"When I Don't Desire God" by John Piper is a book that explores the concept of Christian Hedonism, a doctrine that suggests finding joy and satisfaction in God is not only natural but expected by God himself. While the book dives into complex theological ideas, it offers valuable insights for those who are willing to engage with these concepts.
At its core, Christian Hedonism encourages us to seek joy and delight in God, arguing that the more we find happiness in Him, the brighter His presence shines in our lives. This idea can be liberating because it validates our innate desires for happiness and joy, assuring us that they are not contrary to our faith but an essential part of it.
Now personally, this was not the direction I was expecting from a book like this. I will never discount the immense amount of experience, intelligence, and wisdom of Piper, but I actually disagree with this idea of Christian Hedonism. I understand where he is going with this in the sense of Christians loving God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength; But maybe it is the term altogether I dislike. It just doesn’t seem necessary.
However, the book also presents challenges. It calls for a level of love and desire for God that can seem out of reach for many. This tension arises because God is glorified when we take joy in Him, which, in turn, frees us from guilt and encourages us to seek joy in God. But this also highlights our failures to find joy in God as we should.
One of the key takeaways is that Christian Hedonism redefines our relationship with God, focusing on joy and satisfaction rather than strict obedience. It emphasizes that only God can ignite the desire for Him within us, emphasizing our dependence on His grace.
To understand the book's message better, it's essential to grasp the distinction between desiring God and delighting in God. Desire represents the thirst for God, while delight refers to the experience of God in our hearts. Both are crucial for experiencing true joy in God, and the book encourages us to merge these two experiences.
Piper argues that finding joy in God is not a simple task; it requires effort. We are called to "fight for joy," a concept that might seem counterintuitive at first. This fight is not against external foes but against our own internal struggles and sinful desires. The book emphasizes that our pursuit of worldly pleasures is morally neutral, but our ability to love the desire for God is a critical aspect of our faith.
The book also highlights that joy in God is a gift from Him. It is something beyond our control and impossible to experience without God's grace. However, it's essential to recognize that while joy is indeed a gift, we have a role to play in pursuing it. We are all naturally rebellious and drawn away from God by our desires, which is why Christ's sacrifice was necessary to redeem us.
Piper introduces the concept of spiritual sight, emphasizing its importance in experiencing God's glory. He explains that we must develop this spiritual sight to appreciate God's glory fully and find lasting joy in Him.
The book also delves into the significance of the cross of Christ, describing it as the doorway to joy for all who believe. Christ's sacrifice on the cross not only paid the price for our sins but also opened the door to immense joy for humanity.
Piper underscores the role of Scripture and prayer in the pursuit of joy. He explains that understanding God's Word is crucial for finding and sustaining joy in Him. The Bible serves as a guide leading us to God, the ultimate source of joy. The book encourages readers to make a plan for reading and memorizing Scripture and emphasizes the importance of prayer as a means to ignite a passion for God's Word.
Additionally, the book suggests that joy in the world can lead to joy in God when approached with the right attitude. It encourages readers to connect all things to God and use worldly pleasures as stepping stones toward Him.
"When I Don't Desire God" by John Piper introduces readers to the concept of Christian Hedonism and the pursuit of joy in God. I disagree with this term and would never consider myself a “Christian Hedonist”. I have always viewed it as you either love God or you don’t. I don’t pursue pleasure or happiness as my main goal. I actually view the Christian life quite the opposite, in that there will be suffering and hardships. I don’t have to fight for joy because our joy, hope, and strength is already within us through the Holy Spirit. Our faith in him is what sustains us; not so much about pursuing pleasure.
Obviously we are to love God, but this idea of pursuing pleasure in God is simply not the purpose of Christianity. Maybe I am missing something here or I have misunderstood what Piper is getting at, but his message did not sit well with me. While some of these concepts may be challenging as it was for me, Piper did provide a unique perspective on faith and joy whether I agree with it or not.