The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life

My Rating - If you are looking for somethingLevel - Choppy read, short but reads longer than it isSummaryFirst of all, if you've been recommend this book by a friend or pastor and they tell it is written by a guy named Guinness, no relation to the beer, you should question if they actually read the entire book. He is actually related, though distantly, to the original founder of the brewery.This is another book about Christians and work. It is probably the most famous and the one many pastors or counselors will mention first. It is not quite 20 years old, and is already the 'classic' on the subject. The book is written as somewhat a devotional/study and is broken down to 26 short chapters with a note in the table of contents that the intent is that each chapter be read and reflected on one day at a time.Probably the best thing you can get from this book is the different in vocation and avocation. That is your work and your calling. They are not necessarily the same thing. He points at the us, as Christians, have forgotten about calling. We don't really teach about it and help people find theirs.My ThoughtsThis book is often cited by other authors writing books on calling and work, but I didn't enjoy it all that much. Maybe it was his writing style, but I just could never get into it. To be fair, I didn't read it as suggested, in the 26 sittings, so that may have affected things. I think the writing was overly wordy and more complicated than needed. Perhaps due to his intention of writing 26 independent reflections, it was at times redundant at times while also being disjointed at other times.If you've already knocked out a few books on calling or work and are still looking for something else, you should put this on your list. Other than that, it probably isn't worth your time. Many, if not all, of his major points are quoted and discussed by Keller in Every Good Endeavor. I'd recommend reading that book instead. The book is Biblically sound and strong on history, but the writing will likely not appeal to most people.More reviews at [...]

I have read Mr Guiness' books since he began writing many years ago. His writing has had a profound impact on my own faith. In this book, Mr Guiness is at his best when writing about historical figures. These vignettes are well done, and very interesting.The reader must stay alert for profundities that certainly influenced my own thinking. My favorite example is his chapter about "An Audience of One" which drives home the fact that we act to please God, not anyone or anything else.Unfortunately (in my opinion,) Mr Guiness over-uses quotations. That he is a scholar is never in doubt, but almost every page is a string of someone else's words. I find two problems with this style, 1) the reader must wade through all the punctuation and references trying to find his point, and 2) I would much rather read Mr Guiness' own thoughts about the subject than a myriad of others'. For example, I find his story of his great great grandmother is the most interesting chapter in the book. Indeed, I would rather read about Mr Guiness' own calling.My lay conclusion is that he has overcomplicated he subject, and I was disappointed that although he includes Blaise Pascal, he omits his pertinent point, "The chief purpose of man is to glorify God." In fact, the entire book could have revolved around just this statement. I hope he is saving this for his next book.In spite of my stated reservations, I certainly recommend this book as well as all other books written or edited by Mr Guiness.

I think this book is absolutely amazing. My life is definitely better for having read this book, and I re-read it about once a year or so. I am so happy that the author has gifted us with this book. I enjoy all of Os Guinness's books, and I always look forward to each one.This book will help you discover your purpose in life - which, I feel, will go a long way toward helping you feel truly "fulfilled." I think that we are all looking for that sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, and many people go down paths that ultimately do not lead to that destination. In "The Call," Os Guinness illuminates the search and shows us the way.

It is an inspiring and deeply thoughtful book of a person who has spent major part of his life understanding why we are on the earth and why we should always be prepared to act and think according to the Word. It is not an easy reading, that was obviously not the purpose, but very refreshing especially for Christians that might be a bit tired with the daily routine of their faith. It gives in depth analysis of Christian faiths, its human errors and gives a good and thoughtful guideline for strengthening the faith and follow the "Call of Jesus of Nazareth". I thank God to give Mr. Guiness the necessary wisdom and gift to write this book.

I was not looking for a particularly religious viewpoint as I was crafting some writing around vocational discernment for secular leaders. However, it was a great reminder to include the spiritual aspect. I thought his writing was a little dated but relevant. I think he has thought about this subject for a long time and brought valuable wisdom to the subject matter.

This is a "must listen" for anyone who truly seeks to understand the purpose of one's life and then take steps to fulfill it. It is very profound in its analysis and simultaneously very easy and interesting to listen. Dr. Guinness keeps you captivated right through with the illustrations of his points. I listened to this tape many times over, gleaning valuable points every time I listened. I then decided to circulate it among my friends in the US and it took me many months to get it back from my first friend. I took it to India on vacation and gave it to my friends there to circulate it among themselves. I am getting another copy for myself (and I have the excellent book as well.)Surely, one does not need to settle for one's angels (as suggested by the previous reviewer) when the Almighty Himself graciously stoops down to listen to us.

I received my copy of "The Call" by Os Guinness via download from Amazon to my Kindle.Since it contains 26 chapters, I decided to take it at a-chapter-a-day during July.I found the book challenging, stimulating, mentally taxing,thoroughly spiritual and radically challenging to my christian life.He quotes extensively from Oswald Chambers, which I, as a fan of O.C., enjoyed.His questions at the end of each chapter, leading to the refrain of,"....listen to Jesus of Nazereth, follow His call." are radical and stimulating.I heartily recommend it to any serious-minded christian, who loves their Lord and longs to draw closer.H.E.S.

Os Guinnes tells it like it is. What is the Christian called to do? Please read.