What is Christian hedonism?

Christian Hedonism is a theological perspective popularized by John Piper, particularly in his book Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist. The core idea is summarized in his well-known statement:

“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”

Piper argues that Christians should pursue their joy in God because delighting in God glorifies Him most. This view emphasizes that God’s commands are not just about duty but also about delight and that Christians should seek their ultimate happiness in God.

However, the term “hedonism” is typically associated with self-indulgence and pleasure-seeking, which raises questions about whether this philosophy is biblically sound. To evaluate Christian Hedonism, we must examine what the Bible says about seeking pleasure, glorifying God, and the Christian’s purpose.

The Biblical Call to Delight in God

One of the key arguments of Christian Hedonism is that the Bible commands believers to delight in God. Piper often cites:

Psalm 37:4 (NKJV)
“Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

This verse suggests that seeking joy in God is not optional but commanded. Other passages also emphasize joy in God’s presence:

• Psalm 16:11 (NKJV): “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
• Philippians 4:4 (NKJV): “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”

Christian Hedonism interprets these verses to mean that pursuing joy in God is a central part of faith. The idea is that if we delight in God, our desires will be transformed to align with His will.

Does the Bible Encourage Seeking Pleasure?

The word “hedonism” generally refers to the pursuit of pleasure as the highest good. This raises concerns because the Bible often warns against self-indulgence and worldly pleasure:

2 Timothy 3:1-4 (NKJV)
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”

This passage warns against pleasure-seeking apart from God. Christian Hedonism tries to separate worldly pleasure from godly pleasure, arguing that true pleasure is only found in God Himself. However, the Bible warns against misguided pleasure-seeking:

• Ecclesiastes 2:1 (NKJV): “I said in my heart, ‘Come now, I will test you with mirth; therefore enjoy pleasure’; but surely, this also was vanity.”
• James 4:3 (NKJV): “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.”

The Bible does not condemn pleasure outright, but it condemns seeking pleasure as an end in itself.

The Purpose of Man: Glorifying God or Seeking Joy?

A major critique of Christian Hedonism is that it redefines the purpose of man. The Westminster Catechism states:

“The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”

Christian Hedonism rearranges this to:

“The chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever.”

This subtle shift suggests that seeking joy in God is the primary way to glorify Him. However, the Bible teaches that we should glorify God in everything we do, not just by seeking personal joy:

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

We glorify God through obedience, service, love, holiness, and faithfulness, not just by seeking joy in Him.

Does Christian Hedonism Align with Biblical Suffering?

A significant problem with Christian Hedonism is that it does not fully account for suffering, persecution, and trials. The Bible teaches that Christians will suffer:

2 Timothy 3:12 (NKJV)
“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

Jesus Himself endured suffering and embraced the will of the Father, even when it did not bring immediate joy:

Luke 22:42 (NKJV)
“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.”

While Christian Hedonism teaches that joy in God can be found even in suffering, the Bible does not portray joy as the ultimate goal. Instead, believers are called to persevere, trust, and obey—whether or not it brings immediate pleasure.

Romans 5:3-4 (NKJV):
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

The Christian life is not always about feeling joy but about faithful endurance.

The Biblical Balance: Joy, Obedience, and Holiness

While joy in God is biblical, it should not be the main motivation for Christian living. Instead, the Bible calls believers to:

1. Seek God’s Kingdom First

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV):
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

2. Deny Ourselves and Follow Christ

Luke 9:23 (NKJV):
“Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’”

3. Love and Obey God Regardless of Feelings

John 14:15 (NKJV):
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

Christian life is about faithfulness, holiness, and obedience, even when joy is absent.

Conclusion: Is Christian Hedonism Biblical?

Strengths of Christian Hedonism:

– Encourages delight in God (Psalm 37:4).
– Emphasizes joy in worship and service.
– Recognizes that God is the ultimate source of satisfaction.

Weaknesses of Christian Hedonism:

– Overemphasizes joy as the primary motivation for obedience.
– Redefines the purpose of man (glorifying God is not the same as seeking joy).
– Does not fully account for suffering, trials, and duty.

Final Verdict:

Christian Hedonism contains some biblical truths but places too much emphasis on joy as the driving force of Christian life. The Bible teaches obedience, holiness, and perseverance—even when joy is absent.

Instead of seeking pleasure in God, we should seek God Himself and trust that joy will come as a result of walking in His ways.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NKJV):
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.”