Sample Header Ad - 728x90

What is the difference between Christian Hedonism and Utilitarianism?

1 vote
1 answer
138 views
In my previous question https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/95435/what-are-counterexamples-to-the-position-that-christian-morality-is-ultimately-u , someone in the comments referred me to this article: https://www.desiringgod.org/topics/christian-hedonism The title of the article is *Christian Hedonism*. Then it says: > **Joy is not optional. It’s essential**. > > Christian Hedonism is the > conviction that God’s ultimate goal in the world (his glory) and our > deepest desire (to be happy) are one and the same, because God is most > glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him. Not only is God the > supreme source of satisfaction for the human soul, but God himself is > glorified by our being satisfied in him. Therefore, our pursuit of joy > in him is essential. > > Christian Hedonism claims that the Christian life should be the > pursuit of maximum joy in God — joy both in quality and quantity. > Fullness of joy and joy forevermore (Psalm 16:11) are found only in > him. > > **Joy Changes Everything** > > Learning that God’s glory and our joy are not at odds is a liberating > discovery. Christian Hedonism touches, and reshapes, our vision of > essentially all of life and ministry — from conversion to worship to > the Scriptures to prayer to marriage to missions to suffering, and > even the very nature of God himself. > > > **Objections** > > Much is at stake with joy in God. Many have thought about Christianity > for so long in terms of duty, rather than delight, that the claims of > Christian Hedonism can be tough to swallow. John Piper has heard these > over the years and is eager to win even the most ardent detractors. So, is John Piper a utilitarian? Is there any difference between Christian Hedonism and Utilitarianism?
Asked by user61679
May 14, 2023, 03:23 PM
Last activity: May 14, 2023, 04:53 PM