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The Mystery of Joy
We look for it, long for it, and spend our lives chasing it. Yet do we really know what it is? Is it a feeling, a state of mind, or a reward for success? Do we know where to find it? The more we seek it, the more it eludes us.
Yet joy is real. “Joy”, writes philosopher Peter Kreeft, “is a mystery. It is bigger than we are.” Joy’s secret, however, is that it cannot be reached or found but only given. True joy is God Himself, who, giving Himself, takes us outside ourselves, across valleys of loss and mountains of triumph.
This lucid, witty reflection on the true nature of joy convinces us, page after page, that while sorrow is inevitable, joy is very, very near at hand. “It’s scandalously simple,” Kreeft reveals. “There’s no method; you just do it.” To “do” joy, we must let go of all fake happiness, all false gods. We must return, over and over, to the one true Joy, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Drawing from the wisdom of C. S. Lewis and Saint Thomas Aquinas, this instant classic by self-proclaimed curmudgeon Peter Kreeft walks us through the long, beautiful task of surrendering to deep joy, the chief work of any life worth living.
Yet joy is real. “Joy”, writes philosopher Peter Kreeft, “is a mystery. It is bigger than we are.” Joy’s secret, however, is that it cannot be reached or found but only given. True joy is God Himself, who, giving Himself, takes us outside ourselves, across valleys of loss and mountains of triumph.
This lucid, witty reflection on the true nature of joy convinces us, page after page, that while sorrow is inevitable, joy is very, very near at hand. “It’s scandalously simple,” Kreeft reveals. “There’s no method; you just do it.” To “do” joy, we must let go of all fake happiness, all false gods. We must return, over and over, to the one true Joy, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Drawing from the wisdom of C. S. Lewis and Saint Thomas Aquinas, this instant classic by self-proclaimed curmudgeon Peter Kreeft walks us through the long, beautiful task of surrendering to deep joy, the chief work of any life worth living.
241 pages, Paperback
Published February 7, 2025
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29 people want to read
About the author
Peter Kreeft
197 books1,072 followersPeter Kreeft is an American philosopher and prolific author of over eighty books on Christian theology, philosophy, and apologetics. A convert from Protestantism to Catholicism, his journey was shaped by his study of Church history, Gothic architecture, and Thomistic thought. He earned his BA from Calvin College, an MA and PhD from Fordham University, and pursued further studies at Yale. Since 1965, he has taught philosophy at Boston College and also at The King’s College. Kreeft is known for formulating “Twenty Arguments for the Existence of God” with Ronald K. Tacelli, featured in their Handbook of Christian Apologetics. A strong advocate for unity among Christians, he emphasizes shared belief in Christ over denominational differences.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 30, 2025
I first read Kreeft back in college: Socrates meets Jesus. I was struck then by his witty and fun way of presenting the truth about Truth and Jesus and a relationship with Him. Kreeft is now 87 years old and this is his latest book and I found it tremendously helpful and insightful. I’ve been chasing joy my whole life, though oft confused and deluded how to get it. Kreeft (once again) cuts to the truth: joy is not an it, it’s a Him. Joy flows from God to us as He pleases. My pursuit has been clarified. And I know better now to trust God to give joy as He pleases (along with suffering) and as my nature allows me to receive joy.
I do disagree with Kreeft’s position on Purgatory and transubstantiation. He vehemently argues for both in the book, but I put those disputable matters aside and thank God for the meat of his work, pointing out souls to trust and seek Him.
I do disagree with Kreeft’s position on Purgatory and transubstantiation. He vehemently argues for both in the book, but I put those disputable matters aside and thank God for the meat of his work, pointing out souls to trust and seek Him.
October 11, 2025
“The Mystery of Joy” in another outstanding spiritual adventure by Peter Kreeft. This is another aid for Catholics to improve their relationship with God and our day to day lives. Highly recommend. Experienced as an AUDIO book.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews