Purpose driven?

[Blueskies]

Shalom

I'm interested in finding out what fellow Messianic Jews think of the whole Purpose Driven life movement. I'd be interested in finding out if anyone else has read it, and what they think. And those who haven't read it, what are your impressions?

I'm more than willing to offer my opinion on the matter. I began reading it and feel that Rick Warren is very "liberal" with scriptural translations and taking passages out of context to prove his point (which even my children know is not wise.) Also, many of the precepts and principles he presents in this book, such as the unity aspects, just for one example, are disturbingly similiar to the new age doctrinal beliefs.

I think most importantly I am disturbed by the fact that this book is taking attention off of the fact that Messiah Yeshua came and died for our sin, he shed his blood as the ultimate blood sacrifice so that we could have eternal life. From what I've seen, that seems to be secondary in Rick Warren's "purpose" for printing this book.

I fully understand that I could be wrong, and am open to hearing the opinions of others.

Baruch ha shem adon Yeshua ha Mashiach.

Blueskies :groupray:

[muffler dragon]

Dear Blueskies:

I have not read the book. My mother has. My mother has also read a few other 'self-help' type of books throughout the years.

Please understand that what I am about to say is my opinion and nothing more than that.

I think that understanding your purpose or finding your place in life is very difficult, anymore, for nominal Christianity. In all honesty, I find the transition to Judaism (Messianic or otherwise) to be very similar to the first Matrix film. Something just doesn't feel right, and there is a drive in some to find the solution. Many will look at various means to satisfy this unsettling situation inside: some read self-help books, some attend seminars, some try a new church a week, some try drugs, some try sex, all the concoctions of potential addiction start from this wandering of meaning.

As my walk is taking me to a greater and deeper walk with G-d, I find that I am becoming dumber, but I am becoming more a child of G-d. My eyes are slowly being taken off of me and my awe continues to become absorbed in G-d. He (G-d Almighty) absolutely blows my mind.

Anyways... that is my little tidbit on it.

I do find that "Purpose Driven Life" is helping a number of people, but I just wonder if it happens to be a spiritual quick fix.

Shalom,

m.d.

[Mary_Magdalene]

FYI: i am not a "true messianic"- just someone who is not labled but i do agree with most messianic viewpoints...

i read some of it. authough i did go into it with a concern as he uses ALOT of bible translations, which i dont feel comfortable with. didnt like the book-the whole "movement" thing is a little scary to me. my church (baptist)has about 2000 people. i was in a bible study and someone asked during a conversation, "well, who hasnt read the PDL?" I said, "I havent". im not kidding....there was an audible gasp in the room followed by numerous questions, ("WHY have you not read it? WHY wouldnt you want to read it? I have an extra copy, do you want it?", etc).... I stopped reading it when i got to a part where Warren was talking about how G-d planned how everyone would come into the world (so if you were the product of a rape, G-d made your mom get raped i guess???)

i also just learned a few days ago that he SELLS sermons online to pastors to preach to their congregations....

just not my cup o' tea..

[Blueskies]

Thanks to those of you who responded. It's a help to know my perceptions were right on with those of other believers. I normally don't require that kind of affirmation, but I was feeling some uncertainty, and it was good to see that I wasn't far off base on this one.

Thanks for your input!

Shalom!