The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Hedonism

I have just read an article by Desiring God with the title of the article ''Lament Like a Christian Hedonist''.. I have not done a long study of the term ''Hedonist'' or its relationship to biblical Christianity,.. I have found comments here on the Highway that have already been expounded on the ideology,.. and with that note, I wonder why this is still being a prevalent stance with John Piper's ministry despite those who have addressed it like Mr. Peters in at least 2 articles to my knowledge .. The faith seems to be daily being bombarded by those who claim to be Calvinist and Reformed in their theology but continue to leave for man centeredness and have no real likeness of those from whom this great theology has its essence. http://desiringgod.cmail20.com/t/j-l-utidjlt-ntjfkukt-t/

For a Christian, there should be no greater joy than in being a "living sacrifice," which is our reasonable service to God - and thus "hedonistic" (?) because of the happiness it brings to the inner man.

But the whole man-centered, "pleasure-seeking" thing (even if that pleasure is "good") is really bothersome to me. We should be seeking His pleasure rather than our own.

Piper's proposition of "Christian Hedonism" is summed up by him as, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." (cf. Christian Hedonism).

I find this most obnoxious and contrary to the basic doctrine of God found in Scripture. It is CHRIST, the incarnate Son of God in whom God is most glorified. God is most glorified in Himself.
To even suggest that man, particularly fallen man brings the most glory to God when we are 'most satisfied in Him' is ridiculous. God further glorifies Himself in His works of creation, The heavens bring forth the glory of God (Ps 19:1) and in His redemption of sinners, (2Cor 4:6,15).

''effulgence''.. a word I don't think I have run across before,.. but I do thank you for it!...

Effulgence is brightness taken to the extreme. You may be dazzled by it, stunned by it, or even overcome by it. Usually used to refer to the sun or some other mega-star, effulgence can also be used more figuratively.

Thought that God was most glorified in the Cross of Christ, and in the person Of Jesus?

Isn't that what I said HERE?

God needs no other creatures to bring Him glory, does he?

Is this a question you are asking because you are unsure of the answer?

Not sure!

Why not reason this out based upon the biblical doctrine of God? Is God all glorious in and of Himself? Was God less glorious before He created anything? Can any creature increase or decrease God's glory?

God did not have to do anything in order to be glorious, since he is God, he is fully sufficient within Himself.... Unlike some who would seem to hold to somehow God "needed" to create us?

Robin
I think your words sum up why I disagree with Christian Hedonism.
Yet quite a while ago, when I was trying to get to the bottom of the issue. I e-mailed a Reformed theologian whom I have grown to respect over the years concerning the issue. I would rather not say who that theologian is. However, he basically says that he is tired of the whole issue, because what people are accusing Piper of is a misunderstanding at best. I tried to find out more, but I did not get a response.

Tom

1. You didn't say what your "Reformed theologian" thinks people are misunderstanding.
2. You didn't say what your "Reformed theologian" bases his defense of Piper's proposition is?
3. Just the title "Christian HEDONISM" should raise flags.
4. Save your "respect" for someone else.

Maybe the Theologian requested not to be named though?