I’ve mentioned this book before. I even ranted about it. And now, my church [like every other church in the nation] is using the book for our Lenten Home Groups. We’re reading it, discussing it, having our Lenten Sermon Series on it. This is funny, I’m supposed to preach March 21st, so I am getting a choice on either preaching a “Purpose-Driven” sermon or picking something else…hmm, tough choice. Nonetheless, today, during the sermon entitled “What on Earth Am I Here For?” [which my pastor willingly acknowledged he stole from Warren] I realized that in order for me to be able to fully and more properly rant and criticize the book, I needed to read it. So, took a couple of youth to Wal*Mart (where I find all of the really good theological books in my personal library) to pick up myself a copy of The Purpose Driven Life.
I’ll be adding it to my current Lenten reading. We’ll see how it goes. Of course, I’ll be keeping you updated.
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I’ll be interested to hear your responses. My church is doing “40 Days of Purpose” for Lent (reading the book and processing it in “community conversation” groups). I kinda groaned when I first heard about it - ’cause it felt almost “prayer of jabez” like and I hate that canned Christianity. BUT I think this book is a good tool for a lot of Christians who are in our churches who don’t really “get” a lot of what it means to be a Christian and who need to relearn a lot of basics.
There are definitely a lot of theological differences between Warren and myself (he’s baptist and I’m reformed theologically)… such as his emphasis on rewards in heaven based on good stuff we do here (ick!).
But, it is a good tool. And I kind of like it when I disagree with an author - it makes me think. :)
Happy reading!
Katie