Christians...What is all the controversy about the book The Purpose Driven Life?

Question

I have found that most Christians have a problem with this book and the author itself. Thanks!

Answer 1

Our biggest concern with The Purpose-Driven Life is that although it frequently references the Bible, it often does so inaccurately.

To be sure, Warren’s initial claim sounds great: “The best way to explain God’s purpose for your life is to allow the Scripture to speak for itself, so in this book the Bible is quoted extensively” (p. 11). Further examination, however, reveals that The Purpose-Driven Life repeatedly quotes the Bible in an overly casual way. With no less than fifteen different Bible translations and paraphrases, Warren offers proof-texts for much of his discussion, usually without any exegetical or contextual support.

In addition to an overly casual approach to Scripture, The Purpose-Driven Life also offers its readers an incomplete theological framework. This is somewhat surprising in an evangelical explanation of the overarching purpose of life. After all, in order for our purpose to truly be biblical, it should reflect the full extent of biblical teaching.

Third, it seems that some readers of The Purpose-Driven Life have promoted the book to a position of prominence that should only be reserved for Scripture.

Yet, in spite of its broad premise, The Purpose-Driven Life seems theologically lopsided—downplaying certain themes in Scripture (such as God’s wrath) while extensively emphasizing others (such as God’s love). As a result, the importance of doctrine itself is minimized, while certain key areas of biblical teaching seem seriously shortchanged.

Again we stress: The Purpose-Driven Life is not outright heresy. In fact, it highlights many biblical concepts, such as the importance of worship, fellowship, spiritual growth, spiritual service, and evangelism. That’s why so many people love the book.

At the same time, its approach seems to be typical of contemporary evangelical trends—fluffy, feel-good, and watered-down. In our opinion, its treatment of Scripture is too casual, its doctrinal framework is too shallow, its self-made promises are too lofty, and its relationship to other market-driven products is too close to be ignored. Thus, in light of its shortcomings, we believe The Purpose-Driven Life should be read discerningly.

Answer 2

The Purpose Of Life Book

Answer 3

I believe the controversy is not amongst "Christians" but against society rejecting religious involvement in anything.

If it wasn't driven by scripture (which true Christians believe) and didn't bring up Christ's life, I don't believe it would be a problem.

Different versions of the Bible (NLT, KJV, NIV, NSAB, etc.) have different verses so to some who may only read a Catholic Bible or the KJV, tney may not agree with what the author says.

Answer 4

From Wikipedia, so take it with a grain of salt:
A variety of controversy has arisen regarding whether the Purpose Driven materials are in accordance with Biblical teaching. Common themes of the criticism attracted by the Purpose Driven Movement and its publications include:

Abuse of scripture: Rick Warren appears to cherry-pick translations of verses from various different versions of the Bible in order to support a point he is trying to make, which may not be in keeping with the original intention of the scripture.[2]
A focus on the individual: Warren's book The Purpose Driven Life does not give adequate emphasis on what some see as the Church's collective responsibilities, focusing instead on the desires and responsibilities of individual people, presenting the Gospel in a deceptively modern and appealing light.[3]
Market-driven mentality: This individualist message seems designed to appeal to non-Christians who may be interested in becoming Christian "Seekers". This Seeker-driven emphasis may be motivated more by church desire for increased congregation size, leading to increased tithe revenue. Warren's book The Purpose Driven Church suggests that pastors should know what their "customers" want, using an allegory of fishing (different bait for different fish!)[citation needed]. This is in stark contrast to the teachings of the Bible[citation needed].
Brand marketing: Not only does the book appear to be designed to be a best-seller, but a large range of Purpose Driven branded goods are available, many of which appear to have no spiritual value and to exist only to make money from the Purpose Driven brand.[4] [5]
Dangerous spiritual practices: Warren advocates prayer methods seen by some as dangerous or occultist.[6]

Answer 5

Some people think the book focuses too much on finding "your" purpose, instead of God's purpose. They believe the author, Rick Warren, missed the real point.

Most Christians are not against the book.

Answer 6

Hmm, interesting... I hadn't heard of any controversy over Rick Warren and his book, "The Purpose Driven Life."
I did one quick online search and found various references. I'll have to read more on this but below is just one site that seems to sum up some of the issues ... that his theology is too New Agey? etc...

Answer 7

I don't much care for a Pastor who establishes his church based on a survey taken in the surrounding neighborhoods, asking what people want in their local church.

That is like a Dr. asking me how I want my brain surgery done. I would ask for no incision, no blood, no pain and little to no healing time, with perfect results, wouldn't I? Well, that is not possible.

A church is a hospital for sick souls, needing a Savior in Jesus, our Christ. It is not a building with the latest and greatest electronics, sound system, youth leaders, heavenly prayer rooms, or whatever a person thinks would be ideal in a church. Those are not necessarily bad, but when the emphasis is on these things and Jesus is lost in the midst of it all, then it is not good.

No. A church is not a building. It is a body of believers who are united in their submission and desire to follow Jesus and only Him. Jesus' example and God's Word through our Holy Bible spells out very clearly the role of the church and its appointed leaders. Asking sinners in need of a Savior to override that already existing model is insane and leaves too much room for the enemy (Satan) to inch his way in and plant himself firmly in the center!

I also did not care when I read a transcript of Mr. Warren boasting about how he and his wife "tithe more than 10%." I will have to search this out, but I remember it being quite haughty and almost insulting. Rather Pharisee like as though he were waving his tassels all around pronouncing himself to be "such a good Christian."

Answer 8

Part of the controversy is that some people see it as just inspirational and not spiritual. He uses good business "truths" or practices. Many do not agree with his style of ministering to people. He is very general in what he believes and conservative Christians think he has sacrificed standards and doctrines to have a big church where everyone feels good about themselves. I can't say I'm too crazy about him either but I am not God and therefore cannot judge his motives nor his tactics.

Answer 9

I had a friend recommend it before I knew much about Christianity, and I read a third of it, and said to her: "This book just says how you should live your life for God." and she's all "Yeah?" Like "What's your point." And I asked "Is this what Christianity is really all about, i thought it was about loving your neighbour."

But I don't see why Christians would have a problem with it, but man was it a snoozer.

Answer 10

I have not heard any controversy over this book. Just some reluctance to use it as a model of how all churches should be ran. No one likes a cookie cutter formula. However, Rick Warrens book stays within the Biblical context because it's design is to hold each other accountable to doing acts of love in Jesus name.