The phenomenal success of the book The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren, has amazed Christians not only in America but around the world. Zondervan Publishing’s president and CEO Bruce Ryskamp said it “is more than a bestseller, it’s become a movement.” Its author, pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, calls it “a guide to a 40-day spiritual journey” (p. 9).

Douglass readily acknowledges there is much of value in Warren’s book and in no way questions Warren’s motives or his sincerity:

 “There is no reason to believe Warren is a wolf in sheep’s clothing as some in the Protestant world have suggested. He has been the target of many who have condemned him for a host of reasons—many of which are groundless in my opinion.”

Douglass’s purpose in writing this book is threefold:

• to urge Adventists who have been blessed by Rick Warren’s book to take a second look at the theological direction of the Purpose Driven Life movement
• to urge others who have seen some of the dangers in the Purpose Driven Life movement to do more than take a negative stance, recognizing that many around the world have found spiritual nourishment in its program
• to urge all to recognize basic error is defeated, not by heated arguments, but by quiet truth

Whether or not you agree with all of Douglass’s conclusions, you will find much food for thought in this important book.