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Original poster

Christian books - The Purpose Driven Life

75 replies

oxocube · 14/01/2011 20:32

PositiveAttitude, I love it

Am on day 6 as am taking it one day at a time as you (and the author!) suggested and giving a lot of thought to the questions and discussion points it throws up.

I am going through a very difficult time at the moment but am really encouraged by this book. Thanks so much

Anyone else reading this or would like to re-read and share their thoughts as we work through it?

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YorkshireCrockpot · 15/01/2011 01:21

Just ordered this from amazon today- looks really good and can't wait to read it. Need some encouragement too oxocube, had a hard year, chin up though

Original poster

oxocube · 15/01/2011 07:18

Oh good, YorkshireCrockpot, maybe we could start a discussion when you get your copy

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MrsCadwallader · 15/01/2011 07:54

Hi Oxo, I'd be interested to read it too, but not sure I've got time to do it justice at the moment. I gather it's some kind of 'programme' to follow? Could you give me any more info?

I'll have a look at it on Amazon later (when I've got time...... )

Original poster

oxocube · 15/01/2011 08:04

Hi MrsC, yes its a 40 day 'programme'. You read a short chapter every day which focuses on (as far as I can see as I'm only on day 6!) our purpose for being on earth and our relationship with God. The author relies heavily on scripture to back up his beliefs and at the end of every 'day', there are a few questions or reflections and discussion points.

I was given the book by a lovely mumsnetter (thanks PA :)) who said her whole church studied it at the same time but I guess its more commonly used at a Bible study group. The book was mentioned on the Alpha thread and a few people seem to have read and found it useful

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smellsofsick · 15/01/2011 08:05

I've read it and got a lot out of it. Be glad to join in on any discussions. Really hope you both get a lot of encouragement from it and get all inspired and stuff!

ilovemyhens · 15/01/2011 09:14

Hmm, my dh reads this, but it doesn't seem to be doing much for him

MyrrhyBS · 15/01/2011 10:11

Am interested in this - does it have a particular theological standpoint? For example on Penal Substitionary Atonement? (Christ dying on the cross as a substitute for sinners)

madhairday · 15/01/2011 11:18

I've done this a few times. Can't remember though Mary about the atonement theory in it tbh, think it's more pratical daily living than theology as such, will have to dig it out and have a look again, will also be happy to discuss :)

MyrrhyBS · 15/01/2011 18:00

I've downloaded the first chapter (FOC) to my Kindle to check it out - you can try without buying that way! :)

Original poster

oxocube · 15/01/2011 18:27

How cool! Let us know what you think Mary :)
Am off to read day 7 now!!

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practicallyimperfect · 16/01/2011 17:35

I might do that too Mary. I have read mostly good reviews although there a couple of negatives on amazon.

Does anyone have any good.suggestions for a book/commentary on Ruth?

jaffacakeaddict · 16/01/2011 18:18

Has anyone read the E100 handbook? Our church is doing the E100 bible reading challenge, which involves everyone taking part reading a list of passages from the bible over a period of time. The book accompanies the list of readings and I've ordered it from Amazon. The book should arrive in about a week. Just wondered if anyone else had read it.

newlark · 17/01/2011 08:09

I've just downloaded the free sample from Amazon too so starting with Day 1 today. It does have mixed reviews on Amazon but I'll try to read with an open mind. From the reviews I think I'll want to read it with my bible open to look at the context of the quotes he uses as some of the criticisms were of the way he has used bits of quotes from different translations to make the point he wants.

PositiveAttitude · 17/01/2011 08:25

Only just stumbled on this thread. Waaaaaay Oxo!!! You can stop thanking me, you know, I get the message!

Practicallyimperfect - Not seen any good commentaries on Ruth, but absolutely looooove Ruth, so would be interested if you find a good one.

Jaffa - E100 sounds interesting too. I will go and investigate. Let me know how it goes.

happy reading everyone.

MyrrhyBS · 17/01/2011 08:27

I did day 1 last night, am prepared to wait to see if it gets better, but I found it contained a lot of American jargon and also had a talent for stating the obvious .

PositiveAttitude · 17/01/2011 08:30

Jaffa, Amazon hasn't got the E100, but looked on the website and it looks good. Does the book give a commentary, or just the Bible passages?

madhairday · 17/01/2011 14:05

I remember my dh saying the same, Mary if you can get past that you may find it v helpful, then again different things work for different people, and that's fine. :)

Original poster

oxocube · 17/01/2011 14:40

Well the author is a Californian evangelist so I guess it's to be expected

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MyrrhyBS · 17/01/2011 16:13

I'll continue as long as the "free" bit lasts. I do use Ignatian spirituality to achieve the same sense of experiencing God in my life, and that works really well. I can recommend this book:

Ignatian Spirituality for Every Day Living. There are other books, but this is a great book to get started with!

weegiemum · 17/01/2011 16:15

I'm a CHristian - this book drove me insane!

YorkshireCrockpot · 17/01/2011 21:00

Well my copy has been dispatched so I shall wait and see if it helps me.

amerryscot · 17/01/2011 21:23

I bought this book several years ago and made it through the first chapter. The author seemed to do the typical American thing of claiming copyright for things that people have been doing for centuries.

YorkshireCrockpot · 20/01/2011 13:36

Just read day 1, it is a bit American but I think this book will help me greatly. Oxocube how are you finding it?

MyrrhyBS · 23/01/2011 15:07

I have to say, I won't be buying this. Its really not for me.

Original poster

oxocube · 23/01/2011 16:17

I like it!! My church is an international English speaking church which I suppose I would describe as Evangelical. I don't have a problem with the American flavour and some parts of the book are really inspiring me.

I am on day/chapter 16 at the moment and am reading about love and service - how showing your love for God and for other people means giving them your time. We can always make more money but we can never make more time so by giving this gift we are giving something of ourselves which we can never get back.

The book has prompted me to look up many references in my Bible or online and try to understand them better. Everyone is different, horses for courses and all that

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