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Deceived on Purpose: The New Age Implications of the Purpose-Driven Church by Warren Smith (19-Oct-2006) Paperback
Christian author Warren Smith’s book Deceived on Purpose warns about the serious implications of Pastor Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life. Smith takes the reader into the inner working of today’s evangelical world as he explains the questionable interconnections of Christian and New Age leaders, and the possibility of Rick Warren’s Peace Plan merging with the New Age Peace Plan. Smith contends that New Age sympathizer Robert Schuller has had a great influence on Rick Warren’s teachings and that Schuller’s influence can be found in Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life. Smith was a former New Age follower and he draws from his knowledge of the New Age subculture that is being subtly weaved into the Christian culture.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 1, 2016
“These were more noble…, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”(Acts 17:11)
Some say Christianity must change to survive. Is that a good thing? How subtle is it? What does that change look like? Where did it come from? Who is promoting it? Should we be worried? Can we guard against any harmful change?
This book deals with the subtle start of that change. Smith uses Biblical discernment to guide you through one of the most popular Christian books from a few years ago, A Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. That is not all it covers though. He delves into the underlying philosophies and points out many people who wish to influence a change in Christianity and the Church. The Message by Eugene Peterson, the writings of Robert Schuller and Bruce Wilkinson are each carefully held up to Scripture to test whether they are good and true. These are contrasted with the influences that brought the author to Christ. How important was it that he was given a KJV and not The Message when he was lost?
The author also follows many of these subtle changes from their beginnings to their conclusion. It’s surprising how many of these philosophies are rooted in pagan sources. Despite their ‘Christian’ sounding terms, they are leading us somewhere and the author warns us very clearly that it is away from the God of the Bible.
I would recommend reading this book for two reasons. The false ideas that it exposes are growing more entrenched in popular culture every day, and it is a good example of Biblical discernment being applied to situations we all experience. It teaches, by example, how to use Biblical discernment to keep ourselves true to the Word of God.
The author desperately wants people to know the True God, and to do that he has applied Jude 1:3,“… it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”
Some say Christianity must change to survive. Is that a good thing? How subtle is it? What does that change look like? Where did it come from? Who is promoting it? Should we be worried? Can we guard against any harmful change?
This book deals with the subtle start of that change. Smith uses Biblical discernment to guide you through one of the most popular Christian books from a few years ago, A Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. That is not all it covers though. He delves into the underlying philosophies and points out many people who wish to influence a change in Christianity and the Church. The Message by Eugene Peterson, the writings of Robert Schuller and Bruce Wilkinson are each carefully held up to Scripture to test whether they are good and true. These are contrasted with the influences that brought the author to Christ. How important was it that he was given a KJV and not The Message when he was lost?
The author also follows many of these subtle changes from their beginnings to their conclusion. It’s surprising how many of these philosophies are rooted in pagan sources. Despite their ‘Christian’ sounding terms, they are leading us somewhere and the author warns us very clearly that it is away from the God of the Bible.
I would recommend reading this book for two reasons. The false ideas that it exposes are growing more entrenched in popular culture every day, and it is a good example of Biblical discernment being applied to situations we all experience. It teaches, by example, how to use Biblical discernment to keep ourselves true to the Word of God.
The author desperately wants people to know the True God, and to do that he has applied Jude 1:3,“… it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”
February 5, 2014
Warren Smith had been a New-Ager who thought he knew Jesus Christ before becoming a Christian and leaving the New Age. The New Age borrows heavily from Christian words but with whole different meanings and interpretations. Now as a Christian, he brings that experience and sensitivity to demonstrate the un-nerving similarities with the New Age, Robert Schuller and Rick Warren. I was disturbed.
I was aware of the influence of Peter Drucker and others on Rick Warren - the canvassing of the neighborhoods, the marketing techniques, and watering down of the gospel in order to draw in more members. But until reading the book, I was not aware of the similarity of language and ideas of Rick Warren and the New Age.
The book points out that "Rick Warren was a graduate of the Schuller Institute and that he also taught there," which was a shock as Robert Schuller has lots of un-biblical, new age beliefs which have been well documented for many, many years. On page 142 of the book, "Schuller had recently boasted that Rick Warren had come to his Institute 'time after.'" In a Christianity Today article that the book alluded to and I personally checked the reference, it says this, "During his last year in seminary, he and Kay drove west to visit Robert Schuller's Institute for Church Growth. 'We had a very stony ride out to the conference,' She [Kay Warren] says, because such nontraditional ministry scared her to death. Schuller, though, won them over. 'He had a profound influence on Rick,' Kay says. 'We were captivated by his positive appeal to nonbelievers. I never looked back.'"
Warren Smith details and exposes many of the contemporary New Agers and their ideas and plans for bringing global peace, and discusses Rick Warren's ideas and plans in bridging the gap and bringing peace to the world. A noble cause, but is it at the cost of truth? Is it softening people and un-knowingly preparing them to receive a false Christ that arises to bring global peace? Important things to consider, pray about, and search God's Word.
No matter your opinion on what these similarities and ties mean and what you think of Rick Warren, if you hold the Bible as the authoritative Word of God, this book and the points it makes are worthy of your consideration and awareness.
I was aware of the influence of Peter Drucker and others on Rick Warren - the canvassing of the neighborhoods, the marketing techniques, and watering down of the gospel in order to draw in more members. But until reading the book, I was not aware of the similarity of language and ideas of Rick Warren and the New Age.
The book points out that "Rick Warren was a graduate of the Schuller Institute and that he also taught there," which was a shock as Robert Schuller has lots of un-biblical, new age beliefs which have been well documented for many, many years. On page 142 of the book, "Schuller had recently boasted that Rick Warren had come to his Institute 'time after.'" In a Christianity Today article that the book alluded to and I personally checked the reference, it says this, "During his last year in seminary, he and Kay drove west to visit Robert Schuller's Institute for Church Growth. 'We had a very stony ride out to the conference,' She [Kay Warren] says, because such nontraditional ministry scared her to death. Schuller, though, won them over. 'He had a profound influence on Rick,' Kay says. 'We were captivated by his positive appeal to nonbelievers. I never looked back.'"
Warren Smith details and exposes many of the contemporary New Agers and their ideas and plans for bringing global peace, and discusses Rick Warren's ideas and plans in bridging the gap and bringing peace to the world. A noble cause, but is it at the cost of truth? Is it softening people and un-knowingly preparing them to receive a false Christ that arises to bring global peace? Important things to consider, pray about, and search God's Word.
No matter your opinion on what these similarities and ties mean and what you think of Rick Warren, if you hold the Bible as the authoritative Word of God, this book and the points it makes are worthy of your consideration and awareness.
June 13, 2014
Excellent, well researched, and documented information on Rick Warren and the Message Bible's new age leanings. I've never personally been a Rick Warren or Message Bible fan and have stayed away, but this information was extremely eye opening.
May 25, 2013
This book clearly details Rick Warren's connections to and history with "new age spirituality" and is packed full of warning to the true Believer in our Lord Jesus Christ. We are warned in scripture about deception in the last days, and we are warned that not everyone who says "lord didn't I do all these things in your name?" Know the living Lord Jesus of the Bible. If you are at all concerned about the apostate church that Revelation warns about, you should read this book, and share it with your brothers and sisters in Christ.
November 20, 2012
Clear exposition of the false teachings of the Purpose Driven movement. Warren B. Smith was immersed in New Age doctrine so has a strong foundation to compare them with Biblical truths. He connects the dots from Robert Schuller to Rick Warren and Bruce Wilkinson and clarifies the signs indicating that they are teaching false doctrine. He issues a strong warning to those who desire to follow the true Christ of the Bible to be discerning and aware that there will be false prophets.
July 19, 2012
Eye opener
September 29, 2019
I have no idea why anyone follows Rick Warren.
September 28, 2020
Robert Schuller use to sound like disembodied evil spirit. I use to watch his Saturday night television broadcast, it
was the theological equivalent of pro-wrestling.
was the theological equivalent of pro-wrestling.
December 10, 2020
A well researched refutation of the Purpose Driven movement and outstanding analysis of the New Age church
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews