Those are bold claims! Is The PDL a guide to a 40 day Spiritual Journey? What is a Spiritual Journey? And given the boldness of Warren's above-referenced claim, should it contain any bad examples? Shouldn't it be held to a higher standard due to the fact that Warren claims that it is more than just a book?
And yes...there is theological significance. Should we be attributing facts to God about how He relates to us, and how he works in saving and sanctifying us, that are innaccurate?
Before Warren makes that statement, he states that "The Bible is clear that God considers 40 days a spiritually significant time period. Whenever God wanted to prepare someone for his purposes, he took 40 days:"
As you said, you are all about context. Is the context accurate here?
Warren says that "Noah's life was transformed by 40 days of rain." Wait a minute! Warren just said that whenever (which means always, btw) God wanted to prepare someone for his purposes, he took 40 days. How and why does Warren change from preparing someone to transforming someone?
What is the context here...preparation or transformation?
So in the example of Noah, how was Noah individually prepared and/or transformed by the 40 days and nights of rain?
Also, Noah and his family were on the ark for a year. The 40 days reference more relates to the time it took for the rain and waters to cover to the highest peaks, which was a time of judgement (not preparartion or transformation). How does the Bible say tha Noah was prepared or transformed in the 40 days of rain?
The other examples listed are similar in nature to this one...out of context (Jesus wasn't empowered in the desert, He was tempted).
And Warren has previously claimed that The PDL has been read by the Whitehouse, a Cuban dictator, professional sports teams, NASCAR teams, and tens of millions more...Given that it is not just a book, but a Spiritual Journey; How many testimonies have you heard to the fact that: all the pieces of life fit together, stress is reduced, decisions are simplified, satisfaction is increased and eternity is prepared?
More importantly, how many testimonies have you heard that stated that after reading The PDL that the person is no longer conformed to the pattern of this world but transformed by the renewing of their mind able to test and approve what God's will is-his good and pleasing will?
That is the content and transformation of Romans 12:2.
The greek text related to Romans 12:2 includes the words "Do not be conform any longer to the pattern of this world"...Don't you think that this is an important part of the verse that the NLT leaves out?
This is more than style related...this has doctrinal and theological implications.
Since the text you provided goes back to the first page of The Purpose Driven Life where Warren lays the foundation for his book, it's really best we start there or we'll probably talk right past each other as so often happens on these threads.
Also, I think it's important to read the statement of faith at Warren's church. You can read it here. I've pointed that link out to others who share your concerns and as best I could tell, they believed it was solid. Please check it out and see for yourself.
Those are bold claims! Is The PDL a guide to a 40 day Spiritual Journey? What is a Spiritual Journey?
When studying Scripture it's imperative to undererstand the culture of the times, the audience, it's history, etc. The Bible studies I lead help the students to better understand the text by understanding the times, culture, customs and audience to whom the text was written. In the same way we need to realize the times, culture and audience to whom Warren is writing.
We're living in those times and culture, but who is Warren's target audience? If his target is the unsaved, the non-Christian, the unchurched, the unregenerate as it seems to be, would that audience critique his book with such questions? I don't believe so and that may be where we differ.
This is part of what I mean by style. Before we move on, and we will cover each point you listed in the post to which I'm responding, let's try to come to some agreement as to Warren's audience. To whom do you think Warren is writing?