The Circle Maker

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My wife just bought a book called The Circle Maker by Mark and Parker Batterson with the intent of giving to my 14 year old son who is having a little bit of difficulty (typical middle schooler stuff, nothing really serious). She thought it seemed to be an uplifting/empowering book on prayer. I asked her to let me check it out, and, as a short-cut, I started looking at various Catholic sites to see if there were any critical reviews. Alas, there were none, but I skimmed it and am concerned that it is not a good book for my son. I’m returning the book based on the way it presents prayer as a way of “getting what you want” and, even more concerning, what appears to be occult activity. I’m just curious if anyone on the forum has read the book, and better, if anyone knows of any scholarly Catholic reviews done on the book. Lots of Protestant reviewers seem to agree with me and my assessment.
 
In addition, while I have the floor, she also purchased a book called 7 Steps to knowing and experiencing the will of God. I haven’t looked at it yet, but will this evening. Same problem, no Catholic reviewers that I can find. I’d love to know your thoughts.
 
Thanks (name removed by moderator). I did see that as well. I thought that review was a little weak and the comment left at the bottom there is actually mine. I was really hoping for a better assessment. In any event, my son is not going to be introduced to that material. Thanks again for posting.
 
That book recommends doing certain actions, saying certain prayers and drawing circles, and God will reward you.
This is a red flag.

What a book should do is encourage a certain attitude about life, God and yourself, with no promises. It’s lead by example.
Empress Theresa does not recommend certain actions. In fact, nobody could do what Theresa does.
But anybody can have her attitude.
“It’s better to be yourself than other people’s fantasy.”
“Reporters want to interview me because I did remarkable things. I’m not remarkable. Millions of girls are just like me. Go interview them!”
 
I have NOT read the book. As I am typing this, I am watching an episode of Glenn Beck’s show (I think it was broadcast on Thursday), during which Glenn interviews Batterson.

Glenn seems very positive about it, and mentioned that David Barton (a pro-Constitutional historian) has prayed this way, as well.

At around the 27-minute mark, Batterson says “It doesn’t have to be a circle. It can be a triangle, a trapezoid, whatever. The shape doesn’t matter.” Later he says the circle is metaphor.

I’m just throwing this out for what it’s worth. I’m not for or against the book yet.
 
Larry 1700,

No, I don’t believe that the author of the critique is in any way associated with the Catholic Church. In fact, the website is a “rapture” predicting site and there are plenty articles that are specifically critical of Catholocism with all of the basic inaccuracies included. I was only agreeing with the critique of this Circle Makers fad. The fact that Glenn Beck likes it gives me pause, remember, Beck is a Mormon so his understanding of Christianity is certainly deeply flawed.
 
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