The purpose driven church

[Guest LCPGUY]

I have not read the book yet, but have no need to, either. Just the way I am, I guess.

I will suggest this, though; if you read it, have the Bible CLOSE at hand. Anything that is unclear should be checked out. Of course, you know which one to rest on if any conflicts occur. Check also that ALL Biblical references are taken in the correct context. This is the area where most errors in these types of books occur.

Hopefuly, the intent of the book is to help others to understand God's Word better and to help in their walk, but, regardless, keep your focus on the Bible.

t.

Most EXCELLENT advice Ted

John

[Only4Him777]

Amen to all the findings!

Thanks John for posting this. It is a topic that has come up a lot with believers and should be addressed just as you have.

When we are open to the truth, regardless of what that (truth) might be... we can not go wrong.

Once we find out, by aligning it with the Word of God, we will stand stronger in our faith and can give a more clearified and balanced response when others question it.

I thank you too Steve for your site and the additional site that you posted here!

YSIC,

Alison :hug:

[serotta]

I personally do not believe that it is fair to lump Rick Warren into the "seeker-centric" group of Hybold and Schuller. I have read stuff by Hybolds (won't pick up anything from Schuller) and it is completely different. Warren is interested in helping people to become mature Christians. He is not just interested in growing churches, but yes Christ made it very clear that evangelism is a big part of our purpose on earth. The 40 Days of Purpose curriculum is not aimed at growing your church, it is aimed at making your congregation more effective. If you don't want to read the book that's fine, but I would implore you to at least skim through the 7 chapters in section 3, Becoming like Christ, before you condemn this book or its author.

[serotta]

Steve,

I read through the second site you posted, and coudn't disagree more, especially with http://www.twincityfellowship.com/cic/articles/issue80.htm . Rick Warren encourages the reader to go deep into God's word, and to memorize as much as you can. He states clearly in the first video that you DON'T have to bring the book to study group, but that you SHOULD bring your Bible. The criticism levelled at Rick Warren and "Purpose Driven Life" on that site IS NOT based in truth!

If anyone has a specific concern or question, please present it and I'd be happy to tell you what Rick Warren's book or study guide actually says.

[stevehut]

I find it very interesting here, that so many people are giving their opinions on the book, even though they admit they haven't read it.

[Guest smuse]

Hi serotta,

I am glad to hear that in the video, Rick Warren encourages those who take the course to go deeper into the word. After reading the Purpose Driven Life I wonder if he really understands the word himself as his interpretations using the paraphrased editions do not reflect the biblical meaning of the word in most instances if you compare these verses with real translations.

I have read the Purpose Driven Life and have spoken to many that have gone through the program, some very much approving and some with many questions, concerned that this program is nothing more than another Oprah Winfrey styled, self-help program that builds up the "higher self", which is nothing more than diefying man. I too was concerned as I read through both books finding that what Rick teaches is more man-centered than God-centered.

If you take the time to read the Purpose Driven Church and put the two together to see this as a plan by Rick to effect changes in the Body of Christ through the blending of worldly marketing philosophies, you can see that the bigger picture as desired by Rick Warren in not biblical in its approach to reaching the world for Christ. Please check this article: The Pied Pipers of Purpose.

I do not try and argue and convince others but I do offer the resources for one to find out more about this matter. If you want more information regarding Rick Warren and the Church Growth Movement then check out the web page which I posted earlier with many articles and links: Church Growth Movement.

Steve Muse

Eastern Regional Watch

[stevehut]

I read through the second site you posted, and coudn't disagree more, especially with [url=http://www.twincityfellowship.com/cic/articles/issue80.htm]

I visited this link, and this a quote from it:

The Bible study my friend attended was really a Purpose Driven Life study group. The Purpose Driven Life book they were studying referenced Bible passages that sounded off base. He was told that if he was going to attend the study, he would have to leave his Bible at home, because the issues he brought up were disruptive to the group. He chose to quit instead.

Apparently, this study was hosted by a private group that is not affilated with Warren or Saddleback. If this is the case, then the author or his church should not be blamed for this.

I have seen the viedo series myself, and he certainly does encourage people to read their bibles alongside his book.

[serotta]

SMuse wrote:

...concerned that this program is nothing more than another Oprah Winfrey styled, self-help program that builds up the "higher self", which is nothing more than diefying man.

This is extremely far from the truth Steve. Purpose Driven Life (PDL) bears no likeness whatsoever to the new-age, self-help books that Oprah pushes. Here's a couple of the verses Warren chooses to use from The Message paraphrase:

Mat 16:25 "Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self."

1Cor 10:12b "Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence"

Again you offer no specifics as to what you take offense to. I could offer numerous quotes that show that Warren continually preaches leaving self behind in "PDL". Or is it just because Warren chooses to use "unacceptable translations" of the bible, as one of your website sources put it. Pastor Warren explains why he uses so many different translations and paraphrases. I purchased The Message after the first time I read PDL. Are there scriptures that I question? Of course, but there are also times The Message clarifies scripture much more clearly for me.

I just don't want people discouraged from reading this book solely because of innacurate criticism.

[jamie]

Hi serotta,

I am glad to hear that in the video, Rick Warren encourages those who take the course to go deeper into the word. After reading the Purpose Driven Life I wonder if he really understands the word himself as his interpretations using the paraphrased editions do not reflect the biblical meaning of the word in most instances if you compare these verses with real translations.

I have read the Purpose Driven Life and have spoken to many that have gone through the program, some very much approving and some with many questions, concerned that this program is nothing more than another Oprah Winfrey styled, self-help program that builds up the "higher self", which is nothing more than diefying man. I too was concerned as I read through both books finding that what Rick teaches is more man-centered than God-centered.

If you take the time to read the Purpose Driven Church and put the two together to see this as a plan by Rick to effect changes in the Body of Christ through the blending of worldly marketing philosophies, you can see that the bigger picture as desired by Rick Warren in not biblical in its approach to reaching the world for Christ. Please check this article: The Pied Pipers of Purpose.

I do not try and argue and convince others but I do offer the resources for one to find out more about this matter. If you want more information regarding Rick Warren and the Church Growth Movement then check out the web page which I posted earlier with many articles and links: Church Growth Movement.

Steve Muse

Eastern Regional Watch

I agree with you!!

Psychology is being slowly and subtly indoctrinated in with biblical teaching now days.

I always ask my self, "were Jesus and the apostles popular like this?"

Did they sell the gospel?

Will everybody love those who are uncompromisingly preaching truth?

The word of God says "woe when all men speak well of you."

My read flag always goes up when a man starts rising to stardom in the christian arena.

When I see everybody clamoring to get in on a piece of what someone else is selling, and start hearing that "mans" name on the lips of everybody, something within me always runs in the opposite direction.

More than likely if the real Jesus showed up on the scene in that gigantic church He would be kicked to the curb.

"A wicked and adultrous generation seek after a sign but none will be given accept the sign of Jonah."

Jonah was a prophet who preached repentance to a generation which was about to experience Gods wrath.

To me that says the same sign will be given to us.

What we need is someone who will step up to the plate and set the trumpet to their mouth and yell "REPENT"!!!!

How long would that be tolerated?

Not long!!

[tsth]

What we need is someone who will step up to the plate and set the trumpet to their mouth and yell "REPENT"!!!!

How long would that be tolerated?

Not long!!

Well I can address that comment, as I had questioned the introduction to the study, that was on video by Rick Warren. As he gave what was a prayer of salvation, there was not any mention of the forgiveness of sins, or repentance, or that anyone is a sinner...........that was the 2nd red flag for me.

In His Truth,

Suzanne