Follow along as Andrew Jackson takes a look at “Christian Hedonism”
His first post
From his second:
Although some might differ with me, I like the the term “Christian Hedonism.” Why? Well, when heard it crosses the mental wires of Christian and nonChristian alike, and generates thinking and discussion. The term “Christian Hedonism” seems to awaken and generate a good shock for the complacent Christian and the cynical nonChristian. Maybe it is just me, but once understood biblically, I am willing to label myself a maturing Christian Hedonist, although I do not reckon it necessary to understood Christian Hedonism like some who have systematically articulated this philosophy of life in detail. In other words, I believe one honestly can embrace the label Christian Hedonism without accepting every jot and tittle presented by Jonathan Edwards, John Piper or others. No teacher or preacher has a monopoly on Christian Hedonism.
One issue that must first be settled for Christians is whether it is biblical to pursue happiness in God as the ultimate goal of living and action.
Christian Ethics as Disinterested Duty
There is a deep mindset and understanding within Christianity today that propagates the teaching that it is a sinful, unethical, and morally defective to pursue or seek seriously one’s own happiness, good, pleasure, and enjoyment, even if this ultimate happiness is centered in God. Many Christians – influenced by Immanuel Kant and others – emphasize that an act is morally diminished or lessened to the degree we experience joy in doing it, and to be motivated to intentionally do something because it produces personal joy is seen as ungodly and substandard.
