The Impiety of the Purpose Driven Life Examined
G.D.O'Bradovich III
April, 2014
Impiety-lack of piety or reverence, especially for a god
From the above definition, we learn impiety has two meanings-1. a lack of reverence or deep respect for someone and 2. a lack of piety for a god.
The lack of respect for a specific group, “many Christians”, and a vague group, “many people”, will demonstrate in what manner Warren understands people and god.
We propose that the lack of piety for a god has two forms. Impiety that is specific to a certain god and an impiety toward a non specific god. With these innovative definitions for impiety, we can have a more complete understanding of the text.
We will address philosophical truths first, followed by examples of impiety.
The lack of respect for a specific group, “many Christians”, and a vague group, “many people”, will demonstrate in what manner Warren understands people and god.
We propose that the lack of piety for a god has two forms. Impiety that is specific to a certain god and an impiety toward a non specific god. With these innovative definitions for impiety, we can have a more complete understanding of the text.
We will address philosophical truths first, followed by examples of impiety.
Philosophy
The purpose of life has puzzled people for thousands of years because we incorrectly start with ourselves. [21] Philosophy teaches that we look to Nature. People speculate about their purpose [23] and philosophy is an import subject and has its uses [23], but even the wisest philosophers are guessing [23]. The alternative to speculation is not reason, but revelation [24]. Philosophy has no knowledge of revelation since Judaism, Christianity and Islam are revealed religions and Philosophy is incapable of determining which one of the three is true.
"It is not fate, nor chance, nor luck" that your are alive. [26] Philosophy disagrees and states that everything is chance.
""If there was no God, we would all be "accidents', the result of astronomical random chance in the universe. You could stop reading this book, because life would have no purpose or meaning or significance. There would be no right or worn, and no hope beyond your brief years here on earth." [29]. Philosophy agrees.
Philosophers realize that life is temporary and, without an existence after life, this knowledge radically alters their values [53].
Like philosophy, Warren appeals to Nature. Unlike philosophy, Warren does not look for unchanging standards, but to learn about God [56].
Like the Roman Deities, God likes to intervene in human history [88].
It is difficult for philosophers to imagine an intimate friendship with an omnipotent, invisible perfect God [89]
We learn that we must train our minds to remember God [91]. Philosophy agrees that an artificial construct is difficult to remember.
"Worship must ...not be based on our opinions about God." [103]
"God is real, no matter how you feel" [109] and God's "presence is too profound to be measured by mere emotion." [112]
"Remind yourself what you know to be eternally true about God." [113]
Unselfish love is difficult because it is against our nature [125].
Similar to the judgmental Roman Gods, God will kill a person who wastes their time [128].
Philosophy agrees that one discovers our purpose in life through relationships [133].
"Feelings are not always true or logical" [156]
Philosophy agrees that the difference between the ideal and reality can be discouraging [163].
People who believe life should be without struggle will become disillusioned or live in denial or reality [173].
The masses drift through life, have competing values that lead to frustration and mediocrity [180].
"Christianity is not..a philosophy" is a correct statement [183].
Thinking of other people is rare and difficult because it is unnatural [183].
Growth is the process of replacing cultural lies with eternal truths [184].
The masses encounter difficulties because they base their choices on "unreliable authorities"-"everyone is doing it","we've always done it", "it seemed logical" and "it just felt right" [185-186]
"The truth will set you free, but first it may make you miserable!" [190, 218]
"The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge..." [190]
"Accidents are just incidents"[193] because God or a Grand Designer is in charge [194].
The masses should not allow trash into their minds [210].
"There is no correlation between size and significance." [228]
"Serving is the opposite or our natural inclination", because it is unnatural [229]
"We rarely see God's good purpose in pain", but "God know whats best for you, you should gratefully accept." [250]
The difference between prominence and significance is explained to the masses. [260]
We are confident that Warren has a firm grasp of Platonic philosophy and next we will examine if Warren, like Plato, finds the vulgar masses not to his liking.
"It is not fate, nor chance, nor luck" that your are alive. [26] Philosophy disagrees and states that everything is chance.
""If there was no God, we would all be "accidents', the result of astronomical random chance in the universe. You could stop reading this book, because life would have no purpose or meaning or significance. There would be no right or worn, and no hope beyond your brief years here on earth." [29]. Philosophy agrees.
Philosophers realize that life is temporary and, without an existence after life, this knowledge radically alters their values [53].
Like philosophy, Warren appeals to Nature. Unlike philosophy, Warren does not look for unchanging standards, but to learn about God [56].
Like the Roman Deities, God likes to intervene in human history [88].
It is difficult for philosophers to imagine an intimate friendship with an omnipotent, invisible perfect God [89]
We learn that we must train our minds to remember God [91]. Philosophy agrees that an artificial construct is difficult to remember.
"Worship must ...not be based on our opinions about God." [103]
"God is real, no matter how you feel" [109] and God's "presence is too profound to be measured by mere emotion." [112]
"Remind yourself what you know to be eternally true about God." [113]
Unselfish love is difficult because it is against our nature [125].
Similar to the judgmental Roman Gods, God will kill a person who wastes their time [128].
Philosophy agrees that one discovers our purpose in life through relationships [133].
"Feelings are not always true or logical" [156]
Philosophy agrees that the difference between the ideal and reality can be discouraging [163].
People who believe life should be without struggle will become disillusioned or live in denial or reality [173].
The masses drift through life, have competing values that lead to frustration and mediocrity [180].
"Christianity is not..a philosophy" is a correct statement [183].
Thinking of other people is rare and difficult because it is unnatural [183].
Growth is the process of replacing cultural lies with eternal truths [184].
The masses encounter difficulties because they base their choices on "unreliable authorities"-"everyone is doing it","we've always done it", "it seemed logical" and "it just felt right" [185-186]
"The truth will set you free, but first it may make you miserable!" [190, 218]
"The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge..." [190]
"Accidents are just incidents"[193] because God or a Grand Designer is in charge [194].
The masses should not allow trash into their minds [210].
"There is no correlation between size and significance." [228]
"Serving is the opposite or our natural inclination", because it is unnatural [229]
"We rarely see God's good purpose in pain", but "God know whats best for you, you should gratefully accept." [250]
The difference between prominence and significance is explained to the masses. [260]
We are confident that Warren has a firm grasp of Platonic philosophy and next we will examine if Warren, like Plato, finds the vulgar masses not to his liking.
People and Christians
At funerals, most people have "shallow, sentimental thinking, based on ignorance [42]. Philosophy agrees that the masses behave this way.
Most people choose speculation when attempting to determine their purpose [23].
"Many people are driven by guilt" [31]
"Many people are driven by resentment and anger" [32]
"Many people are driven by fear"[32]
"Many people are driven by materialism' [33]
"Many people are driven by the need for approval" [33]
"Most people fail to realize money is a test and a trust" [48]
Warren showed a lack of respect when he jumped on a bed [48]
"Many Christians have betrayed their King" [52].
"Many people" think worship and music are synonymous [67].
"Christians often disagree over the style of music used in worship"[67]
""A common misconception is that "spending time with God" means being alone with him.""[90]
Many people, presumably Christians, equate being moved by music as being moved by the Spirit [104]
Many Christians seem stuck in a worship rut [104].
"The most common mistake Christians make in worship" is to seek an experience. [111]
"Baby Christian" [111]
"We forget the cruel details of the agonizing sacrifice God made on our behalf. Familiarity breeds complacency [114]
Many people believe one can be a Christian without a church [135].
Many people do not understand the difference between trust and forgiveness [144].
"Other believers will disappoint you and let you down." [163]
Christians become disillusioned with the church for many understandable reasons [163]
Many Christians misinterpret Jesus' promise [173].
"Many people think of miraculous demonstrations and intense emotions" when the power of the Holy Spirit is mentioned [174]
Many people assume all that is needed is Bible study and prayer [175-6]
Much confusion in Christian life comes ignoring the truth that God wants to build our character. [176]
Many believers have abandoned living for God's great purposes [177]
"Sadly millions of Christians grow old but never grow up. They are stuck in perpetual spiritual infancy" [179]
"Most people miss God's purpose for their lives." [180]
"Unfortunately, many people never grow beyond" selfish thinking. [182]
Many assume spiritual maturity is measured by the amount of biblical information and doctrine one knows [182]
Millions of believer are plagued with spiritual anorexia [185]
Many who claim to believe the Bible have never read it cover to cover [187].
"Many believers are more faithful to reading their daily newspaper than their Bibles." ]187]
"Many people become bitter, rather than better, and never grow up. [196]
Many Christians are demoralized by tempting thoughts [203]
Many people do not know the difference between physical attraction and lust [204]
Many people feel guilty about their God given hormones [204]
Many people believe a counselor can offer a quick solution to their problems [217]
"People often build their identity around their defects" [218]
Most people misunderstand the word ministry [226].
"Today thousands of local churches are dying because of Christians who are unwilling to serve." [228]
"The last thing many believers need today is to go to another Bible study." [229]
"Christian leaders still jockey for position and prominence in church" [254]
Many people never serve because of fear [257]
"Most people don't know the meaning of commitment" [258]
"Insecure people" are concerned about how they appear [266]
"Many Christians, especially leaders" forget that we are only human [271]
"many misunderstand humility" [273]
"One problem long term Christians have is they forgot" how hopeless life was without Christ [282]"While it is wise to learn from experience, it is wiser to learn form the experiences of others." [289]
doubts fears struggles with God [307]
"Worldly Christians are...self centered" [295]
"Many Christians have missed God's plan" [301]
"Most people struggle with three basic issues in life" [310]
Warren has a low opinion of most Christians and many people.
Biblical Impiety
God looked away from that ugly sight" of the crucifixion [114]
"In the Bible, many different people have expressed the hopelessness" of their being no God [34]
"Adam worshiped in the garden of Eden" [67].
"But fear of God, not friendship, was more common in the Old Testament." [88]
"In the Bible, the friends of God" were "often complaining, second-guessing,accusing and arguing with their Creator." [95]
The book of Psalms is "a worship manual, full of ranting,raving,doubts,fears, resentments and deep passions..." [[96]
"We need more than the Bible to grow." [136]
On the day of Judgement God will say "Sorry, wrong answer. I created, saved, and called you and commanded you to live a life of service. What part did you not understand?" [229-30]
"John the Baptist was eccentric to say the least." [230]
Abraham, Jacob. Joseph, Moses,David "That is a variety of misfits." [230-1]
General Impiety
"God continually tests people's faith...and obedience" [45]
"God constantly watches your response" to situations [46]
God expects "sacrificial love" [135]
God gains pleasure when you enjoy his creation [77]
"God has things he want to teach." [163]
"God intentionally" withdraws his presence [46]
"God is the owner of everything and everyone on earth" [47]
"God ...enjoys watching" people use their talents and abilities [76]
"God even enjoys watching you sleep." [77]
"God admits that sometimes he hides his face from us." [110]
God has "orchestrated history." [88]
God expects complete honesty [94]
"God is love" ]125]
"God waits for you to act first." [174]
"God wants us to love everyone" [125]
"God wants to use you to make a difference in the world." [230]
"Almighty God wants to be your friend." [87]
"God ... is the highest example of sacrificial love." [161]
"God wants you to thank him that he will use your problems to fulfill his purposes. " [196]
"God wants us to value relationships" [153]
"God wants unity, not uniformity." [162]
"God blesses churches that are unified." [167]
"God wants you to love real people, not ideal people." [139]
"God will test" your friendship when you feel "he has abandoned or forgotten you." [110]
"God's ultimate goal for your life...is character development. [172]
God "usually prefers to work through people rather than perform miracles." [176]
"God is a lover and a liberator" [81]
"God teaches us love by putting some unlovely people around us. " [201
"God develops real peace within us.... by allowing times of chaos and confusion." [200] 1 Corinthians 14: 33
"God is more interested in strength and stability than swiftness." [217]
"God is more pleased when we do small things for him out of loving obedience." [98]
"What God looks at is the attitude of your heart" [77]
"God's names are not arbitrary" [106]
How careful one is with their money determines if God can trust one with spiritual blessings [49].
"Creation reveals our Creator's glory. In nature we learn that God is powerful, that he enjoys variety,...is organized...wise and creative." [56-7]
"God's inherent glory is what he possesses because he is God. It is his nature." [57]
"We worship God by enjoying him." [58]
"Bringing enjoyment to God ...is the first purpose of your life" [65]
"The reason God made us with this desire is that he desires worshipers" [66]
"We worship for God's benefit" [68]
"Our motive is to bring glory and pleasure to God" [68]
""God said, "This guy brings me pleasure.""[71]
"Our Creator wants fellowship with us" [72]
"One day God comes to Noah and says" [72]
Noah trusted God and that "made God smile." [73]
"God said..."Make love to your spouse."" [76]
"True worship-bring God pleasure-" [80]
"Have you ever signed a contract like that with God?" [86]
"...don't be surprised when God allows pain in your life." [100]
"This feeling of abandonment ...is a test of faith." [111]
"As children of God we get to share in the family fortune." ]121]
"Our heavenly Father enjoys watching his children get along with each other." ]161]
Being made in "God's image" gives us "great dignity" [171]
We are accountable to God because we know right and wrong. [171]
"Life is a series of problems." [192]
"We can rejoice in knowing that God is going through the pain with us." [198]
Maturation is when"you begin to see the hand of God in the random, baffling, and seemingly pointless circumstances of life." [198]
"Temptation keeps us dependent on God." [206]
Most people choose speculation when attempting to determine their purpose [23].
"Many people are driven by guilt" [31]
"Many people are driven by resentment and anger" [32]
"Many people are driven by fear"[32]
"Many people are driven by materialism' [33]
"Many people are driven by the need for approval" [33]
"Most people fail to realize money is a test and a trust" [48]
Warren showed a lack of respect when he jumped on a bed [48]
"Many Christians have betrayed their King" [52].
"Many people" think worship and music are synonymous [67].
"Christians often disagree over the style of music used in worship"[67]
""A common misconception is that "spending time with God" means being alone with him.""[90]
Many people, presumably Christians, equate being moved by music as being moved by the Spirit [104]
Many Christians seem stuck in a worship rut [104].
"The most common mistake Christians make in worship" is to seek an experience. [111]
"Baby Christian" [111]
"We forget the cruel details of the agonizing sacrifice God made on our behalf. Familiarity breeds complacency [114]
Many people believe one can be a Christian without a church [135].
Many people do not understand the difference between trust and forgiveness [144].
"Other believers will disappoint you and let you down." [163]
Christians become disillusioned with the church for many understandable reasons [163]
Many Christians misinterpret Jesus' promise [173].
"Many people think of miraculous demonstrations and intense emotions" when the power of the Holy Spirit is mentioned [174]
Many people assume all that is needed is Bible study and prayer [175-6]
Much confusion in Christian life comes ignoring the truth that God wants to build our character. [176]
Many believers have abandoned living for God's great purposes [177]
"Sadly millions of Christians grow old but never grow up. They are stuck in perpetual spiritual infancy" [179]
"Most people miss God's purpose for their lives." [180]
"Unfortunately, many people never grow beyond" selfish thinking. [182]
Many assume spiritual maturity is measured by the amount of biblical information and doctrine one knows [182]
Millions of believer are plagued with spiritual anorexia [185]
Many who claim to believe the Bible have never read it cover to cover [187].
"Many believers are more faithful to reading their daily newspaper than their Bibles." ]187]
"Many people become bitter, rather than better, and never grow up. [196]
Many Christians are demoralized by tempting thoughts [203]
Many people do not know the difference between physical attraction and lust [204]
Many people feel guilty about their God given hormones [204]
Many people believe a counselor can offer a quick solution to their problems [217]
"People often build their identity around their defects" [218]
Most people misunderstand the word ministry [226].
"Today thousands of local churches are dying because of Christians who are unwilling to serve." [228]
"The last thing many believers need today is to go to another Bible study." [229]
"Christian leaders still jockey for position and prominence in church" [254]
Many people never serve because of fear [257]
"Most people don't know the meaning of commitment" [258]
"Insecure people" are concerned about how they appear [266]
"Many Christians, especially leaders" forget that we are only human [271]
"many misunderstand humility" [273]
"One problem long term Christians have is they forgot" how hopeless life was without Christ [282]"While it is wise to learn from experience, it is wiser to learn form the experiences of others." [289]
doubts fears struggles with God [307]
"Worldly Christians are...self centered" [295]
"Many Christians have missed God's plan" [301]
"Most people struggle with three basic issues in life" [310]
Warren has a low opinion of most Christians and many people.
Biblical Impiety
God looked away from that ugly sight" of the crucifixion [114]
"In the Bible, many different people have expressed the hopelessness" of their being no God [34]
"Adam worshiped in the garden of Eden" [67].
"But fear of God, not friendship, was more common in the Old Testament." [88]
"In the Bible, the friends of God" were "often complaining, second-guessing,accusing and arguing with their Creator." [95]
The book of Psalms is "a worship manual, full of ranting,raving,doubts,fears, resentments and deep passions..." [[96]
"We need more than the Bible to grow." [136]
On the day of Judgement God will say "Sorry, wrong answer. I created, saved, and called you and commanded you to live a life of service. What part did you not understand?" [229-30]
"John the Baptist was eccentric to say the least." [230]
Abraham, Jacob. Joseph, Moses,David "That is a variety of misfits." [230-1]
General Impiety
"God continually tests people's faith...and obedience" [45]
"God constantly watches your response" to situations [46]
God expects "sacrificial love" [135]
God gains pleasure when you enjoy his creation [77]
"God has things he want to teach." [163]
"God intentionally" withdraws his presence [46]
"God is the owner of everything and everyone on earth" [47]
"God ...enjoys watching" people use their talents and abilities [76]
"God even enjoys watching you sleep." [77]
"God admits that sometimes he hides his face from us." [110]
God has "orchestrated history." [88]
God expects complete honesty [94]
"God is love" ]125]
"God waits for you to act first." [174]
"God wants us to love everyone" [125]
"God wants to use you to make a difference in the world." [230]
"Almighty God wants to be your friend." [87]
"God ... is the highest example of sacrificial love." [161]
"God wants you to thank him that he will use your problems to fulfill his purposes. " [196]
"God wants us to value relationships" [153]
"God wants unity, not uniformity." [162]
"God blesses churches that are unified." [167]
"God wants you to love real people, not ideal people." [139]
"God will test" your friendship when you feel "he has abandoned or forgotten you." [110]
"God's ultimate goal for your life...is character development. [172]
God "usually prefers to work through people rather than perform miracles." [176]
"God is a lover and a liberator" [81]
"God teaches us love by putting some unlovely people around us. " [201
"God develops real peace within us.... by allowing times of chaos and confusion." [200] 1 Corinthians 14: 33
"God is more interested in strength and stability than swiftness." [217]
"God is more pleased when we do small things for him out of loving obedience." [98]
"What God looks at is the attitude of your heart" [77]
"God's names are not arbitrary" [106]
How careful one is with their money determines if God can trust one with spiritual blessings [49].
"Creation reveals our Creator's glory. In nature we learn that God is powerful, that he enjoys variety,...is organized...wise and creative." [56-7]
"God's inherent glory is what he possesses because he is God. It is his nature." [57]
"We worship God by enjoying him." [58]
"Bringing enjoyment to God ...is the first purpose of your life" [65]
"The reason God made us with this desire is that he desires worshipers" [66]
"We worship for God's benefit" [68]
"Our motive is to bring glory and pleasure to God" [68]
""God said, "This guy brings me pleasure.""[71]
"Our Creator wants fellowship with us" [72]
"One day God comes to Noah and says" [72]
Noah trusted God and that "made God smile." [73]
"God said..."Make love to your spouse."" [76]
"True worship-bring God pleasure-" [80]
"Have you ever signed a contract like that with God?" [86]
"...don't be surprised when God allows pain in your life." [100]
"This feeling of abandonment ...is a test of faith." [111]
"As children of God we get to share in the family fortune." ]121]
"Our heavenly Father enjoys watching his children get along with each other." ]161]
Being made in "God's image" gives us "great dignity" [171]
We are accountable to God because we know right and wrong. [171]
"Life is a series of problems." [192]
"We can rejoice in knowing that God is going through the pain with us." [198]
Maturation is when"you begin to see the hand of God in the random, baffling, and seemingly pointless circumstances of life." [198]
"Temptation keeps us dependent on God." [206]
Similar to Plato's Republic, The Purpose Driven Church is full of ideas and thought provoking concepts. The impiety in the Republic is not clearly stated, only implied, but it is present.
With over 30 million copies sold, the masses have taken to The Purpose Driven Church.
Addendum
Life is a struggle...our struggle, like jacob...struggle with god...that struggle 81 PHILOLOGY
Joshua surrendered...surrender...surrender...surrender. ..surrendered...surrender...surrender..surrendered people 84
judement day god’s 4 questions 316
Many people are driven by guilt, resentment and anger, fear, materialism, need for approval 31-33
With over 30 million copies sold, the masses have taken to The Purpose Driven Church.
Addendum
Life is a struggle...our struggle, like jacob...struggle with god...that struggle 81 PHILOLOGY
Joshua surrendered...surrender...surrender...surrender. ..surrendered...surrender...surrender..surrendered people 84
judement day god’s 4 questions 316
Many people are driven by guilt, resentment and anger, fear, materialism, need for approval 31-33