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Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist
John Piper Explores the Ultimate Source and Object of Pleasure, Satisfaction, and Lasting Joy
"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." This simple but powerful statement has been a cornerstone of John Piper's ministry for nearly 40 years. Laying out the principles behind this "Christian Hedonism" Desiring God has proved to be a source of rich theological insight for countless people through the years, guiding them to the fullness of joy found in Christ.
In this foundational work, John Piper addresses profound questions about the purpose of life and the human pursuit of pleasure. Drawing wisdom from Scripture and insights from church history, Piper challenges the belief that believers must sacrifice joy in order to please God. Instead, finding delight in God does not diminish his glory; rather, it magnifies it and fulfills the deepest desires of our souls.
Explains Christian Human life should be a pursuit of godly pleasure Written by John Desiring God, first published in 1986, became a cornerstone of Piper's teaching and ministry Wise Theological Delves into Piper's famous statement that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him
"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." This simple but powerful statement has been a cornerstone of John Piper's ministry for nearly 40 years. Laying out the principles behind this "Christian Hedonism" Desiring God has proved to be a source of rich theological insight for countless people through the years, guiding them to the fullness of joy found in Christ.
In this foundational work, John Piper addresses profound questions about the purpose of life and the human pursuit of pleasure. Drawing wisdom from Scripture and insights from church history, Piper challenges the belief that believers must sacrifice joy in order to please God. Instead, finding delight in God does not diminish his glory; rather, it magnifies it and fulfills the deepest desires of our souls.
Explains Christian Human life should be a pursuit of godly pleasure Written by John Desiring God, first published in 1986, became a cornerstone of Piper's teaching and ministry Wise Theological Delves into Piper's famous statement that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him
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Published September 9, 2025
About the author
John Piper
604 books4,798 followersJohn Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as senior pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 24, 2026
Zzzzzzz absolutely snooze fest. Got about halfway through and genuinely could not bring myself to care enough to finish it.
2 stars because there are people who really need to hear this. What Piper says is true, it’s just not very interesting. I’m clearly not the audience, and it seems like Piper is both writing to people who believe that and during a time where the concept of ‘Christian hedonism’ was very controversial.
However, not more than 2 stars because I was on board with Piper since page 3, yet he continues to spend all his time talking about WHY we have to be joyful without really giving much guidance as to HOW to be joyful. Simply lacking a pastoral side for me personally.
2 stars because there are people who really need to hear this. What Piper says is true, it’s just not very interesting. I’m clearly not the audience, and it seems like Piper is both writing to people who believe that and during a time where the concept of ‘Christian hedonism’ was very controversial.
However, not more than 2 stars because I was on board with Piper since page 3, yet he continues to spend all his time talking about WHY we have to be joyful without really giving much guidance as to HOW to be joyful. Simply lacking a pastoral side for me personally.
July 13, 2026
A classic. One of my time favorites. I am a convinced Christian hedonist because of this.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews