Book Review: Desiring God: Meditations of A Christian Hedonist

by Greg Smith on October 24th, 2011

512nacmd1dl-_ss500_Ever read a book that completely altered, foundationally, your view of life? Ever read a book that so changed things in your mind and heart that you were unable to go back to the way things, "used to be"? Maybe the Bible is coming to mind (I sure hope so at least!), but there is another book that did this to me as well. I went into a hedonist; I came out of it a Christian Hedonist. The way I now pursued my happiness and satisfaction in life was to the max; now it’s, “fullness of joy and pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11)

 

I am presently teaching a course each week on Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist, a book by Pastor and theologian John Piper. It is a deep look at the longings of the human soul and our pursuit of our joy in this life. If you are not in the class, (what’s the matter with you!) I hope to offer it again in the winter/spring again. So this is a bit of a plug for the course but more importantly, a plea for you to pick up this book and do your soul an enormous amount of good.

 

Piper, autobiographically, explains his struggles with the pursuit of his happiness, joy, and pleasure in his life and the reconciling or struggles therein with understanding how this fits with pursuit of God and his faith. Piper explains, with help from many theologians, philosophers, writers, and most importantly, the Bible, that man has been wired to pursue their joy at all costs; the most enduring and most satisfying joy/happiness/satisfaction then is what we should strive for. The caveat, before everyone starts to pursue their joy in whatever they THINK will bring them the most joy, this most enduring and lasting joy/happiness/satisfaction is found ONLY GOD.

 

Ever asked the question, “Why don’t I have the desire to serve/give/love.” What about the moments when you felt that your walk with Christ has been more of white-knuckled obedience then joy filled obedience? Do the stories of the passion and steadfast pursuit of Paul in the epistles drive you crazy as you wonder, “Why don’t I pursue God like that?” You will find good company in the lines of Desiring God and with John Piper. A Christian Hedonist knows that the chief end of every life on this planet is, as the Westmister Catechism states first and foremost, "To enjoy God and glorify Him forever" Do you feel that way?

 

My whole-hearted recommendation is that you purchase this book and begin on an amazing journey where you will be able to echo the summary statement of Desiring God, "God is most glorified, when we are most satisfied in Him". Are you satified in Christ today? You can be...and should be!

 

Purchase the book at:

Amazon                      CBD                 WTSBooks