SUMMARY
"Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist" is a book by John Piper that explores the idea of Christian hedonism, which he defines as the pursuit of pleasure in God. The book was first published in 1986, and a revised edition was published in 2011.
Piper argues that the pursuit of pleasure in God is not only compatible with, but essential to, the Christian faith. He claims that the ultimate goal of the Christian life is to glorify God by enjoying him forever, and that this enjoyment of God is the source of true joy and fulfillment.
Throughout the book, Piper draws on biblical texts to support his argument, and he provides practical advice for how to cultivate a deeper love for God. He encourages readers to pursue a relationship with God that is marked by both delight and obedience, and he emphasizes the importance of spiritual disciplines such as prayer, reading the Bible, and worship.
In addition to outlining the principles of Christian hedonism, Piper also addresses a number of related topics, including the nature of God, the problem of evil, and the importance of evangelism. He argues that a robust understanding of Christian hedonism can help Christians to navigate these issues in a way that is both faithful to the Bible and personally fulfilling.
Overall, "Desiring God" is a challenging and thought-provoking book that encourages Christians to embrace a deeper, more joyful relationship with God. It has become a classic in Christian literature and has had a significant impact on many people's understanding of what it means to follow Jesus.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Christian hedonism is the idea that pursuing pleasure in God is not only permissible, but essential to the Christian faith.
2. The ultimate end of all things is the glory of God, and God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.
3. Christian hedonism involves a radical reorientation of our desires, so that our greatest joy and satisfaction are found in God.
4. The pursuit of pleasure in God should permeate every aspect of our lives, including our worship, prayer, relationships, and use of money.
5. Suffering and hardship are not incompatible with Christian hedonism. Even in the midst of trials, we can experience a deep sense of joy and satisfaction in God.
6. Christian hedonism is not a self-centered pursuit of personal pleasure, but rather a way of living that seeks to glorify God and share his love with others.
7. Reading and studying the Bible, participating in corporate worship, cultivating a habit of prayer, and engaging in evangelism and missions are all important practices for the Christian hedonist.
8. Pursuing pleasure in God can be costly, but the joy and satisfaction we experience in him make the sacrifices worthwhile.
9. A healthy marriage is characterized by mutual delight and satisfaction, and the same principle applies to our relationship with God.
10. Examples of Christian hedonists throughout history, such as Augustine, Jonathan Edwards, and C.S. Lewis, demonstrate the enduring appeal and relevance of this approach to the Christian life.