Purpose Driven Life

[kayre]

Class today-- went okay. A pattern developed: I’d point out one of the issues I’ve raised here; people would explain how to worm around it; I’d say “that’s fine, I agree with you-- but that’s not what Warren says.” Then on to the next issue. Only got a bit heated when I said I would never put the book in the hands of a nonChristian because the problems I was pointing out could raise far too many issues.

To my surprise, the Christian Ed. director, who is teaching, backed me up when I ranted about paraphrases.

Onward!

Day 8

Summary: People were created to give God pleasure; they give him pleasure by worshiping him. Misconceptions about worship: worship is more than music; worship is for God’s benefit, not yours, though it does benefit people; worship should be your whole life, not just a part of it.

My thoughts: Yet another chapter begins with a carefully chosen paraphrase (no, two!), to use exactly the words he wants.

I still struggle with reducing this theme to “We were created to make God happy; we’re God’s toys. We HAVE to worship.”

I actually like the stuff on music-- it’s NOT just music; it’s certainly not just quiet feel-good “worshipful” music.

“Worship is not for your benefit.” Depends on how you look at it. No, worship is not just entertainment, to make you feel good; but worship should bring you closer to God, and that’s certainly a benefit!

Reducing John 4:23 from “... they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks” to “God seeks worshippers” twists the context. Psalm 105:4 says “seek his face”, not “worship.”

It just feels like the whole chapter is about commanding us to worship, rather than inviting.