book has points one can say amen to and then right after their can be a pause, wondering, “what is this?”

Though this book is full of helpful ideas it is also weak in certain Biblical Foundations. There are contradictions within the book itself and the Bible. The way Warren advocates certain scriptures is weak as he tries to attach them to the same basic premise he is presenting throughout his book, even when they do not fit. You can’t use Scriptures and words accurately from the Bible when you force them to fit this theme.

Examples: The Bible says, “Self-help is no help at all. Self sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self” (p.19) Mt.16:25 from the Message Bible). This leans toward a different meaning even a mystical meaning that is popular today of “finding yourself.”

NKJ Matt 16:25 “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” This is hardly the same meaning of finding ones life is to find your true self. It is these types of free interpretations used in the paraphrases that show us Bible translations do matter if one wants to get to the accurate meaning of a verse. Yet Warren opts to use the paraphrases over the literal word translations.

“It explains what no self-help or philosophy book could know. The Bible says, “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 his best in us” 1 Cor.2:7 from the Message Bible

NKJ 1 Cor. 2:7 “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory.” Paul is talking about God’s wisdom being revealed by the Scripture, this scripture has nothing to do with bringing the best in us, as if his wisdom is in us already.

Purpose Driven

While there are numerous good portions said on this subject there are other portions that are incorrect and muddied.

Page 20, “He has clearly revealed his five purposes for our lives through the Bible.”

Has God clearly given 5 purposes for our lives?

“There is nothing quite as potent as a focused life, one lived on purpose. The men and women who have made the greatest difference in history were the most focused. For instance, the apostle Paul almost single-handedly spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. His secret was a focused life. He said, “I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead” (p.32)

If one looks at the Scripture carefully it was what Paul was focused on, not that he was looking forward forgetting the past, not just that he had a goal but what that goal was. This is missing in his explanation and is often missing in the equation of his book. He makes “purpose” a generic idea at times; it can be applied to anyone or anything. He says “never confuse activity with productivity”(p.33) (showing the influence from business concepts of Peter Drucker.)

This Scripture in a literal translation (NKJ) makes it clear: Phil. 3:12-14 “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” In Christ Jesus, not just a goal we have. Besides God used Paul in the message he preached and explained to win people to Christ. It was not Paul’s strength but God’s.

p.30 ‘Without God, life has no purpose, and without purpose, life has no meaning. Without meaning, life has no significance or hope. ... The greatest tragedy is not death, but life without purpose”

True, without God life has no purpose, however I have to disagree with his statement The greatest tragedy is not death and the answer should be obvious: dying without Jesus Christ is the greatest tragedy, for without him you have no purpose, guidance, direction, mercy, forgiveness or life. If you die without Christ, that is by far the worst thing to happen. You can live a life filled with a good purpose and not have God. You can live your life with a wrong purpose. Many people of other religions believe in God and believe they are living God’s purpose. The concept of purpose is often widely presented in the book and can be interpreted by anyone’s own predilection.

The theme of the book is to help someone find God’s purpose in there life. I want to take this portion of the article to concentrate on what Warren says that appears to be confusing. While he presents pursuing your purpose in God which many people may never have considered, his conclusions of life before Christ and after that form you for your purpose are unclear.

In the beginning of the book he explains our purpose on earth Warren rightly states “its not about you” and that “we are to begin with God.” We ask self centered questions like ‘What do I want to be? What should I do with my life? What are my goals, my ambitions, my dreams and my future?” But focusing on ourselves will never reveal our life’s purpose” (p.17)

Quoting Eph.1:11 Warren comments on the verse giving three insights, number 2. is “God was thinking of you long before you ever thought about him. His purpose to your life predates your conception. He planned it before you existed, without your input! You may choose your career, your spouse, your hobbies, and many other parts of your life, but you don't get to choose your purpose”(p.21).

Warren is saying God does not necessarily have a part in what we do after birth, who we marry, what job we train or take; yet these things we choose are from our self centeredness and these very things become part of God’s purpose for us later.

Yet he says, “He also determined the natural talents you would possess and the uniqueness of your personality” he “planned where you’d be born and where you’d live for his purpose”(p.23).

Wouldn’t the things we like and do and also where we live still fall under the category of “our choice”?

At the same time he says these are the things that form you for your purpose. If these very things are all part of your purpose then we have a contradiction in his premise. If we choose all these things, not knowing God or being led by God, how do these things that our life revolves around become part of God’s purpose, a purpose that can only be found in Christ (Eph.2:10)?

Warren later says “God is more concerned about your character than anything else. We worry when God is silent on specific issues such as “what career should I choose?” He then says there are many careers that could be God’s will for you life. What God cares about most is whatever you do, you do in a Christlike manner” (p.177)

God does not only care that we do things in a Christlike manner. Is God silent? Before we are saved and following his direction, but certainly not afterwards. This all seems confusing on how we choose whatever we want to and this forms us for God’s purposes. How can multiple choices we choose from be God’s will; all being acceptable to him if you choose it? The way you choose or not choose to use these abilities is all up to you. His concept of this is so broad and open as he leaves it in our hands. Generally he is right and specifically he is wrong.

On p. 243: “To discover God’s will for your life, you should seriously examine what you are good at doing and what you are not good at doing. “God will never ask you to dedicate your life to a task you have no talent for. On the other hand, the abilities you do have are a strong indication of what God wants you to do with your life. They are clues to knowing God’s will for you.” “God doesn’t waste abilities; he matches our calling and capabilities.”

This how Warren explains how we know what God wants us to do, by what we are good at. His conclusion is erroneous. God can use what someone has learned and he can also take people beyond anything they learned. God will often ask people to do what they are not trained for. God chose Moses to speak to Pharaoh despite his speech impediment (Exod.4:10). David was chosen to be king with no training in this matter except his caring for sheep. Neither had any training or prior experience in these matters. God will often take people beyond their natural abilities so he is glorified. This sounds like a humanistic view on finding your calling. God can change the direction of ones life as well as use them in their former training. Warren writes that God wants to be intimately and personally involved with each of us but then he leaves the details to us. God raises up to the highest those who are the lowest. 1 Cor. 1:27 “God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.” Man’s strengths and natural abilities are often man’s hindrances to God. God uses us beyond our capabilities that are inherent to the natural man.

Warren further says, “God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well.” (Rom. 12:6 New Living Translation) and Warren makes the assumption “Since your natural abilities are from God, they are just as important and as “spiritual as your spiritual gifts. The only difference is that you were given them at birth” p.242

In Rom 12:6 NKJV Paul is speaking about the body of Christ and says “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith.” Clearly Paul is not talking about natural but spiritual gifts. This is huge flaw in his interpretation and application. He uses the wrong Scripture, though it sounds right in the New Living Translation. More importantly, Warren confuses natural abilities with spiritual gifts from God to fulfill his purposes in us. Though our abilities can be used to give God glory it does not affirm that our natural abilities are as important as our spiritual ones, nor do they always determine how the Lord will use us for His purposes. Just because you are a good musician does not means one is called to minister in music. Should every talented musician be a worship leader? Just because one is a good speaker does not mean they are called to be a preacher. Where is God’s call on someone’s life? I’m not saying God cannot develop people with natural talents and enhance them, what I’m saying is God gives spiritual gifts enabling us far beyond our natural abilities and graces us to have abilities in a capacity we never had before. There is a difference between what is natural and what is a gift of grace from God.

What Warren is proposing is God chose “the exact time of your birth and death” “where you’d be born and where you’d live” (p.23) “determined the natural talents you would possess, and everything else, all the details along the way you choose. The end result of all this is that we can find our purpose by assessing our natural abilities and God approves. According to Warren God is not really involved in our choices but only his purpose. Yet these abilities gives us choices that bring us to our purpose. The Bible teaches we are to pray over the choices we make so that we are following God’s lead and not our own, “not to lean on our own understanding.” How do you know the direction you are being led is to fulfill God’s purposes when there is this type of misunderstanding on how we get there!

Jesus is to be Lord of all the believer’s life, in our choosing our mate, our job etc. not just our purpose. The theme of this book is to discover the purpose of God, but it misses the main element -- the Lordship of Jesus Christ; over the daily decisions you make in what you do, not just how you do it.

Lets’ look at what the Bible specifically says concerning our purpose. God has mapped out his purpose for us before we even existed, and it is only found when we are in Christ through the new birth. “Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began” (2 Tim 1:9-10). “In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will”( Eph. 1:11) “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them”( Eph 2:10). It is his work in us that will formulate our purpose as we walk with him by faith through our life.

Romans 8:28-29 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

Everything that happens to in a believers life is under God’s sovereign control and he will work out even the bad for our benefit as we walk by faith.

Warren writes of Jesus “Knowing he was about to be crucified, he cried out: my soul has become troubled; and what shall I say ', Father, save Me from this hour? But for this Purpose I came to this hour, glorify thy name.”


“Jesus stood at a fork in the road. Would he fulfill his Purpose and bring glory to God or would he shrink back and live a comfortable, Self-centered life? You face the same choice. Will you, live for your own goals, and pleasure, or will you live the rest of your life for God’s glory, knowing that he has promised eternal rewards” (p.57)

This one of the more absurd interpretations of Scripture bent on making application to the reader and ignoring the Bibles context. Jesus never lived nor would live a comfortable life and it would have been sin to even think this way; much less do it. Could the Son of God ever live a self-centered life? No. As sinners we do not have the same choice as Jesus. No one is going to be persecuted, rejected or crucified for mankind’s sin like Jesus. Would Jesus tell others to pick up the cross in their lives and then have the option to refuse to go to the cross himself knowing this was the very purpose He became man? (Mt.16:24-25; Lk.14:27-29). Doesn’t this go against a Purpose Driven life?

The Bible explains to us that Jesus knew His purpose from the beginning. Mark 1:37-38: “When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.” He knew the reason He came to earth.

So we find Jesus’ main purpose was to preach, and it is not hard to zero in on what he preached…

Luke 4:43 but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”

Jesus said over and over to his disciples that he would be crucified by the Gentiles, and rejected by his own people. God’s ultimate purpose in Jesus’ life was fulfilled as it was brought to a conclusion by those who rejected him: “Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; “whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it” (Acts 2:23-24). I John 3:8 “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil” that is through the cross (Col.2:14-15; Heb.10:7,9).

Heb. 12:2-4 “who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.”

Purpose is good and necessary but not the most important thing in our lives. Can anyone reduce the whole Christian life to any one element?

The Bibles ANSWER IS to -Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Prov 3:5-6)

Gospel Explanations

Warren comes close to giving the gospel in his book but never fully explains who Jesus is; nor why our sin separates us from a Holy God, nor does he concentrate on the resurrection. This is why so many consider this kind of teaching as gospel-lite. Because of this weakness of it hinders some of the essentials for understanding the gospel. The “new paradigm” seeker friendly churches (AKA Schullerism and others) diminishes teaching on sin and concentrates more on the felt needs of the people.

On page 34 in explaining that we will all stand before God at the judgment seat, God wants us to pass the test...“From the Bible we can surmise that God will ask us two crucial questions: First, 'What did you do with my Son, Jesus Christ?” God won't ask about your religious background or doctrinal views. The only thing that will matter is, did you accept what Jesus did for you and did you learn to love and trust him? Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Second, 'What did you do with what I gave you?” What did you do with your life-all the gifts, talents, relationships, and resources God gave you? Did you spend them on yourself, or did you use them for the purposes God made you for?” Preparing you for these two questions is the goal of this book. The first question will determine where you spend eternity.”

There are many cults who accept Jesus as the Son of God and believe they are serving him fulfilling God’s purpose. It would have helped if Warren was more specific, especially writing to such a broad base of different people that are reading his book. Again this is very open and can interpreted to mean anything to anyone. It would be beneficial to go more in depth in this area.

On page 37, Warren states, “If you learn to love and trust God's Son, Jesus, you will be invited to spend the rest of eternity with him.” This would have more to do with ones sanctification process than a salvation response. God draws us first to His Son and we need to repent of our sin. It is the “what for” that needs to be explained not the .

On page 58 he says, “It's time to settle this issue. Who are you going to live for yourself or God? You may hesitate, wondering whether you will have strength to live for God. Don't worry. God will give you what you need if you will just make the choice to live for him. The Bible says, “Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God.

Right now, God is inviting you to live for his glory by fulfilling the purposes he made you for. It's really the only way to live. Everything else is just existing. Real life begins by committing yourself completely to Jesus Christ. If you are not sure you have done this, all you need to do is receive and believe. The Bible promises, ' To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, be gave the right to become children of God.”

The short and long is - “Believe God has chosen you to have a relationship with Jesus, who died on the cross for you. Believe that no matter what you've done, God wants to forgive you.”

“Second, receive. Receive Jesus into your life as your Lord and Savior. Receive his forgiveness for your sins. Receive his Spirit, who will give you the power to fulfill your life purpose.” Wherever you are reading this, I invite you to bow your head and quietly whisper the prayer that will change your eternity: 'Jesus, I believe in you and I receive you.” Go ahead.”’

It’s not that any of this is wrong but what is missing is the explanation of our sins and Jesus' necessity to die on the cross. Why did He die? More importantly, who this Jesus you are actually believing in actually is. So I wonder do people understand who they are accepting and why? 2 Cor.5:20-21 show Jesus was indeed God. God pleads through us to have others to be reconciled to God, in Christ. There is none of this emphasis or explanation in his book. I do not hear an emphasis on ones urgent need to spiritually be born but instead on everyone’s purpose in life. Somehow this all reminds me of the past mistakes of Constantine when he legalized Christianity. The pagans later entered the church by baptism not by spiritually being born. If we have a membership boom from a message like this, what will happen? It needs to be further explained

Using the Message translation Warren quotes on p.58 John 3:36: “The Bible says, “Whoever accepts and trusts the Son gets in on everything, life complete and forever!”

This paraphrase is purposely used to soften the true impact of the Scripture that mentions wrath, punishment. The Bible really says: John 3:36 “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (KJV).

The Message translation quoted eliminated the punishment for refusing to believe. This is consistently missing in Warren’s book even though he cites Scriptures that have it or refer to it. Neither the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man are presented, nor explained. These are essential for understanding our sinful state and the need for a savior. Jesus is said to die for your sins, but why? The explanation is avoided, yet the book is written to people who need to know. So how can one really understand the gospel message if the main elements are left out.

“Tragically, many people will have to endure eternity without God because they chose to live without him here on earth.” The most important point of being without God is where is this eternity spent. In the seeker friendly model of church the concept of hell is diminished or omitted (on p.112 he does mention about being spared “eternity in hell”). He not only avoids the subject but words like “eternal punishment” are not there.

The facts that non -Christians (and those in other religions) like and use this book seems to clarify the avoidance of the hard subjects that “traditional churches” teach. Of course it’s good that they are reading about Jesus and there is enough Scripture and teaching to begin them on pursing more. But when was the last time you heard of a Christian book that was really preaching Christ that was well received by the public? The fact is, the book mentions Christ, but its main theme is how individuals find and live with purpose. This is a message everyone is willing to hear and can apply no matter what their religious or non religious persuasion is.

Unity and Division

p.150 God is very clear that we are to confront those who cause division among Christians. In context he is addressing gossip and rightly so, but there are some things more serious than even gossip, false teaching which the Bible says causes division. These are not mentioned at all.

Warren correctly says “We protect the fellowship when we honor those who serve us by leading. Pastors and elders need our prayers, encouragement, appreciation, and love.” It is mentioned how will have to give an account to God how they watched over you, members will also have to give an account how well they followed their leaders. This is all true the church is to be a loving place for all to gather, however how does he apply this. What does someone consider divisive? There is good division and bad division. This needs to be taken into account because of direction he is headed in his book on this subject.

On p.158 “Christians often have legitimate, honest disagreements and differing opinions, but we can disagree without being disagreeable…God expects unity, not uniformity, and we can walk arm-in arm without seeing eye-to-eye on every issue”

p.161 He recommends that we focus on what we have in common, not our differences. “God wants unity not uniformity. For unity’s sake we must never let differences divide us.”

It depends what those issues are, keeping unity and ignoring what is wrong is not God’s intent in any matter, be it between brothers or between churches.

On p.166 “The Leaders responsible to maintain the unity of the Church.”

“The Bible gives pastors very specific instructions on how to deal with divisive people in the fellowship. They are to avoid arguing, gently teach the opposition while praying they'll change warn those who are argumentative, plead for harmony and unity, rebuke those who are disrespectful of leadership, and remove divisive people from the church if they ignore two warnings.”

This is good if he would qualify what he means. Certainly pastors who are upholding the word and living right deserve our support and loyalty. But what about those who do not?

Quoting Titus 3:10 “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him” (NIV)

Warren is referring to the Scripture that is speaking of heretics, divisive ones that have foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law (Titus 3:9), things that are not in accord with the apostles teachings, these are the ones to be removed: not anyone who is “divisive” is to be considered to be a heretic. It is what someone is divisive about. We are commanded to divide from false doctrine and those who do not uphold it. There is nothing wrong with confronting error as long as it is done with the right intentions in a spirit of love.

“God blesses churches that are unified. At Saddleback every Church member signs a covenant that includes a promise to protect the unity of our fellowship. As a result, the church has never had a conflict that split the fellowship” (p.167)

If this is what is needed to keep unity, then where is the working of the Spirit to keep the unity of the faith? The unity of the Spirit (Eph. 4:3) leads us into the unity of the faith (Eph. 4:13; Jude 3). We are to be unified in the truth not only unified in fellowship and purpose. The early church needed no extra covenant to sign for their unity. So if one does not sign this covenant they will be asked to leave (also if they are no in service to the church as indicated earlier in this article- by moving hundreds of members for non-participation). So division would be not going along with a vision the pastor has, even when it may be unbiblical or extra biblical.

The Bible teaches the unity is based on our common faith not a certain pastor’s vision or direction for the church. Jesus never said to unite with false churches that claim his name (Warren makes no distinction, and considers keeping unity with those outside the faith (as USA TODAY, 7/21/2003 reported posted on his website--Warren's pastor-training programs welcome Catholics, Methodists, Mormons, Jews and ordained women). Neither does Warren take into account churches that change and begin to teach false doctrine or abuse members. We are not to follow leaders who no longer uphold the Bible correctly. We are to separate from them. I can only conclude from what I have read that Warren believes that every church that calls them-self Christian is practicing the truth from what he is doing since he makes not distinction.

Overall there are some major problems with this book and numerous smaller ones that people seem to overlook throughout the book that are concerning.

Also on page 166, Warren says that Pastors are “given the impossible task of trying to make everyone happy, which even Jesus could not do!”

What pastor would ever think it is his job to do this. Jesus did not try to make anyone happy, he spoke the truth to people regardless of what they thought. He gave them what they needed. He goal was to please the Father only, not make people happy. Warren may want us us to feel sympathetic for our pastors plight of pleasing all the people but this is not not his job so any argument about this is moot.

p.241 “If you don’t make your unique contribution to the body of Christ, it won’t be made.” This is not necessarily true. We do not honor the vessel but God who works through the vessel. We find in the book of Esther 4:14 “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

God does want us to cooperate with him for His purpose to be accomplished, but God can easily raise up another for any work he chooses. This example can be seen with the nation Israel as well as individuals.

On p.176 “you cannot grow in Christ likeness in isolation.” Why not, there are people who have lived in areas where there are no Christians and all they had were their Bible, and the Holy Spirit. It's true we should be part of a church but we are to have a personal relationship with God foremost, then with people. Jesus can do far above what any person can do in our life.

On page p.245 Warren promotes the psychological categories of sanguine and choleric personalities and applies it to the apostles. The Four Temperaments theory is one of several behavior-oriented theories that modem psychology has adopted from ancient schools of philosophy.

In the Encyclopedia of Human Behavior, R.M. Coldenson defines temperament as “A general term for emotional make-up, including characteristic energy level, moods and mood changes, intensity and tempo of reactions to people and situations ” (James Mcconnell Understanding Human Behavior 6th ed. p.434)

In the past physicians and philosophers used their understanding of the four humors (body fluids), the four temperaments, and signs of the zodiac to treat diseases and understand individual differences in people.

Greek cosmology's four elements are basic to the four temperament personality theory. (It was popularized in Christianity by Florence Littauer and Tim LaHaye, Peter being a sanguine, Paul a choleric, is right out of Lahayes book.

True our personality is used by God but it does not necessarily rule over our spiritual gifts as Warren surmises, it is actually the other way around. Our Personality is part of our soul. God has given us spiritual gifts to FULFILL his purpose. God works through the weaknesses of people so that he receives the glory for what is done. It's our weakness not necessarily our strengths God uses. In fact the Bible tells us we are new creatures in Christ so whatever personality category one tries to peg us in is wrong. God often changes us, so we can do what we could not do before. These personality categories are psychology and humanistic.

We are no longer to be ruled by our old fallen nature Jesus has made all things new and we are to walk in the Spirit to fulfill his purposes.

Other problems have surfaced as numerous authors and practices are recommended inside his book.

Warren references Bernie Siegel’s (p.31) teaching on having hope in the greater context of explaining his message of purpose in his book. Dr. Bernie Siegel is a New Age holistic doctor an influential New Age leader. In his books and workshops he encourages people to do guided meditations and visualization. As he once did and made contact with his own personal spirit guides. Siegel openly endorses the teachings of A Course in Miracles which preaches another Christ. He also serves on the Board of Advisors of Jerry Jampolsky's the Course in Miracles-based Attitudinal Healing Center.” Just another incident of lack of discernment? Maybe, except there are many more examples.

Warren refers to “…Gary [Thomas] discovered that Christians have used many different paths for 2,000 years to enjoy intimacy God….(his book Sacred Pathways). Sacred Pathways subtitle is “Discover Your Soul’s Path to God.” There is only one way to God-through Jesus Christ and we do not discover it, it is revealed to us.

In Sacred Pathways, pp.184–186 Thomas suggests the use of “Dancing Prayer,” not in bodily movements, but we are to imagine in our minds dancing with God and allowing Him to lead. Then He gives instructions on “Centering Prayer.”

Warren presents prayer mantras bordering on positive confession type decrees: “One way is to use ‘breath prayers’ throughout the day, as many Christians [actually Catholic mystics] have done for centuries. You choose a brief sentence or a simple phrase that can be repeated to Jesus in one breath: “You are with me.” “I receive your grace.” “I’m depending on you.” “I want to know you.” “I want to know you.” “I belong to you.” “Help me trust you.” “Pray it as often as possible so it is rooted deep in your heart.” (p. 89).

Whether Warren is only experimenting or is an ardent practitioner of contemplative prayer techniques (Roman Catholic) it does not matter. They borrow from their methods from the Occult and Eastern spiritual practices.

“You must train your mind to remember God….Benedictine monks use the hourly chimes of a clock to remind them to pause and pray ‘the hourly prayer’” (p. 89).

The Benedictine Order is Catholic which practices contemplative prayer/meditation and holds to universalism in their teachings not a good source to point to.

He also quotes Mother Teresa favorably on page 125. All these recommendations and people make a mixture of various religious practices that would deter one from the purity found in the Scripture. If one were to read the sources he is quoting they would become confused not helped on how to practice their faith.

On p.88 Warren uses a translation that says “He rules everything and is everywhere and is in everything.” (Ephesians 4:6, New Century Version) This quote promotes “pantheism,” and should be obviously be avoided. This New Age concept teaches God is within all of His creation. This is not what this passage means as Paul is explaining our spiritual unity he concludes with “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:6, KJV) meaning, in the born again Christian. God is everywhere but not IN everything.

“The last thing many believers need is to go to another Bible study. They already know far more than they are putting into practice” (p.231). It may be true that far too many Christians are not doing ministry but to say we don’t need to go to another Bible study is going against the commands of Jesus. I have found that far too many do not know their Bibles well enough This could be said in a better way like some of you are old enough to be teachers. Jesus said it is the bread we live on, we can never have enough spiritual food for learning. New believers especially need constant Bible study. Where are people going to learn if not at a Bible study, certainly not in their seeker friendly services!

Yet he contradicts himself, before this he states “I cannot overstate the value of being a part of a small Bible study discussion group.... p.191). This even contradicts what he says about his own church program. “We designed this journey around four vital habits that everyone needs to grow spiritually: the habit of weekly worship attendance, a daily quiet time, a weekly group Bible study.”

p.140 “Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed.” James 5:16 (the Message.)

This is not a common practice of confessing your sins on a regular basis to a group of people. This sounds too similar to the International Churches of Christ model they use for control, (they are a cult). I’m not saying by Saddleback is employing the same way or that they are a cult but that it is not biblical.

The Bible never says in James 5:16 to make it a common practice. In context it is about a certain sin and reconciliation so they can be healed.

p. 79. He says that God “He doesn’t try to break our will, but woos us to himself so we might offer ourselves freely to him.” Warren correctly teaches that God wants us to completely surrender to give us freedom. However his statement is inaccurate, he does break our will if necessary; he chastens us (Jonah for example, Paul another). All one has to do is read about the history of Israel to find the examples. But Warren purposely leaves out these portions and interpretations to make God as one whom can only bless you. “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives….The word chasten is paideuo, it means to train up a child, i.e. educate, discipline by punishment if necessary. “ God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.” (Hebrews 12:5-8) “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” (Rev. 3)

On page 97 using Jacob as a model he further states, God isn’t offended when we wrestle Him, after all he let Jacob win. Yes and he gave him a limp for the rest of his life to remember it by. I thought God wants us to surrender to His will and not resist him. It is a fact that many of us will probably wrestle with Him over one thing or another, but to say He is not offended when he asks for obedience is very wrong?

p.101 “when Jesus said you must worship in spirit, he wasn’t referring to the Holy Spirit, but to your spirit.” This is incorrect. God’s Spirit is the Spirit of truth. If we take what Warren states we would have to assume mans sinful spirit can worship God correctly without his Holy Spirit. Man’s spirit is fallen and it is the Spirit of God who prompts and enables us to worship our creator. Without the Holy Spirit involved, it could not be acceptable.

To expand on his idea of worship Warren's comments on music are quite liberal, this is why in his services they rock and the music is loud enough to be felt. p.65 “God loves all kinds of music because he invented it all” fast, slow, loud and soft, old and new”…. If it is offered to God in spirit and truth, it is an act of worship.”

Can he actually back up this statement? Warren gives no boundaries on music, everything is acceptable. If god invented all music then can we also say he invented everything else? Or did man with his imagination invent these songs. God may have originally created music but man has also corrupted it. To say He approves ALL music, even those that cater to the flesh and lyrics that are against God is hardly acceptable. I’m not someone that is against contemporary music but if there is no standard, anything goes.

On p. 219 of the Purpose Driven Church (not the Purpose Driven Life) Warren shows us what he thinks, “It is my deep conviction that anybody can be won to Christ if you discover the key to his or her heart . . . . The most likely place to start is with the person’s felt needs.”

You mean to tell me that’s all that Jeremiah or Noah needed to do and he would have had the boat filled and Jeremiah would have had Israel repenting.

Where is the Holy Spirit in the conversion process? Is this a Biblical understanding for someone to believe, all we need to do is find that key and turn it? This means it is our fault if someone does not repent and come to know the Lord because we failed to correctly present it to them or find that key. And what of their responsibility? It says the gospel - the cross is an offense to people when it is preached correctly. How can this be easy? Jesus said no one comes to him unless the Father draws them. Though methods can be useful, Warren is reducing witnessing to a successful method that is centered on what the person wants in his life. He is starting on the wrong end.

p.284 “this is why we must all be urgent about our mission” Good point but he applied the wrong Scripture “All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent me, because there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end” John.9:4 (New Living Translation)

NKJ John 9:4 "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” Jesus is speaking of himself Warren uses the NLT which subtly changed it to include all of us.

He writes “If you want Jesus to come back sooner focus on fulfilling your mission, not figuring out prophecy” (p.286). There is nothing we can do to make Jesus come back sooner. No one will be able to bring this about any sooner than God’s timing (Warren has said he avoids teaching on prophecy because no one knows when Jesus will return).

On p.298 He uses the term Middle eastern (is a new term) avoids the apostles ethnicity being Jewish. This is intentionally done, for what purpose I do not know. “When Jesus told his followers to “go everywhere into the world, and tell the good news to everyone” that small band of poor, Middle Eastern disciples were overwhelmed.”

He calls people who get involved -- world class Christians. p.298-299. What does this mean? Do we now have two classes of Christians. What’s the other class? Ones who do not have the purpose?

On p.300 he says World Class Christians pray for the world. And suggests to get a globe or map to pray with. “The Bible says “If you ask me. I will give you the nations, all the people on the earth will be yours” (Ps.2:8 New Century Version)

p. 300 He speaks of our Shift from local thinking to global thinking. Because God cares for the whole world we should too. He then explains how co-operations and business already think globally. While I agree with him on praying for other countries we are never asked to love and focus on the whole world as God does. He later contradicts this and says even Jesus did not meet the needs of everyone on earth. You have to choose whom you can best help.

God is not saying he will give them (all) to us. Warren is among many that take this Scripture out of its context. This is a specific promise to the Son of God, not mankind. Ps. 2:7-9 “I will declare the decree: the LORD has said to Me, 'You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; you shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel.”’(NKJ).

p.302 I urge you to save and do whatever it takes to participate in a short term mission trip overseas as soon as possible.

p.304 “What steps can I take to prepare to go on a short-term missions experience in the next year.” Missions are good and necessary and it is often beneficial to do something like this, however, not All Christians are called to be missionaries: Warren has a myopic view of purpose in mind, it seems to relate only to evangelism/missions. Many people who are Christian are called to be doctors, firemen, lawyers, housewives, etc. and are used in their vocation, not just in mission work in other countries. Our mission is to be witnesses of Jesus to anyone we may come in contact with, both home or abroad.

If you want to be like Jesus, you must have a heart for the whole world. You can’t be satisfied with your family and friends coming to Christ. There are over 6 billion people on earth, and Jesus wants all his lost children found” Does Warren believe we can save the whole world? Warrens intentions are admiral but not realistic.

It is for these reasons I'm concerned about what is written in this book. Because so many have already read it I can only hope it is used to spur some people on to more than what they are doing.

In conclusion, does God want us to have only purpose or is faithfulness a necessary element so he can fulfill his purpose in us?

1 Cor. 4:1-2 “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”

There is a principle that is supposed to be at work. Luke 16:10 “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.” God is looking for faithfulness. Paul writes in1 Tim. 1:11-12 “according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry”

Jesus told us to take up our cross and follow Him and we do not know each step of the journey. We need to rest in God and His sovereignty as He works His divine purpose through us, this can take time. Denying our self is the first step, and let our talents and abilities be crucified so he can breathe new life into which of them he wants to. By walking in God’s will and way we find fulfillment, peace and our purpose is developed. Purpose driven life may have some good ideas but it has just as many that are not good, it promotes enough unbiblical teaching for me to say pass, and find another book.
(From Let Us Reason Ministries)