Christian hedonism
"John Piper's writings have made a large impact on Reformed and other evangelical believers in the late twentieth century, and their influence continues unabated. Building on some ideas of Jonathan Edwards, Piper argues that the Christian life is essentially an enjoyment of God, for God is glorified when his people enjoy him. The Christian life gets out of kilter when we find ourselves enjoying other things in the place of God. Piper's work has generated a renewal movement similar to that of Sonship, though with a somewhat different message." John Frame
Multimedia
- Resources on Christian Hedonism, Desiring God Christian Resource Library
Criticisms
"Piper has been criticized for failing to recognize the theme of the Heidelberg Catechism: that our obedience to God is motivated by gratitude for what he has done for us. He has replied that he is not opposed to obedience motivated by gratitude. He rather opposes the 'debtor's ethic', the notion that we must somehow seek to pay God back for what he has done for us." John Frame
See also
Resources
Favorable
- Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist, by John Piper
- Pleasures Evermore: The Life-Changing Power of Enjoying God, by Sam Storms
- One Thing: Developing a Passion for the Beauty of God, by Sam Storms
Criticial
- The God Who Commands, by Richard Mouw (See pp. 22-42 for critique of Christian Hedonism)
External links
Favorable
- What is Christian Hedonism?, by Sam Storms
- Christian Hedonism, by John Piper
Critical
- Articles Critiquing Christian Hedonism, The Faithful Word.org
- Why I am no longer a Piperite, by "Wink"
- Christian Hedonism, by Jeremy Pierce (See extended version here)
- Christian Hedonism - Is it right?, by Peter Masters