The Purpose Driven Life Makes it Over the Wall into Starbucks

By Greg LeSurge It’s not often that a book by a Christian author captures the attention of a wide, general audience. But here’s one that has Baby Boomers talking, from the deeply religious to those who consider themselves non-religious.  Even Starbucks is taking notice in a big way. Some refer to the book The Purpose Driven Life, by Reverend Rick Warren, as a religo-pop bestseller, though it’s doubtful that Warren wrote it to be such. The point is, this is a book that speaks to people at whatever level of belief they have. What Is the Attraction to This Book? At mid-life many people who have never set down religious roots are searching for a deeper meaning in their lives.  Some had parents that never discussed religion and never took the kids to church.  Others went to church as children and later rejected religion, or at least set it aside.  Even so, there’s something about middle age that causes many to question the meaning of their lives.  Profound changes take place leading up to those years.  Our kids leave home.  Our bodies change.  Our parents may grow more dependent on us even to the point of living in our homes, and at some point, they pass away.  Many Boomers take a look at their accomplishments and the paths they’ve chosen and begin to ponder “what’s it all about?”  “Why am I here?”  Warren’s book is a starting point that helps them find some meaning.   Even Starbucks has recognized that The Purpose Driven Life and Reverend Warren have wide appeal.  That’s why this seemingly yuppie-oriented company has named him a notable American, whose views have the potential to inspire many as they sip coffee in the comfort of Starbucks coffeehouses.  If you aren’t a Starbucks regular you may not know that the chain has begun a campaign, called “The Way I See It.”   That’s why they are using a long passage from his book The Purpose Driven Life as one of the quotes that will go on their paper coffee cups.  Here it is: "You are not an accident. Your parents may not have planned you, but God did. He wanted you alive and created you for a purpose. Focusing on yourself will never reveal your real purpose. You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will never make sense. Only in God do we discover our origin, our identity, our meaning, our purpose, our significance and our destiny." Whatever your beliefs, there is power in those words that can spark some discussion about the role and meaning of spirituality among Baby Boomer caffeine-heads. If you want to check out the book before you decide to buy it, go to this Web site where you can read the first seven chapters, and learn more about the principles in the book. The Purpose Driven Life Buy the book here: TPDL Comments (1) >> ... written by Joy Zahnow on October 11, 2006 Real neat! Write comment Name Email Website Title Comment Write the displayed characters Add Comment

 

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