There are many people who have unfortunately been too short sighted to give Christian Hedonism a chance. Many will hear the term Christian Hedonist and assume that this must be heresy and "How dare we use the term hedonist?!" Well there is no other term to use. We are all hedonists whether we like it or not. We all look for happiness whether we like it or not. Does that mean we don't suffer for the cause of the gospel because it hurts? Nay, it means that as we suffer for the cause of the gospel we do it happily, because the gospel makes us happy. Does that mean that as our worlds, or marriages, or friendships fall apart that we drift off into escapism and doing worldly things that make us happy? No, it means that no matter what or happiness is found in the gospel, not in physical comfort.
Stop misinterpreting. I agree with John Piper, in fact my heart sings with John Piper TO GOD (i.e. Piper is not my idol, he has to apologize publicly for things too), when I pursue joy at all costs. What will make me joyful? God. I refuse to accept this notion that joy is just a reaction to doing what is right. I know of far too many saints who have obeyed with a radiant face and made thousands of converts or suffered horrible tragedy and have loved God until the day they die, JOYFULLY. I have walked around with a long face for far too long, joy should be the main cause, reason, and call to believe this gospel of ours.
Whether you like it or not, everyone including Christians pursues joy with all of their heart. The druggie is pursuing joy, the homosexual is pursuing joy, everyone is pursuing joy, but they haven't found it. Those joys whither and fade.
The ultimate question is then not whether you will pursue joy (because you will) but who or what will be the object of your joy. And the answer to that is that there is only one existent being that will fulfill all joy, God. Look past the title friends.
For joy,
R.D. Thompson
08 February 2007
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