Hi
We have discussed John Piper and his so called “Christian Hedonism” on this board in the past. Like Pilgrim, I believe the term “Christian Hedonism” is an oxymoron; they actually cancel each other out.
Piper claims that Christian hedonism is not new with him; in fact he claims that Jonathan Edwards was a Christian Hedonist.
Pilgrim said in the past that Piper has misrepresented Jonathan Edwards and although I am inclined to agree with him. I must admit that after looking into the claims of Piper concerning Edwards; I am still left not knowing what to think.
I have looked at some of the quotes and writing Piper uses from Edwards for his claims and I am not sure what to think.
I have asked a knowledgeable Reformed friend who is not a Piper fan, especially after all the controversy concerning Piper in the last few years. Yet despite his not being a fan of Piper, he told me that based on what he has read of Edwards, he believes that Piper is correct.
I was actually surprised of my friend’s response, so I decided to e-mail a Reformed Baptist theologian, hoping that he might be able to shed some light on the subject. I was actually a little surprised to receive a reply back from him. However his response was too brief to be of much help. His reply was that it was very clear Edwards was definitely a “Christian Hedonist”; at least how the term was meant. It was also quite clear he was getting a little tired of the issue.
My interest in this particular issue isn’t whether or not Edward’s was right or wrong on the issue. None of are right on every single issue; least of all me.
However, I find it rather odd that even some people who believe “Christian Hedonism” is un-biblical believe that Edwards was a “Christian Hedonist”. Though they rightly say that Edward’s doesn’t use the term himself.
On my part I think part of my confusion is because some of Edward’s writing is always easy for me to understand.
If you think you might have something to contribute concerning Edward’s and his so called belief in “Christian Hedonism” I welcome it.
This is not the only reason why I am trying to get more information on this issue; but I think if this is answered other things will take care of themselves.
Thank you
Tom