I am starting this book discussion with the Rick Warren's dedication page, which is found on the third page just before the index. I will call Pastor Warren, "RW" from now on...not out of disrespect, but for brevity. RW dedicates his book to "you" the reader.


RW introduces us to the concept of a preexistence, where RW says that God planned our earth existence and specifically planned for us to be reading his book at this time. This almost sounds like predetermination or predestination. My question is, does God know to this degree of detail how our day-to-day life will unfold even before we were born?

I wonder about this when I think of the many small decisions I make each day, some which probably changed the entire course of my life. I could have thwarted God's plan at any time...maybe, I already have! My personality is such that I love to organize and execute plans...so, this preplaning concept works for me. It just leaves out the free agency aspect. But, I am getting ahead of the writer, let's see where RW takes God's individual pre-earth life planning concept.


RW expresses his appreciation for all those who have helped him learn the "truths" he is about to expound. I too, thank those who will join this blog and contribute and thereby help me with understanding God's purpose for me on earth. How did I know you would be here...hmmm, interesting question? Maybe God planned you to be here to help me gain understanding. Well then, I thank you in advance and I give thanks to God. On the other hand, maybe he planned for me to be here for you. STOP! I am confusing myself.


I will wait a while to really dive in to the book, maybe a few days of preliminary discussion. I want to attract a few more followers before we really get going. Let me hear from you.

Mormon Purpose Driven Life

Hello, my name is Ron and I am a active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, better known as "Mormons".

I am reading the book "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren" and want to discuss it with other members. This is my first blog ever. My hope is that, as I read this book, I can get some good dialogue going on this blog about "what on earth am I here for"...as Rick Warren asks. Chapter by chapter, I want to share my thoughts and learn from others who are knowledgeable about Mormon doctrine. I do not want this to become a Mormon bashing site. If it does, I will just shut it down!

I think that we Mormons have a deeply spiritual and pragmatic, if not controversial understanding of the purpose of life, but some of us (including myself) may not be as driven by that purpose as we could or should be. I am beginning to feel that maybe within this book there are inspirational insights that can help Christians, including Mormons, to form a warmer, loving feeling toward GOD our Father. So far, and I have only read a few chapters, but the process has already challenged me to think deeper about my relationship with Him and caused me to ponder and perhaps rethink my understanding...so far, all for the better.

My goal is to be a better person, a better Christian. Hopefully, this blogging experience will help me do that and maybe others can have the same experince along the way.

I am an active member and have held some substantial positions in the LDS Church, and still do. As I read the first few chapters of this book, I had a strong feeling that I may not have as an appreciative attitude or understanding of God the Father's personal and intimate role in my existence. I thought that if I could build upon my faith and my commitment to serve Him by discussing this book then that would be good and in harmony with the Mormon belief and admonition to seek knowledge out of the best books.

I have an overwhelming desire to share my thoughts and pose questions, but more importantly, I hope to hear from others their interpretation of The Purpose Driven Life and its correlation with the Gospel as members of the LDS Church know it. The experience may help us all grow closer to God and add wind to our sails as we seek to return to Him.

Please share with me your thoughts. I will start with Chapter one in my next post.