For those who don't understand what Christian Hedonism means, it's in a nutshell, the fact that God calls Christians to be happy. Not simple earthly happiness, but deep abiding happiness in God the Father.Satisfaction…Happiness…Joy. According to John Piper, the pursuit of pleasure in God is not only permissible, it’s essential.
Desiring God is a paradigm-shattering work that dramatically alters common perspectives on relating to God. Piper reveals that there really is no need to choose between duty and delight in the Christian life. In fact, for the follower of Jesus, delight is the duty as Christ is most magnified in His people when they are most satisfied in Him.
Constantly drawing on Scripture to build his case, Piper shows why pursuing maximum joy is essential to glorifying God. He discusses the implications of this for conversion, worship, love, Scripture, prayer, money, marriage, missions, and suffering.
Piper beckons us to approach God with the hedonist’s abandon. Finally, we are freed to enjoy Jesus—not only as our Lord and Savior, but also as our all-surpassing, soul-satisfying Treasure.
Desiring God may turn your Christian world upside down. And that will be a good thing, for the glory of God, and for your deepest joy.
John Piper explains how everything in the Christian faith works around the happiness we have in God.
Like one would expect, this book isn't an easy read. It's slow, repetitive, and sometimes dull. But the content is invaluable. I enjoyed Mr. Piper's take on the fact that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. While I've heard hints at the topics in Desiring God, never before have I heard it taken to be of such importance.
Although the books is quite thick at times, if the reader is able to bear with it, it is very enlightening. Definitely a must-read for any Christian 'Desiring God'.
I give the book 4 out of 5 stars.
For more information or more research on the book's topic, you can visit DesringGod.org
