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A Critique of "The Purpose Driven Life"
By Rick Warren

Critique by Pastor Joe Fisher

Let me begin by saying my intent in critiquing this book is solely to try and find out how LCMS pastors are able to use it in small group studies, bible classes, mission starts and the like. I did not come to this book with a mind so open that my brain leaked out. I am coming to this book with basic Lutheran presuppositions, of Grace alone, Faith alone, Scripture alone and Christ alone, with these presuppositions as my filter I will seek to give an honest critique.

At first the Rick Warren series of books didn't concern me much as I saw them as the newest reformed fad, in the rich historical tradition of Altar calls, "The Left Behind" series, "The Prayer of Jabez" and the "WWJD?" stuff. Yet Warren's books, The Purpose Driven Church and The Purpose Driven Life don't seem to be loosing their steam, rather they are gaining acceptance throughout the Christian church. Among those who are seeking to find their true "purpose in life" are many members of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, strangely often at the request of their well trained pastors. Men faithfully instructed in the proper understanding of Law and Gospel, the efficacy of the Means of Grace, and proper hermeneutical principles. This is indeed something that is troubling, since Warren does not have a proper understanding of the necessity of the Means of Grace, Baptism, the Lord's Supper and though quoted frequently (often out of context) the Word of God. Warren also has an incorrect view of the total depravity of man, a clear confusion of dividing God's Law and Gospel, and misunderstanding of Justification and Sanctification. Knowing this I feel compelled to do what I have been urging the members of Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church to do since arriving in 1994, that is to be like the Bereans, Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. [1] And as a Lutheran to continue confessing the faith as the Formula of Concord states, "Our intention was only to have a single, universally accepted, certain, and common form of doctrine which all our Evangelical churches subscribe and from which and according to which, because it is drawn from the Word of God, all other writings are to be approved and accepted, judged and regulated.[2]" Let us now see if what Rev. Warren has said can be approved and accepted.

Upon careful study of this book it is clear that Rev. Warren is a gifted author and I am sure a well intentioned man, he has some helpful insights and practical advice, he emphasizes the uniqueness of each and every one of us, and that God has gifted each of us differently. However, he is, simply and plainly put another in a long list of Semi - Pelagians (man co-operates with God in his conversion), I sight Warren's views on conversion (the believers prayer, if said properly that is with conviction you are saved), yet scripture states, John 15: 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit?fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.[3], and Baptism (merely an ordnance that we do because God said so), however Scripture states in Acts 2:38-39 Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children.[4].

My first red flag rose when Rev. Warren begins his book by telling us in his dedication page that before you were born God planned for you to have Rick's book in your hand. It seems to me that he has declared himself as a modern messiah to the Church as this book was pre-ordained, either that or Rev. Warren believes that man has no free will, that is that God is the great puppet master in the sky, making us do all that we do. I also find it interesting that Rev. Warren seems to be quite the marketing guru spending the end of the introduction and appendix 2 marketing his purpose drive stuff, calendars, journals etc... St. Paul speaks to this in 2 Cor. 2:17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God. [5]

Rev. Warren states at the beginning of day one of his forty day journey that "It All Starts with God" and while this is true he seems to forget that all the stuff in the middle and the end is with God also, John 15: 5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.[6] Warren seems to find away for man to be added back into God plan of salvation. If man could have been actively involved in his salvation Jesus did not need to die. Sad to say this is the age old story, it began in the Garden of Eden it sounded so sweet that Adam and Eve that both rejected God so they could be like Him, and we all know how that worked out. This age old lie still scratches our itching ears leading us to think that we can be like God, or at least to believe that we are not really in that bad of spiritual shape, and that we can assist God, Is. 55: 8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. 9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.[7]

Rev. Warren states on day 9 (pages 69-76) in answer to what makes God smiles, God smiles when we love him supremely, trust him completely, obey him wholeheartedly, praise and thank him continually and use our abilities. If this is true then God never smiles, because if I could do any of those things perfectly as God demands Jesus didn't need to die for all my sins. Our Lord says, Matt. 9: 12 On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."[8] We Lutherans confess, By nature I am spiritually blind, dead, and an enemy of God, as the Scriptures teach; therefore, "I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him."[9]

Rev. Warren also is confused on what is worship; he says worship is what I do for God, but we Lutherans know that worship is where God serves us. The Sanctuary is not a gymnasium where we come to work out our awesome faith, but rather a hospital where God's children come to be washed, nourished, and healed by God through his means, Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and the Holy Word of God.

On day 21 Warren writes "Focus on what we have in common, not our differences." He than adds "We must remember that it was God who chose to give us different personalities, backgrounds, races and preferences, so we should value and enjoy those differences, not merely tolerate them. God wants unity, not uniformity. But for unity's sake we must never let differences divide us." Why is it that we have these differences? Why are our languages divided? Why is not everyone a Christian? The answer is sin, God divided the people to prevent them form perfecting their sin, Gen. 11:6-9 6 The LORD said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other." 8 So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel-because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth. [10] If we are not to be concerned with our differences than was it wrong of the Lord to rebuke the Pharisees and the Sadducees and call them a brood of vipers? Was it wrong of the Lord to cast out the money changers from the temple? Was it wrong for the Lord to say to Peter, get behind me Satan? Was it wrong for Jesus to tell us that if our brothers sins against us we should go to him and show him his fault, to the point of bringing it to the Church if necessary? Or even our Lord warning to be on guard, Matt. 7:15-16 Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.[11] Is St. Paul?s incorrect when he says Romans 16: 17 -18 17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.[12]

Rev. Warren show a propensity to use Bible translation that say what he would like to say rather than being concerned with what the text actually says, this also is a red flag and a concern for any pastor who is trying to faithfully shepherd the flock. We could spend the next 40 days going over the translation problems in this book, the theological concerns and the like, but that would be poor stewardship of our time. St. Paul through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost tells us in his letter to young Pastor Timothy, 1 Tim. 2: 1-6 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone? 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men?the testimony given in its proper time.[13]

So I will conclude with the Word of God, as St. Paul says in, Acts 20:25-32 25 "Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. 26 Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. 28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. 32 "Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. [14] Your purpose in life is to be God's child one justified and sanctified in Christ Jesus the Lord alone.

Rev. Joseph Fisher
Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church
Home: revjfisher@charter.net
Work: revjfisher@nconnect.net

[1]The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

[2]Tappert, T. G. (2000, c1959). The book of concord : The confessions of the evangelical Lutheran church (The Formula of Concord: 2, 9). Philadelphia: Fortress Press.

[3]The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

[4]The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

[5]The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

[6]The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

[7]The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

[8]The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

[9]Luther, Martin, Luther's Small Catechism with Explanation, (Saint Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House) 1998 c1986.

[10]The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

[11]The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

[12]The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

[13]The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

[14]The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.