Thursday, July 20, 2006

Pondering the Purpose Driven Life

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (New International Version)

A few years ago, my church participated in the Purpose Driven Life study, and I don't remember the scriptural soundness of the book coming into question. I'm sure if there had been any doubt, my pastor would have declined to participate. However, I find myself in agreement with a few of the dissenting opinions I've read, which has me wondering why some of these issues weren't addressed during our 40 Days of Purpose. And I'm curious. Have you or your church participated in the study? Were any of these issues addressed by your pastor? What's your opinion of the study or of the dissentors?

Please share your thoughts.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I to have heard alot of mixed opinions about 40 days. I think you take from it is ment for you. It was written by a human and since none of us are perfect...well neither are our opinions, writing and/or beliefs. I always pray for a decerning spirit regarding this type of stuff.

Barb said...

I haven't read this book, Brenda. But I just used your link to read the dissenting opinions and it's made me curious. Mandy has read it so I think I may borrow her copy. I'll get back to you on it. I'm almost glad I read the dissenting opinions first - I'm sure I'll read the book in a different light than I would have had I just picked it up and started reading. Very interesting.

Paulette said...

Brenda, My church has done this study however my Pastor added alot to it as well, and also I have personally have done an all woman Bible study with it, I found there to be alot of validating points in this book, and for my own self I did find alot of one man's views,yet felt he is very God led, What I did was used the analogy, you can eat the fish but make sure you spit out the bones.It is an easy read, read it hen make your decision with trusted counsel before you decide to teach it.
Honestly I trust my Pastor and his position and I cant imagine him leading us astray. I got alot out of it.I think too it is a personal opinion and our beliefs. Ill pray for you and this.

Grafted Branch said...

Interesting link, Brenda, thanks for posting that.

I haven't read this book myself, but I do have friends that did the church study with it last year. They came away feeling very spiritual...for a few minutes.

I'm suspect of anything that helps me put my eyes squarely on myself; I'm quite capable of that indulgence all by myself. Ugh.

Having not read and studied His Word COVER to COVER yet, I try to stick with It and other historical and cultural/religious helps.

Melanie @ This Ain't New York said...

Thanks for the post. I haven't read it, mainly because I am always cautious about things that become so popular. I didn't even see The Passion for my own reasons. Thank you for reminding me to think and listen to what God is saying, not what man says. I am actually more interested in reading Purpose Driven now and then weighing the facts. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I haven't read it and none of the churches we've worshipped with have made it a part of their ministry. I read the objections to it almost as soon as the book came out and I tend to agree with those on the fringe. LOL

As a general rule, I steer clear of the modern "Christian" publications, Max Lucado included. I just don't trust them. I don't know. Call me crazy or too judgemental....but my parents bookshelves have always been lined with the "latest greatest Christian living book" and they got divorced last year after 24 yrs of marraige and after living some of the most hypocritical lives. They prayed the Prayer of Jabez every day and studied the Purpose Driven Life...and then got divorced. Go figure.

I wonder if they had just studied God's Word together and prayed together every day if they would still be married???

Boy...I'm grinding an ax aren't I! Thanks for letting me vent on your blog!

Great blog by the way - I'll be back!

Dawn said...

I spent many months doing the 40 days by myself, also using the journal that accompanies it. I didn't find anything objectionable, but maybe I'm just not deep enough! I did enjoy journaling as I went along.

Dawn said...

I spent many months doing the 40 days by myself, also using the journal that accompanies it. I didn't find anything objectionable, but maybe I'm just not deep enough! I did enjoy journaling as I went along.

Dawn said...

I spent many months doing the 40 days by myself, also using the journal that accompanies it. I didn't find anything objectionable, but maybe I'm just not deep enough! I did enjoy journaling as I went along.

Nancy Murphree Davis said...

I'm glad you provided that link. Interesting. My previous church (before we moved) did the study, and our Sunday school class was participating, but for some reason, I don't think I got past day ten or so. I don't really remember anything I learned; it sounds like that may be a good thing considering the comments. :)