Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 358 pages
• Published by: Multnomah Books; Revised and Expanded edition April 17, 2003
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1590521196
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1590521199
• Book Dimensions: 8.3 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Weighs: 1 pounds

From AudioFile
The title of this work may raise red flags with those of a more pious bent. However, Piper, who openly credits (after Jesus and St. Paul) Jonathan Edwards and C.S. Lewis for his inspiration, maintains that it is our duty to delight and be happy in God. This thoughtful work on the joy and happiness inherent in our relationship with God is ably read by Grover Gardner. His resonant voice is deliberate in delivery; it is a careful and thoughtful presentation by one who considers his words well. This carefulness is by no means an indication of a boring recitation. This is an expression of joy, reverent joy, from the heart. M.T.F. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Review
"This book profoundly influenced my life." -- Jerry Bridges --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Reader Reviews
This review is from: Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist (Paperback) Are you a Christian hedonist? Do you agree that God is most glorified in you when you are most satisfied in Him? Piper does. And in this text he describes why he thinks this should be the thought and belief of every believer. This is one of the greatest Christian texts (apart from the Bible of course) to ever be written. In fact, the first line of the preface reads, "This is a serious book about being happy in God." Are you discontent in your life? Perhaps you are bogged down in what you think is your 'duty' to be obedient but you never seem to manage to perform that 'duty' well. Piper declares that the only way an individual can gain a long term distaste for sin is to find total satisfaction in God. Feast on God is Piper's advise. Thus, in this text Piper takes his reader through the journey of the Christian hedonist. He describes what it means to be a Christian hedonist. But what is more, Piper details in one chapter after another, how one can find superior satisfaction in God via worship, love, Scripture, prayer, money (yes money), marriage, missions, and even suffering. Each section describes how the Christian can have a more fulfilled Christian life simply by focusing one's joy and adoration of the one true and living almighty God. Piper, being not only a great preacher, also translates the Scripture for his reader (having a vast knowledge of the biblical languages). What is more, the book includes a nice epilogue detailing why Piper actually wrote the book, along with 4 additional appendices that describe God's role in history, the reliability of the Bible for everlasting joy, what it means to love your neighbor as yourself, and why all this is called Christian hedonism. This is a wonderful Christian work which should help to bring the reader to an understanding of the value, worth, and pleasure there is in glorifying God by enjoying Him forever. I agree with R.C. Sproul's assessment of this book (which is on the back cover), this text is a modern manual of true spirituality. I highly recommend it.