To Rick Warren: Very Well Said.

This book made me realize that a focused life is way more important than a busy life. It made me realize that we can live our lives in a less complicated manner and still please God. A God driven life is the true life.

I love it! :)

At its best, this book is filled with porous theology that is modestly helpful to someone who has no knowledge of Christianity whatsoever. At its worst, Warren mangles scripture to fit his own agenda (40 days to find purpose in your life) and promotes personal experience over the truth found in scripture.

This book is symptomatic of feel-good consumerized Christianity so prevalent in America today. Finding your purpose in life takes far longer than 40 days and it cannot be easily summarized (besides the obvious - to love and worship God). "The Purpose Driven Life" offers nothing new and while not quite heretical, it is very unsound and I cannot recommend this book to anyone. The fact that Warren makes references to the other "Purpose Driven"-branded items in his book that one can purchase pretty much sums it up.

I was given a free copy of this book by a friend at my church a few years ago. I finished reading the book simply to say that I had read it in its entirety. If you want good, thoughtful Christian writers, check out -

Links (for the lazy):
J.I. Packer ("Knowing God")
[https://www.amazon.com/Knowing-God-J-...]
Augustine of Hippo ("Confessions" translated by Garry Wills (2006), "City of God")
[https://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Pe...]
[https://www.amazon.com/City-Penguin-C...]
C.S. Lewis ("Mere Christianity", "The Screwtape Letters", "The Problem of Pain")
[https://www.amazon.com/Mere-Christian...]
[https://www.amazon.com/Screwtape-Lett...]
[https://www.amazon.com/Problem-Pain-C...]
G.K. Chesterson ("Orthodoxy", "The Everlasting Man")
[https://www.amazon.com/Orthodoxy-G-K-...]
[https://www.amazon.com/Everlasting-Ma...]
John Piper ("Desiring God", "Don't Waste Your Life")
[https://www.amazon.com/Desiring-God-R...]
[https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Waste-You...]
A.W. Pink ("The Attributes of God")
[https://www.amazon.com/Attributes-God...]
A.W. Tozer (no relations haha) ("The Pursuit of God")
[https://www.amazon.com/Pursuit-God-W-...]
Ravi Zacharias (Note: A investigation following Zacharias' death in 2020 found credible evidence of sexual misconduct spanning many years. This was not known at the time of my review in 2007. I cannot recommend his books based on this new information.)

I spent way too much time on this. Hope it helps.

Edited 07/16/2023: Updated/fixed URLs, added additional information about Ravi Zacharias.

3.75 Stars

In a way, I'm lying by saying I "finished reading" this. Truthfully, I was enjoying this novel and it's meaningful messages. However, silly me set it down God knows where (I mean this literally because I have no idea where it is) and it's been over a week of looking and I still can't find it. So I thought I'd write a review of how it was going up until I went and freakin' lost the book. Yay me.

Anyways, my mom recommended this book to me when I was feeling kind of down. She said it helped her during a tough time she'd gone through years back and I figured I'd give it a go. Now, I enjoyed it immensely in the beginning, because as a devoted Catholic I don't mind religious messages and such, and this novel pretty much revolves around religion. So if that isn't your thing - this probably isn't a book for you. Sorry!

Unfortunately, around chapter 7 (I think?) things started to get a little slow. Whether it was the actual book or just me getting bored, I'm not sure. And I guess I'll never know until I find the book and finish it properly.

Overall, it was a nice "pick me up" type of book. Very centered around you and how to better yourself. I also enjoyed Warren's writing. For this sort of novel, it fit quite well and flowed in a calm manner.

Now, I just have to keep looking until I find it!

On one hand, Rick Warren comes across as wanting to be someone who brings people together. On the other, he is the pastor of one of the largest right-wing mega-churches in the country. In this book, he brings the softer side to bear, urging people to find their place in God's plan.

I guess that I am on the wrong side of the political spectrum to endorse this book, even though I am an active member of a church. The only reason I read this book was because it figured in a trial I was working on. I think that Warren is a likable guy, but his brand of Christianity is not for me.

A book I would want everyone to read.

I suppose this book can be genuinely helpful to some people (Scott Peterson, Brian Nichols, Fidel Castro, for example have all apparently benefited from this book), but it was uninteresting to me from the get-go. I went into it with an open mind, and hoped to gain some spiritual insight from it. However, when the book immediately recommended The Purpose-Driving Journal, The Purpose-Driven Calendar, Daily Inspiration for the Purpose-Driven Life, not to mention The Purpose Driven Life DVD Study Guide and The Purpose-Driven Life - Commuter Edition, I began to sense that despite the authors' good intentions the book has become a commercial monster of (dare I say) Biblical proportions, and I couldn't bear to be a part of it. Maybe someday I will calm down and be able to finish it. But I'll have to remember to get myself a leather-bound $15.00 Purpose-Driven Life Deluxe Journal beforehand!!

“What on Earth Am I Here For?”

“10 years ago, Rick Warren wrote The Purpose Driven Life, which became the bestselling hardback non-fiction book in history, and is the second most-translated book in the world, after the Bible. PDL has inspired and changed tens of millions of lives … more than any modern book.

NOW, Rick has updated and expanded the book with new chapters on the greatest barriers to living your purpose, plus 42 video introductions to each chapter theme, and 42 additional audio messages that go deeper into each chapter.

He has also created a new small group curriculum and new sermon series for pastors, and new follow-up events to conserve the evangelistic and discipleship results you will experience.

In the original 40 Days of Purpose campaign, churches averaged 28% growth in attendance, and over 100% growth in small group Bible study! People WANT to know their purpose in life!

The Purpose Driven Life will enable a new generation in your church to discover God’s purposes for their lives and empower your church with a fresh new wind of hope, joy, and vitality!” (From the Zondervan Publishing Company Website)

About the Author:
As founding pastor of Saddleback Church, Dr. Rick Warren leads a 30,000 member congregation in California with campuses in major cities around the world. As a theologian, he has lectured at Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, University of Judaism, and dozens of universities and seminaries. As a global strategist he advises world leaders and has spoken to the United Nations, US Congress, Davos Economic Forum, TED, Aspen Institute, and numerous parliaments. Rick has also founded the global P.E.A.C.E. plan, which Plants churches of reconciliation, Equips leaders, Assists the poor, Cares for the sick, and Educates the next generation in 196 countries.

My Thoughts About the Book: Everyone needs a purpose in life – a reason to get out of bed each morning and live. Rick Warren quotes the famous atheist, Bertrand Russell, at the beginning of his book as stating, “Unless you assume a God, the question of life’s purpose is meaningless.” And then he writes what to many in our self-absorbed, me-first, narcissistic culture today would be the most dreadful words a man could speak or write, “”IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU! The purpose of life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness.” They are true words for a world of people starving for non-relative absolute truth. But then, if it is not about us, who or what is ‘It,” this thing called life, about?

In the revised and improved edition of his book The Purpose Driven Life, (although as life impacting and successful as his first book was for so many people it is hard to believe it could be improved upon); pastor and author Warren answers that question for us as his reader in bold and certain terms. And he does through a “40 day spiritual journey,” although it is more than that to be sure.

In the first section of his author Warren answers the question, “What on earth am I here for?” He then reveals 5 different purposes as to why we are here: (1). “You Were Planned For God’s Pleasure,” (2). “You Were Formed For God’s Family,” (3). “You Were Created To Become Like Christ,” (4). “You Were shaped For Serving God” and finally (5). “You Were Made For A Mission.”

Under each of the 5 sections of the book, the answer to the question in the section is broken down into short chapters full of Biblical insight and truth. Author Warren refers to Biblical passages, shares relevant quotes, reveals practically gained insights from the life experiences of either himself or his family as well as from others, and “A Point To Ponder,” :A Verse To Remember,” “A Question to Consider” and “A Message to Hear.” A short powerful video that reinforces what is written in the book is also available concerning the topic or spiritual discipline of the day.

During the 42 day spiritual journey contained in the book author Warren writes about such vitally important spiritual matters as The Reason For Everything, Worship, The Church (The Family of God); Christlikeness, Temptation, Serving God, Mission, The Envy Trap and the People-Pleaser Trap and much more. He concludes his book with discussion questions and other helpful resources to consider.

The beauty of Rick Warren’s new book is the shortness of the chapters and videos so he does not bore us to tears with unnecessary information or non-relevant facts. No, quite the contrary occurs. He has written each chapter and produced each video with the intent of arresting our attention and keeping our interest – and he succeeds as far as I am concerned. We want to read each short and interesting chapter of the day, watch the video and ponder the point, work on remembering the verse, consider the question and listen to the message with more than just our ears but with our hearts so that we can ultimately find our true purpose in life and live the abundant and totally satisfying life Christ offers us while here on earth. And in the doing so there is no greater joy and peace in life – to know who you are, whose you are and why you are here. I hope you read the book and enjoy it as much as I have.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book at no cost from the BookSneeze Blogger Program/Zondervan Publishing Company for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Reviewed March 31, 2024
Read it for Easter and it was amazing.

Reviewed April 30, 2022
Reminder on my purpose.

Review on April 11, 2021
This is my 6th time re-reading THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE. I try to read this book every year during lent as a reminder of what my purpose in Christ should be, according to Rick Warren there are five purposes to your life:
To love God
To be a part of His family
To become like Him
To Serve Him
To tell others about Him

I love how he reinforces this with scriptures and other materials. I highly recommend this to anyone who is wondering about their purpose here on earth.

Review on May 8, 2020
This is my 5th time re-reading The Purpose Drive Life and I think this time is when it really connected for me. Maybe because I read it out loud, or maybe because while I was re-reading this book I recommitted my life to God, it can be a combination of the two but I was really impacted by this book is a strong way.

In Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I here For? he outlines the five purposes of our life, what we were created by God to do:
To worship Him
To Fellowship with His Family/Church
To grow like Christ in Character
To Serve
To be on mission with God in the world, this Great Commission

I loved that it was broken down in an easy to follow way. I have been listening to Rick Warren for over 5 years, I start my day listening to his Daily Hope podcast so it was great reading this.

If you are wondering about your purpose, if you are searching for reason, if you want to know why you are on earth, I highly recommend reading this book.


Review on April 24th, 2019
This is my fourth time reading this book. I generally read this book during Easter because of the 40 chapters and 40 days during Lent. It is a great reminder on how to find purpose in life. How to make your life not about you and create some form of impact.

Review on March 30th 2018
This is my third time reading this book. I usually read this book at the start of the year or at the start of lent. I think reading a book one chapter a day for forty days requires not only dedication but it forces you to be in the Word of God.

Everyone wants to know their purpose- why am I here on earth? What is my purpose? These are questions that plague me sometimes when I feel so purposeless. I love how easy this book is to read, how we are given various call to actions and questions to ponder on.

You get from this book what you take. Rick Warren doesn't promise you purpose after this book, you need to really work and seek it.

A great read- one of my favorites.

You know what's worse than all those religious types who try to force their beliefs down other people's throats? It's the people who constantly complain about them. The funny thing is that a lot of the time the "radicals" get accused of it simply because they express their beliefs as a statement of themselves, not as conversion propaganda. Lately, if you say "I'm a Christian" then you're automatically trying to forcefully convert anyone within earshot. Granted, I'm mostly basing that on article commentary on CNN.com and a Tool concert I attended around '91 during which I just wanted Maynard to stop whining about the religious and sing.

Anyway, this book is meant for Christians; that much is evident right from the start. I've seen several reviews by people who admittedly aren't, so I'm not sure why they chose to read it then give it a bad review. Then again, maybe that was the point. I can barely call myself one and my skeptical nature makes me a prime target for doubt, but I am still able to see this book for what it is: a common sense, straightforward guide to being a better Christian.

Of course, any theological book whose aim is to make you "better" will cross the lines between fact and opinion. You either agree or you don't, but if you recognize it as opinion then it's easier to put into context. As simple as this book is, I think that if the majority of Christians were to follow the basic premises put forth, there would be a lot less of the lashing out at them that we see today. And, to be fair, it's not as if this book is touting anything exclusive to Christianity. Strip out God and Jesus from its pages, and you still have a good guide to being a better person.

Simply put....there is no worldly method to achieving a closer walk with God. It will take time reading God's Word and praying. There is no short-cut to spirituality. The Purpose Driven Life and other similar series attempt to provide a short-cut and may encourage new believers to think that once they have achieved the twelve steps they can cease striving after God. I gave up on this book half way through and threw it away as I felt as if it was a deception. I have since read many concerning things about the author and his links with ecumenism and new-age....I'm not surprised this book was and is a best seller as it provides an easy Christianity and broad is the road that leads to destruction.

I am concerned that some churches are abandoning Bibles for their studies and studying this book instead. Any book that causes people to take their eyes off God and onto a man made method is a danger. Challies expresses my concerns clearly in this post

http://www.challies.com/articles/rick...

I don't recommend this book.

Rick Warren's book is excellent, but I always have just a bit of a hard time with a man of the clothe telling us we all need to do more for the missions, fellowships, and ministry. I beleive that everyone will have a purpose in life if they put everything they have into following God-. We all can't be missionarys, and don't worry about bills and a job. We all can't be as lucky as the author and give God what he's asking for. If we could then we'd all be ministers, priests and pastors-there would be no reason for any other type of profession or way to make a living. Even though God should always be our first priority, that's not always the case. Because I can't drop everything and go help a third world country doesn't mean I'm not a Christian, and want to do for others. I'm the best person I can possible be without turning into a hardship case of my own. I want to stress-I do for others as much as humanly possible, and I don't want any reader of this book to think their best just isn't good enough. Keep a pure heart and strive to always do better without damaging your self in the process.

EDIT (2021): Wrote this back in 09', at the peak of my goofy and hyperbolic New Atheist phase.

This is a disgusting book. The goal of this book is to make you a slave. Don't take my word for it I'll just read straight from the book: "Worship isn't for you. It's for God p.66, God smiles when we obey him wholeheartedly, You have no right to argue with your Creator. You are merely a clay pot shaped by a potter p.75 " Or the chapters titles "Thinking like a Servant " and "How Real Servants Act".

For me, the most revolting thing about the book came on p.80 and this theme was repeated throughout the book "Surrendered people obey God's word even if it doesn't make sense." A few sentences before that Warren says "God would not waste the mind he gave you. God doesn't want a lot of mindless robots following him." Anyone who doesn't see the clear contradiction between those two sentences is a fool. And Warren put them on the same page.

Warren says it over and over and over again, the purpose of life isn't to learn, or to teach or even to just enjoy life, but to OBEY God. It doesn't matter what your own thoughts are or what you think of yourself, it only matters what the Great Self Appointed Tyrant in the Sky thinks of you and your life. According to this book, your only goal in life is to be forever groveling and praising this God and doing your damnedest to get others to do likewise.

There are some decent lessons in the book but all of them are corrupted by the awful dogma of Warren and his twisted theology. The book is designed to get around your intellect, it even says at some points that thinking and doubting are bad things, and go straight for your weakness and insecurities with an open attempt to try and convince you that you and everything you value are worthless without the Dictator's permission. Only a fool, only someone who WANTS TO BE A SLAVE would get anything out of this book.