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John Piper’s theology

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Bob Alkire, Jul 15, 2011.

  1. Bob Alkire

    Bob Alkire New Member

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    I was reading that John Piper’s theology is Christian Hedonism. Is this the same as Roman Catholic Blaise Pascal wrote about? I haven't read anything about Pascal in more years than I would like to count.
    I have only read three or four of Piper's books, so I don't know a great deal about him. I agree with him on a lot and disagree with him as well on many things.
    Anyone know if this is true or if what I was reading is false? Thanks, I would like to know.


     
  2. preacher4truth

    preacher4truth Active Member

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    It is true within his context that he finds all pleasure in knowing God.

    Have you read "Desiring God?" He expresses this in that book.
     
  3. Bob Alkire

    Bob Alkire New Member

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    Thanks. No I haven't read "Desiring God."

    I've read Blaise Pascal work on this while in seminary years ago. Can't say I agreed with him.
     
  4. quantumfaith

    quantumfaith Active Member

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    Bob, would that have been Pensees by Pascal?
     
  5. preacher4truth

    preacher4truth Active Member

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    I'd say Pipers theology is Calvinism, and his pursuit Christian Hedonism (pleasure) in knowing God.

    What was Pascals meaning on hedonism?

    - Peace
     
  6. Bob Alkire

    Bob Alkire New Member

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    You are corrrect.
     
  7. quantumfaith

    quantumfaith Active Member

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    Cliff notes version....the application of probability to faith in God.
     
  8. Bob Alkire

    Bob Alkire New Member

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    It has been 38 to 40 years ago that I read his work, so I'll try of the top of my head. Christian Hedonism is the doctrine that man’s highest calling is to pursue his own happiness by pursuing God.
     
    #8 Bob Alkire, Jul 15, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 15, 2011
  9. jbh28

    jbh28 Active Member

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  10. Bob Alkire

    Bob Alkire New Member

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    Thanks, the more I think on it the more of it is coming back.
    If I recall correctly Augustine in one of his works said something near to the same(Desiring God). Something like the reason a person comes to Christ is for their happiness.
     
  11. preacher4truth

    preacher4truth Active Member

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    Piper would probably argue that it is God who pursues us for a relationship with Him, and that we then find true happiness in Him, and pursuing Him in our walk accomplishes this;

    "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." - John Piper
     
  12. Bob Alkire

    Bob Alkire New Member

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    Thanks, I guess I might have to read his book, but if it the same as I was taught in seminary, I don't think I'll buy his view, if not may be. I know I didn't agree with Blaise Pascal view.
    But thanks for all the help.
     
  13. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
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    I find him a better speaker than writer...but that is just me. I have a hard time "tuning in" to his thoughts.
    He is a bit off the reservation doctrinally in a way that I am not alright with.
    That is okay. To his own master he stands and falls. With any of these men. God will use them for His purposes. i recently posted a small youtube video that he did on retirement....I thought he raised some good issues there.
    I think he has some wrong doctrinal ideas....but I have only seen a small section of what he holds to.
     
  14. J.D.

    J.D. Active Member
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    I have several Piper books. The only one of them I was able to finish was The Justification of God. I find him outstanding with one-liners like his "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him" and passionate sermons like his polemic against the prosperity gospel. The whole Hedonism thing wears thin after a while. It is a wonderful concept indeed - the Christian Life is a life of enjoyment in God's graces - but a hedonistic life is a life of excess, and really not a good fit with what Piper is really trying to convey.

    And besides there's Piper's associations that are making some of us more and more uneasy, like his invitation to RW to be a featured speaker at his annual conference.
     
    #14 J.D., Jul 15, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 15, 2011
  15. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    Big argument years back over Piper's choice of "hedonism" as a catchword. I don't like it . . and this thread is part of the reason. It has a negative connotation.

    Piper is a 5-point biblicist. He is Swedish Baptist (Baptist General Conference, centered in Minnesota) and holds to only a very loose Baptist polity. He recently sought to have his church eliminate "baptized" as a base for membership.

    A great speaker. Very dull conversationalist and introverted personality. Often the mark of a deeper thinker . . and there haven't been too many of them in evangelical Baptist circles, eh?
     
  16. convicted1

    convicted1 Guest

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    I haven't read anything from Mr. Piper, nor do I know anything about him, other than what I have read on here, and the internet. But, I have a very hard time in saying that I sought God for my happiness. Rather, it was God who sought me out. Sure, I went to church to hear what I needed to do to garner salvation. In the end, I found out I could do ZERO. The only thing I could do was repent and believe the gospel. I do like the quote you posted here, Bro. P4T. Here is a verse I love, and I think it sums up how I came to salvation.

    Deut. 32:10 He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.

    Oh, how sweet it is to be His. That He sought me out, one so undeserving of Grace, but yet He bestowed His Grace(His Son on the cross) to me, a sinner, and now I am on my way home. Hallelujah to the King Eternal!!

    i am I AM's!!

    Willis
     
  17. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
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    JD+Dr.Bob,

    As with any of our "trusted guides....those still preaching and writing, those we come to know through the printed word.....it seems as if God has it set up that we can see flaws or weakness in each one, so we do not become sectarian like those of 1 cor3.
    We can glean the good that God has saw fit to give to these men. The parts where a man goes off in the flesh,on a hobby horse we can leave off.
    Someone like Mr. Piper has a degree of gift that will be effective with many souls.....I pray for those he can point to truth.
    That being said....He can only do what he can according to the word and conscience....I pray that God will steer Him away from what appears to be pragmatic ideas....back within the confines of scripture.
     
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