Blue, I just finished reading post #88, and I want to include Tommy Dale in this, too.
I have read both of Rick Warren's books, and I have read the criticisms of it, both here and on other threads, and in other material.
No probelm; I've read the "Purpose Driven Life", and studied it with a small group at church. He wanders off the track in a number of places, but no more so than many other books of the same type. It's neither "great" nor "doorway to hell", and no doubt represents Warren's best effort.
As you say, if it helps several people along the way, fine. I've got Oswald Chambers on my shelf too, and read it many years ago. Like most "devotional" books, it has its good points and its howlers.
Lately, I just read Scripture, systematically (at least once a year through) and topically (as specific issues come up) with good technical references at hand to facilitate memory of cross-references and keep a journal of questions, observations, and "parking lot" list of action items.
It's very hard to find study materials that beat that approach. I haven't seen worthy substitutes for several years (other than some sermon series from currently preaching pastors, who seem to be digging in much as I describe above - - - they are my "small group").
I read a broad cross-section of books, including Swindoll, F.B.Meyer, Phil Yancey, Beth Moore, etc.
I use the NLT in my reading. Standing by are my old Scofield KJV, the NKJV, the NIV, The Message and Wuest's Greek Translation of the NT.
I have recently completed reading the Old Testament through chronologically. What a fulfilling experience! It places the Psalms in their proper context, and especially adds context to Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel combined with the two Kings and Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah.
Since I journal extensively, and according to subject matter, it seems we are on much the same path.