1.29.2007

What about Joy?

Gentlemen, I have been reading much the last several weeks on the concept that has come to be known as "Christian Hedonism." I have found many of the arguments in favor of this position very compelling. I did not come to conclusion that I, myself, am a Christian Hedonist by way of John Piper's Desiring God as many others have. My discoveries came through reading various bits of C.S. Lewis. In particular, his book Letters to Malcolm and his address The Weight of Glory (which was turned into a short book of addresses) make the case that we should seek joy in doing the works of God. The works of God (i.e. prayer, attending church services, reading Scripture) should not merely be duty-based works (deontological). They, instead, should be something that we delight in (to use the language of Scripture). I would argue that if we do things out of a sense of obligation, we are doing a disservice to God and are not likely to find any spiritual health in them. This paradigm shift extrapolates out into the physical world as well. We should find much pleasure in the pleasurable things of this world. For further explanation on this point, check my last post (I'm not trying to be self-serving; I just don't want to explain it again). But, I want to know what you guys think.

3 Comments:

Blogger Charlie Wallace said...

Something that troubles me and is semi-related to your post is the issue of "what do we think about?"

Do we live life thinking about "how can I serve God?" or "how can I glorify God today?" By doing this, will we have joy?

These seem like admirable goals but we are still thinking of ourselves...'how can I...'

How do we think "Godly" thoughts without thinking about how thinking these thoughts will effect our well-being and state of mind?

3:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Q. What is the chief end of man?
A. The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. (WSC #1)

According to these seventeenth century Puritans, glorifying God and enjoying him are synonymous.

4:44 PM  
Blogger Charlie Wallace said...

How do we practically enjoy God?

2:04 PM  

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