The Divine Center [Hardcover]

Stephen R. Covey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1982

“For many years,” writes the author, “I have felt and seen the need for an organizing principle in life.” That principle must be simple but not simplistic; and it must offer total direction in life. This book introduces, explains, and illuminates that principle — centering one's life on God. Part of this concept, aspiring to be Christlike, is not a new thought. What is new and compelling here is the author's sparklingly fresh approach: “We see the world not as it is, but as we are.” Hence the multiplicity of views on reality. The perspective, then, the mindset, is crucial. It is indeed “all in the head.” To change our life we must change our frame of reference. What if we changed it to “the mind of Christ,” to use Paul's term? In a text graphically illustrated and brimming with stimulating thoughts and experiences the author examines twelve common centers or perspectives and their effect on the fundamental dimensions of life — our security, guidance, wisdom, and power. While these perspectives all offer values in varying degrees and emphases, all but one (including the Church and the family) is clearly seen to be ultimately deficient as a life center. Only the divine center meets all the tests. This powerful principle is given vibrant life by an inspiring presentation of “how-to's” — by an imaginative, thought-provoking explanation of the divine-centering process and the detailed steps necessary at its various stages. This is a book of unusual substance and depth. Understandable at several levels, it will be reread often for increased comprehension and motivation. No conscientious reader can fail to be influenced by its message.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Stephen R. Covey is co-founder/vice-chairman of Franklin-Covey Company. An internationally respected consultant, family expert, and teacher, he is perhaps best known as the author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, which has sold more than 13 million copies in 36 languages throughout the world. He has served as a mission president (in Ireland), as a regional representative, and on several general Church committees. He and his wife, Sandra, have nine children and live in Utah. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 305 pages
• Publisher: Bookcraft Pubs; First Edition edition (June 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0884944719
• ISBN-13: 978-0884944713
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,178,657 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very insightful and inspiring book., November 24, 2008

By 

Justin - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Divine Center (Paperback)

I see a lot of people say Covey is wrong for brining the gospel in his books etc.
Trying to tell people about the 7 habits when he's rally using another language conveying biblical principles.
They can think and judge what they will.

I disagree with their negativity around the issue.

This is an incredible, incredible book! I just finished reading it last night. What I love about Stephen Covey is that he is deep rooted in Biblical studies - well over ten years before the 7 habits came out
- then Boom! 7 habits gets super successful. This book contains all of the 7 habits.
Parts of this book are actually in the 7 habits and Principle centered leadership.
It just goes to show that the same principles are relevant here - in the early 80s when this book was published - 89 when 7 habits came out - and 2008!

I recommend this book to anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the 7 habits. I'm happy he discusses Christ centeredness. Again his religion is his business, and he states that the 7 habits are shown in all 6 major religions. I'm really excited and happy about this book. Incredible read!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars History in the making?, February 28, 2009

By 

D. C. Palmer "CoveyFan" (Cwmbran, UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Divine Center (Hardcover)

Those familiar with Stephen Covey's book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People will enjoy reading what is to all intents and purposes a book written in the context of Dr Covey's religion, and with greater emphasis on that aspect of his life. There is a deeper description of the 'centres' concept from the Seven Habits, but as far as I can see this book, written nearly a decade before the bestseller, contains many of the experiences, stories and other examples later made clear to a wider audience. For that reason alone it is interesting to see what foundation exists that led to the phenomenon that is 'The Seven Habits'.

In essence, I would say this - for those of you who have a spiritual 'bent' in the Christian faith (regardless of the particular religion you observe, given that this book makes references to the Latter Day Saints), this book would be an excellent buy, as it would be for those who have studied Dr Covey's works in great depth, as I have. For those with no spiritual motive it may be worth reading just for curiosity's sake.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful, insightful and deep, August 9, 2005

By 

S. LEWIS (Missouri USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Divine Center (Paperback)

I very much enjoyed this book. While obviously it isn't scripture (and doesn't claim to be) it can still help you think about your life, and how you can re-orient yourself to be more Christ-like. Those with the spirit of Christ will benefit from coming unto and following Him; which I feel is putting Him at the center of your life as Stephen Covey has illustrated so well.

I do feel that the concepts of this book seem to be written for the LDS/Mormon reader. Therefore without the basic understanding about the LDS church, and it's view on the gospel of Jesus Christ, this book may puzzle, and possibly offend some people. I would recommend a non-LDS reader to first learn more about the teachings of the Church (perhaps at mormon.org) before diving into this book.

That said, this book has brought new insight into my life, and I feel I'm better for reading it. I highly recommend it.