What is the difference between Christian Hedonism and Utilitarianism?
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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
Last activity: May 14, 2023, 04:53 PM