Title: The Reason-Driven Life
Author: Robert M. Price
TLDR: This book deconstructs Rick Warren’s “The Purpose-Driven Life,” arguing that fundamentalist Christianity stunts personal growth and promotes harmful superstitions. It advocates for a “reason-driven life” embracing self-discovery, intellectual honesty, and human potential.
Chapter 1: It is About You
Price argues against Warren’s “God’s-eye view” approach, claiming it’s impossible for mortals to fully grasp the will of a deity. He challenges the assumption that a single purpose exists for all human lives, advocating for embracing individual diversity. He criticizes those who prefer a ready-made purpose handed down by an authority figure, suggesting they are shirking responsibility for their lives.
He further deconstructs the concept of “biblical authority” by highlighting the multiple interpretations of scripture, the existence of numerous denominations, and Warren’s selective use of various translations. He argues that Warren, like other fundamentalists, ultimately substitutes his own voice for that of God by imposing his interpretation on the Bible. Price urges readers to take responsibility for discovering their own purpose, recognizing their individual experiences and talents as the true starting point.
Chapter 2: You Are a Work of Art
Price tackles the fundamentalist doctrine of predestination, highlighting its inherent absurdity and logical flaws. He dismantles the idea that God meticulously designs every aspect of a person’s life, including their flaws and misfortunes, for a “good purpose.” He criticizes the notion that suffering and tragedy are tests or divine punishments, proposing instead that they are random occurrences demanding resilience and learning.
He offers a more empowering perspective: accepting the improbable nature of one’s birth and the unique combination of inherited traits as precious gifts. He encourages readers to view their lives as blank canvases, utilizing their individual palette of strengths and weaknesses to create their own art, their own meaning. He emphasizes the inherent subjectivity of beauty and meaning, concluding that true fulfillment lies in embracing the role of a creator, not a puppet of divine will.
Chapter 3: One-Track Mind?
Price deconstructs the oversimplified worldview often presented by religions like fundamentalist Christianity, which reduce life’s complexities to a single Problem (Sin) and a single Solution (faith in Jesus Christ). He criticizes the “interim ethic” that dismisses happiness and self-fulfillment in favor of a narrow focus on religious pursuits, arguing that it fosters an immature and unbalanced life.
He offers alternative perspectives on guilt, resentment, and fear, drawing from biblical parables, psychology, and sociological insights. He stresses the importance of self-forgiveness without minimizing past mistakes, understanding forgiveness as an act of grace, not a divine mandate. He also emphasizes the power of open-mindedness, encouraging readers to challenge their inherited beliefs and embrace the possibility of change.
Price challenges the fundamentalist tendency to equate their religion with a “personal relationship” with Jesus, arguing that it’s a misguided mind game that promotes immaturity and reliance on external authority. He advocates for self-reliance and a balanced life that values human relationships, intellectual growth, and the pursuit of happiness alongside ethical and spiritual concerns.
Chapter 4: Sons of Dust
Price challenges the evangelical claim that earthly life is a mere rehearsal for an eternal afterlife, questioning the biblical basis for this belief and highlighting the various contradictory views on death and the afterlife present within scripture. He argues that the Bible offers no clear, definitive answer on the subject, advocating for an agnostic approach that embraces the uncertainty.
He criticizes the fundamentalist tendency to trivialize earthly existence in favor of an unimaginable heavenly reward, arguing that it devalues the preciousness and urgency of our present life. He suggests that facing and accepting mortality, rather than clinging to illusory promises of eternal life, leads to a more authentic and meaningful existence. He encourages readers to appreciate the fleeting beauty of the world and to strive to leave a positive mark, recognizing the potential of this life as the only one we can be certain of having.
Chapter 5: My View is God’s View
Price further dismantles the concept of “biblical authority,” exposing its inherent subjectivity and questioning the fundamentalist claim of having access to God’s viewpoint. He argues that Warren, like other fundamentalists, projects his own interpretations onto the Bible, masquerading them as divine decrees.
He criticizes Warren’s narrow focus on two biblical metaphors for life – life as a test and life as a trust – arguing that they lose their power when interpreted literally and within the context of eternal judgment. He proposes that viewing life as a series of challenges encourages self-improvement and moral growth, while understanding life as a temporary gift emphasizes responsibility and the need to make the most of our time. He also highlights the influence of Stoicism on New Testament ethics, suggesting that much of what is considered “Christian” morality has pre-Christian roots in philosophy and reason.
Chapter 6: No Changes are Permanent, but Change Is
Price embraces Warren’s notion of earthly life as a temporary assignment, advocating for a detachment from worldly possessions and recognizing their fleeting nature. However, he argues that such wisdom does not depend on a belief in the afterlife, highlighting insights from Stoicism and Buddhism that emphasize the impermanence of all things.
He challenges the fundamentalist view of the world as a hostile environment, comparing it to the early Buddhist concept of Samsara. He draws from Nagarjuna’s philosophy, explaining how embracing impermanence allows for a more joyful and fulfilling experience of life. He criticizes the “interim ethic” that devalues earthly existence, arguing that it diminishes the inherent beauty and preciousness of the present moment.
Chapter 7: The Mystery of Everything
Price explores the philosophical concept of “ontological shock,” the awe and wonder we experience when confronted with the mystery of being. He criticizes creation doctrines, arguing that they offer false comfort and stifle the sense of wonder by providing simplistic explanations for the unexplainable. He emphasizes the importance of preserving the mystery and embracing the unknown, encouraging a sense of continuous exploration and questioning.
He challenges the fundamentalist notion of a personal God who interacts with humans on an intimate level, suggesting it’s an impossible and even psychologically dangerous concept. He advocates for “practicing the absence of God,” encouraging a more mature understanding of faith that does not rely on external authority or divine intervention. He also argues that rejecting the idea of a creator god frees us from the burden of seeking divine approval and opens the door to a more authentic and self-directed life.
Chapter 8: God: Planned for Our Pleasure
Price takes aim at the fundamentalist portrayal of God as a loving father figure, arguing that it’s based on a simplistic and anthropomorphic understanding of divinity. He criticizes the evangelical rhetoric of God’s “unconditional love,” claiming it’s more about reinforcing believers’ self-esteem than reflecting the nature of a truly self-sufficient God.
He draws on theological insights from figures like Anselm, Aquinas, and Eckhart, explaining how ascribing emotions and personal needs to God diminishes his majesty and reduces worship to a form of flattery. He further criticizes the idea that worship exists for God’s benefit, arguing that it serves primarily to strengthen believers’ faith and provide a sense of communal belonging. He also highlights the dangers of the “personal relationship with Jesus” metaphor, suggesting it can lead to religious infantilism and the suppression of critical thinking.
Chapter 9: What Makes Me Sick
Price dissects the fundamentalist interpretation of the Noah’s Ark story, exposing its numerous contradictions and scientific inaccuracies. He argues that the story is a myth borrowed from older Mesopotamian flood epics and reinterpreted within a monotheistic framework, with little historical basis.
He criticizes the literalist reading of the Flood myth, highlighting its grotesque implications and the ethical problems of portraying God as a genocidal maniac who delights in wiping out humanity. He questions Warren’s simplistic characterization of God as a smiling father figure, arguing that it trivializes the cruelty and violence inherent in the biblical narrative. He concludes that fundamentalists like Warren, while claiming to believe the Bible literally, ultimately treat it as an illustrative fiction, selectively ignoring its problematic aspects.
Chapter 10: The Achilles’ Heel of Worship
Price criticizes the fundamentalist emphasis on “surrender” as the essence of worship, arguing that it fosters a unhealthy power dynamic between God and believers. He questions the various atonement doctrines, exposing their logical inconsistencies and moral repulsiveness. He argues that no doctrine of the cross can justify the damnation of people to eternal torture for failing to believe in it.
He challenges the claim that true worship requires relinquishing rational thinking, highlighting the dangers of suppressing critical analysis and submitting blindly to religious authority. He argues that genuine spirituality should promote intellectual and moral growth, not blind obedience or fear of punishment. He also criticizes the fundamentalist tendency to separate themselves from the “world,” claiming that such an “us versus them” mentality undermines genuine love and compassion.
Chapter 11: Becoming Imaginary Friends with God
Price tackles the question of why some people believe in God while others do not, suggesting that it’s more about intuition and personal experience than rational argument. He critiques the fundamentalist concept of a personal God who interacts with individuals through signs and portents, calling it a form of superstition that fosters paranoia and diminishes human agency.
He argues that the “personal relationship with Jesus” rhetoric is essentially a psychological projection, a way of externalizing and legitimizing one’s inner voice. He criticizes the obsessive focus on “practicing the presence of God,” claiming it can lead to spiritual exhaustion and detachment from the real world. He suggests that “practicing the absence of God” allows for a more mature and realistic understanding of faith, accepting the moral neutrality of the universe and embracing the freedom and responsibility of self-directed living.
Chapter 12: Providence and Superstition
Price continues his critique of the concept of Divine Providence, arguing that the fundamentalist view is ultimately unfalsifiable and therefore meaningless. He shows how this belief functions as a way of rationalizing tragedy and injustice without providing any real guidance or explanation. He argues that accepting the randomness of events, rather than seeking divine explanations, frees us from the burden of resentment and the fear of divine punishment.
He challenges the notion that trust in God is the key to navigating life’s challenges, claiming that it can lead to passivity and a reluctance to take risks. He highlights the dangers of relying on religious authority for ethical decision-making, using the example of domestic abuse and the “trust God” advice often given to victims. He also critiques the fundamentalist ban on interfaith dating, arguing that it serves primarily to protect the group’s plausibility structure and stifle individual growth.
Chapter 13: Worship that Creates God
Price argues that worship, while having moral dimensions, is essentially an aesthetic experience that involves the suspension of disbelief and entering into a symbolic drama. He suggests that the sense of awe and wonder experienced during worship is a form of spiritual self-transcendence, similar to that found in appreciating art or nature.
He critiques the fundamentalist emphasis on correct belief as the foundation for worship, arguing that it undermines the inherent power of religious symbols and rituals. He draws on Carl Jung’s concept of archetypes, suggesting that religious imagery and practices tap into deeply ingrained patterns within the human psyche, facilitating personal growth and individuation.
Chapter 14: I Can’t Get No Sanctification
Price addresses the common evangelical experience of “spiritual dryness,” the frustration of failing to achieve the promised state of sanctification. He examines the cyclical dynamic of striving for spiritual victory, surrendering to God’s grace, and then struggling to maintain that surrendered state. He argues that this cycle is ultimately a self-defeating trap that perpetuates a sense of inadequacy and dependence.
He critiques the notion that spiritual growth is solely the work of the Holy Spirit, suggesting that it’s more about psychological processes and the development of mature self-awareness. He highlights the limitations of relying on external authority for moral guidance, advocating for a more autonomous and self-directed approach to ethics. He also discusses the importance of facing and accepting one’s own flaws and limitations, recognizing that striving for unrealistic perfection is a recipe for despair.
Chapter 15: Joining the Sect
Price examines the social dynamics of religious groups, highlighting the role of plausibility structures in reinforcing belief and the dangers of conforming to a group’s ideology without sufficient reason. He criticizes the fundamentalist insistence that their faith is not a religion but a relationship, arguing that this is a semantic trick designed to protect their belief system from external scrutiny.
He draws on the work of sociologists like Peter Berger and Thomas Luckmann to explain how individuals “annihilate” their pre-conversion biography to conform to their new beliefs. He highlights the dangers of this reinterpretation, arguing that it can lead to a distorted view of both past and present. He also criticizes the manipulative tactics often employed by religious groups to recruit new members, such as “love bombing” and friendship evangelism.
Chapter 16: The Greatest of These
Price critiques the concept of Christian love, or agape, arguing that its fundamentalist interpretation can lead to condescension and hypocrisy. He examines the artificiality of “love bombing” and the conditional nature of Christian fellowship, highlighting the tendency to exclude those who challenge the group’s ideology.
He discusses the tension between Nietzsche’s condemnation of Christian ethics as a slave morality and Scheler’s defense of it as a reflection of genuine greatness of spirit. He concludes that, while true Christian love is possible, much of what passes for forgiveness and compassion within fundamentalism is rooted in ressentiment, a fear-based morality that disguises hatred and prejudice as piety.
Chapter 17: A Place to Conform
Price challenges the notion that church attendance is essential for spiritual health, arguing that it can foster intellectual conformity and stifle critical thinking. He draws a contrast between the prophetic stance of figures like Amos, who challenged the religious establishment, and the role of chaplains, who represent the interests of institutions.
He discusses his own experiences with Heretics Anonymous, small discussion groups that foster open dialogue and the exploration of diverse viewpoints. He argues that such groups, even if they are short-lived, can provide a valuable alternative to the stifling atmosphere of dogmatic religion.
Chapter 18: Heretics Anonymous
Price delves deeper into the philosophy and practice of Heretics Anonymous, explaining the significance of the name and outlining the group’s ground rules for fostering respectful and productive discussions. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding politics, listening attentively, prioritizing individuals over opinions, and avoiding personal attacks.
He provides a detailed overview of the diverse backgrounds and beliefs of Heretics Anonymous participants, highlighting the richness and value of engaging with individuals who challenge one’s own assumptions. He encourages readers to start their own discussion groups, suggesting that such gatherings can foster intellectual and spiritual growth, providing a forum for exploring challenging topics and developing critical thinking skills.
Chapter 19: Price’s Ten Commandments
Price expands on the ground rules for Heretics Anonymous discussions, offering ten specific guidelines for facilitating respectful and productive dialogue. These commandments emphasize brevity, staying on topic, avoiding politics, listening attentively, prioritizing individuals over opinions, maintaining a single conversation, discouraging grandstanding, avoiding attempts at conversion, and encouraging participation without pressuring anyone to speak.
He suggests that reviewing these commandments before each meeting helps to create a more enjoyable and beneficial experience for everyone involved. He also encourages groups to develop their own ground rules based on their specific needs and interests, recognizing the pragmatic nature of moral and social guidelines.
Chapter 20: Healing Religious Divisions
Price tackles the problem of religious division and the animosity often directed towards those who hold different beliefs. He criticizes the assumption that schism is inherently wrong, arguing that diversity of thought and practice is natural and even beneficial.
He provides practical advice for fostering understanding and reconciliation between fundamentalist Christians and those who reject their beliefs. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the emotional roots of fundamentalist faith and avoiding intellectual arguments that are unlikely to be persuasive. He also suggests finding common ground through shared interests, service projects, and open dialogue that prioritizes respectful listening and mutual understanding.
Chapter 21: Damage Control
Price addresses the challenges of maintaining harmony within small groups, discussing strategies for dealing with disruptive or problematic members. He uses personal anecdotes to illustrate the difficulties of balancing individual needs with the overall health and purpose of the group.
He examines the unique challenges faced by groups like churches and freethought organizations, which tend to attract marginalized individuals who may struggle with social norms. He argues that while these individuals can be difficult to manage, their unique perspectives and talents can also be highly valuable. He encourages leaders to exercise compassion and patience while also recognizing the need to address disruptive behavior for the benefit of the group as a whole.
Chapter 22: The Character of Christ
Price examines the question of what constitutes “Christlike character,” arguing that the historical Jesus, being an independent thinker who challenged the religious establishment, is not a model for blind obedience or conformity. He suggests that trying to emulate Jesus by adhering to a specific set of rules or doctrines misses the point of his radical example.
He analyzes the contradictory portrayals of Jesus in the Gospels, highlighting the tension between his inclusive embrace of outsiders and his harsh pronouncements against those who reject him. He argues that these disparate images reflect the diverse voices within early Christianity, suggesting that there is no single, definitive “Jesus” to imitate. He encourages readers to critically examine the various interpretations of Jesus and to develop their own understanding of what constitutes a truly “Christlike” life.
Chapter 23: When Is a Religion Not a Religion?
Price reexamines the fundamentalist claim that Christianity is not a religion but a relationship, analyzing the various meanings and motivations behind this statement. He critiques the notion that Christianity is unique among religions in being divinely revealed, arguing that it shares common traits with other faiths and can be studied and understood using the same tools of analysis.
He discusses the possibility of embracing a “religionless Christianity,” a moral and ethical framework based on the example of Jesus without subscribing to specific doctrines or supernatural beliefs. He draws on the work of theologians like Rudolf Bultmann and Paul van Buren, who reinterpreted the Gospel in existential and ethical terms. He concludes that, while such a “lifestyle” approach to Christianity is possible, it ultimately diminishes the richness and power of religious experience.
Chapter 24: This Paper Idol
Price tackles the issue of biblical inerrancy and the fundamentalist tendency to idolize the Bible. He argues that the claim of divine inspiration is spurious, lacking a clear basis within the text itself and ultimately serving to stifle a genuine and critical engagement with scripture.
He criticizes the fundamentalist insistence on a literal interpretation of the Bible, highlighting its harmful consequences, such as the justification of violence and oppression. He argues that the Bible, while containing valuable wisdom and insights, should be read critically and within its historical context, recognizing its diversity of voices and the evolving nature of religious thought. He encourages readers to embrace the challenges of biblical scholarship, arguing that a more nuanced understanding of scripture leads to a richer and more fulfilling faith.
Chapter 25: Jesus with a Jackhammer
Price criticizes the fundamentalist portrayal of God as a controlling force who uses pain and adversity to shape believers’ character. He deconstructs the concept of “Father filtered” experiences, arguing that it’s a form of superstition that fosters paranoia and diminishes human agency.
He argues that accepting the randomness of events, rather than seeking divine explanations for misfortune, allows for a more mature and empowering approach to life’s challenges. He discusses the power of positive thinking and the influence of one’s mindset in shaping personal experiences. He encourages readers to focus on the positive, to view setbacks as opportunities for growth, and to take responsibility for creating their own reality.
Chapter 26: Satan’s Sunday School
Price examines the evolution of the Satan figure in biblical and extra-biblical literature, showing how originally distinct elements were gradually combined to create the modern image of the devil. He argues that this process of accretion reveals the mythical nature of the Satan story and challenges the fundamentalist insistence on its literal truth.
He criticizes the fundamentalist portrayal of Satan as a ubiquitous and powerful force who constantly tempts believers, arguing that it fosters paranoia and undermines personal responsibility. He suggests that Satan is best understood as a metaphor for the darker aspects of human nature, the “imp of the perverse” that resides within us all. He also exposes the inconsistencies in the biblical depiction of Satan, highlighting the tension between his role as God’s servant and his portrayal as God’s arch-enemy.
Chapter 27: Temp Job
Price argues that the concept of Satan is unnecessary to explain temptation, pointing to James 1:14-15, which clearly attributes temptation to human desire, not demonic influence. He critiques the fundamentalist tendency to blame the devil for their failings, claiming it minimizes human agency and fosters a sense of powerlessness.
He advocates for a more mature understanding of temptation based on enlightened self-interest, considering the long-term consequences of our actions and choosing those that lead to lasting happiness and fulfillment. He also discusses the importance of recognizing the difference between moral choices and psychological or emotional struggles, advocating for seeking professional help when needed.
Chapter 28: Jerusalem Wasn’t Built in a Day
Price tackles the issue of spiritual and personal growth, challenging the fundamentalist notion that maturity can be achieved through a sudden, dramatic conversion experience. He argues that true growth is a gradual process that involves facing challenges, learning from mistakes, and developing self-awareness.
He criticizes the fundamentalist emphasis on “spiritual maturity” as the goal of development, arguing that it can lead to a stunted and unbalanced life. He advocates for a more holistic approach that values intellectual, emotional, and moral growth, recognizing that personal development is an ongoing journey, not a destination.
Chapter 29: Service Industry
Price challenges the fundamentalist concept of Christians as “slaves of God,” arguing that it is degrading to human dignity and perpetuates an unhealthy power dynamic. He explores the biblical and philosophical basis for service to others, highlighting the natural interdependence of human beings in any society.
He draws on the example of Martin Luther’s doctrine of vocation, suggesting that God calls us to serve others through our everyday work, regardless of its perceived spiritual significance. He also discusses the importance of humility and recognizing that no task is beneath our dignity if it contributes to the well-being of others.
Chapter 30: Cut Out the Holy Ghost Noise!
Price examines the fundamentalist interpretation of “spiritual gifts,” arguing that it misunderstands and seeks to suppress the authentic experience of charismatic worship. He analyzes 1 Corinthians 12-14, showing how the author attempts to discredit prophecy and glossolalia, redefining spiritual gifts in terms of mundane church duties.
He draws on anthropological studies of Pentecostal churches to illustrate the social dynamics of charismatic worship, arguing that glossolalia and prophecy function to create a “finite province of meaning” where participants experience a collective trance state and a sense of connection with the divine. He criticizes the fundamentalist attempt to regulate and control these ecstatic expressions, claiming it undermines their power and authenticity.
Chapter 31: Cogs for Christ
Price criticizes Rick Warren’s narrow view of the purpose of human life, arguing that his insistence on church service as the ultimate goal trivializes human potential and reduces individuals to mere cogs in a religious machine. He challenges Warren’s “interim ethic,” claiming that it fosters a one-dimensional existence focused solely on religious pursuits.
He discusses the dangers of equating spirituality with constant religious activity, suggesting that it can lead to burnout and a detachment from the richness and complexity of life. He advocates for a more balanced approach that values personal growth, intellectual exploration, and the pursuit of happiness alongside ethical and spiritual concerns.
Chapter 32: Being Who You Are
Price revisits the question of individuality, arguing that embracing one’s unique identity and talents, rather than trying to conform to religious expectations, is the path to true fulfillment. He critiques the fundamentalist focus on “Christlikeness” as the ideal, claiming it neglects the vast range of human experience that lies beyond the scope of the Gospels.
He draws on the philosophy of Aristotle, who taught that every entity has an inherent drive towards its own perfection, recognizing the inherent worth and uniqueness of each individual. He argues that true service to God lies in fully realizing one’s potential, embracing one’s strengths and weaknesses, and creating a life that reflects one’s authentic self.
Chapter 33: How Twisted Texts Scream
Price takes aim at the fundamentalist misuse of biblical texts, criticizing the tendency to proof-text and to impose preconceived psychological interpretations onto scripture. He analyzes several examples of Warren’s out-of-context quotations, showing how they distort the original meaning of the passages and trivialize the complexity of biblical interpretation.
He challenges the fundamentalist reliance on devotional paraphrases of the Bible, arguing that they erase the line between text and interpretation, ultimately serving as propaganda for evangelical doctrines. He encourages readers to engage with the Bible critically and honestly, using the tools of scholarship to understand its historical context and its diversity of voices.
Chapter 34: Meetings with Unremarkable Men
Price explores the difference between “remarkable” and “unremarkable” individuals, drawing on the example of religious seekers who either transcend or conform to the mediocrity of the masses. He discusses the importance of seeking out inspiring mentors and the inevitability of eventually striking out on one’s own spiritual path.
He criticizes the herd mentality and the pressure to conform to social norms, arguing that true spiritual growth requires independence of thought and a willingness to challenge the status quo. He encourages readers to embrace their individuality and to find their own unique voice, recognizing that true fulfillment lies in becoming a “remarkable” person who contributes to the world in their own unique way.
Chapter 35: War is Peace/Freedom is Slavery/Weakness is Strength
Price contrasts Nietzsche’s concept of the “superman” with the fundamentalist ideal of the obedient Christian, highlighting the tension between self-affirmation and self-abnegation. He criticizes the “slave morality” that values humility, conformity, and the denial of individual merit, arguing that it fosters a culture of mediocrity and hinders personal growth.
He discusses the dangers of seeking refuge from freedom and responsibility within a mass movement, drawing on the work of Eric Hoffer to explain the psychological dynamics of such groups. He argues that genuine strength lies in embracing individual autonomy and the challenges of self-directed living.
Chapter 36: Made into Missionaries
Price critiques the fundamentalist obsession with evangelism, arguing that it is often more about reinforcing believers’ own faith than genuinely caring for the well-being of others. He challenges the notion that everyone has a responsibility to share the gospel, highlighting the New Testament’s focus on specialized evangelistic roles and the dangers of indiscriminate proselytizing.
He examines the manipulative tactics often employed by evangelicals, such as “friendship evangelism” and scare tactics that exploit fear of hell. He argues that such approaches ultimately undermine the attractiveness of the Christian message and reinforce the divisive “us versus them” mentality.
Chapter 37: Fabricating Your Life Message
Price criticizes the fundamentalist practice of shaping one’s personal testimony to conform to a pre-determined formula, arguing that it reduces authentic experience to a contrived narrative designed for evangelistic purposes. He challenges the notion that a true Christian life must follow a specific pattern, arguing that it stifles individuality and fosters a sense of inauthenticity.
He discusses the psychological dynamics of “annihilation” as described by Berger and Luckmann, explaining how converts rewrite their past to fit their new beliefs. He encourages readers to embrace the complexity and unpredictability of life, recognizing that their unique experiences and perspectives are valuable in their own right.
Chapter 38: The Hidden Agenda of Witnessing
Price continues his critique of evangelism, arguing that it often serves a hidden agenda of reinforcing believers’ own convictions and creating a sense of belonging within a plausibility structure. He draws on sociological studies of cults and religious movements to illustrate how proselytizing functions to increase the size and influence of the group, providing a sense of security and validation for its members.
He exposes the self-serving nature of many evangelistic tactics, arguing that they are designed to manipulate outsiders into playing the role of “sinners” and to reinforce the fundamentalist worldview. He encourages readers to critically examine their own motivations for sharing their faith, recognizing the potential for hypocrisy and the importance of genuine compassion and respect for those who hold different beliefs.
Chapter 39: Juggling Your Life
Price challenges Rick Warren’s insistence on a “balanced” Christian life that involves juggling five demanding purposes – worship, ministry, evangelism, fellowship, and discipleship. He criticizes the unrealistic expectations of time commitment and the pressure to conform to a specific model of religious practice.
He analyzes each of the five purposes, highlighting their potential pitfalls and arguing that they can become empty rituals or tools of social control. He advocates for a more authentic and self-directed approach to spirituality, encouraging readers to prioritize personal growth, intellectual exploration, and genuine human connection over religious busywork.
Chapter 40: Not without Reason
Price concludes his rebuttal to Warren’s The Purpose-Driven Life, advocating for a “reason-driven life” that embraces individual autonomy, critical thinking, and a compassionate engagement with the world. He challenges the fundamentalist tendency to reduce life to a simple formula, arguing that true meaning and fulfillment lie in embracing the complexity and unpredictability of existence.
He encourages readers to embark on their own spiritual pilgrimages, recognizing that faith is an ongoing journey of exploration and questioning, not a destination of certainty and conformity. He stresses the importance of intellectual honesty, moral courage, and a willingness to challenge one’s own beliefs. He also celebrates the diversity of human experience, advocating for a tolerant and compassionate approach to those who hold different perspectives.
In Summary
Price’s The Reason-Driven Life offers a thought-provoking critique of fundamentalist Christianity, exposing its contradictions and offering alternative perspectives grounded in reason, philosophy, and personal experience. He challenges readers to move beyond simplistic answers and prefabricated purposes, urging them to embrace the freedom and responsibility of shaping their own beliefs and creating their own meaning in a morally neutral universe.