"You discover your identity and purpose through a relationship with Jesus Christ. If you don't have such a relationship, I will later explain how to begin one."
Given the above statement, and given the fact that churches world-wide have done The PDL congregation wide, I would assume that it is written to the believer and unbeliever.
Regards,
This was one of those things you realize right after you post it. Argh. Of course our church did the PDL thing, too. That's what I get for trying to do too much at the same time.
And then I found the jacket cover for this book which made my "argh" all the larger. The back of the book has recommendations from Billy Graham, Bruce Wilkinson, Lee Strobel and Max Lucado, all Christian men. It was one of those "Doh!" times.
When I wrote that I was apparently thinking only of some the folks I know who have benefited from this book, as I know people who gave their life to the Lord in our Bible study group while reading the PDL book. I also know Christians who have benefited from this book.
Getting back to your questions:
Is The PDL a guide to a 40 day Spiritual Journey? What is a Spiritual Journey?
I think those are good thought-provoking questions but I'm not sure if most of those reading the book would ask such questions. The non-Christian could be seeking spiritual answers, read the above and think that in the book he may find for what he's looking. Some Christians reading the book may not have a deep spiritual relationship with God, read the above and think that in reading the PDL it also might have something he needs.
I can say that from personal experience. My nephew Tim gave his life to the Lord while we were going through the PDL. Tim said he never heard it put that way. Something he read in the PDL reached his heart, he gave his life to the Lord that night and was baptized with his wife a couple of weeks later. Now Tim is growing spiritually. For me one of the greatest miracles in life happens when somebody gives their life to the Lord, especially when it happens right in front of you.
As I see it, the questions you asked would only have significance to certain people but certainly not everyone. I hope I'm being clear in why I don't have a problem with Warren talking about a a 40 day Spiritual Journey. Can you understand from where I'm coming?
As an aside: I've read more of Rick Warren's recent activities and from all appearances he seems to be heading in the wrong direction.