Changes

:::::There's a kind of Christian Hedonism in Reformed Theology, especially in the teachings of the Baptist theologian John Piper, the Chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary, although it seems to be different than some of what's been posted earlier.  Piper argues that mankind's greatest happiness lies in obedience to God and in the promise of heaven, and that we should obey God because we know that doing so will make us happier than disobeying Him.  It's a controversial position, and certainly a minority one, but it's out there.  Generally, though, when somebody talks about "Christian Hedonism", they're talking about the teachings of Piper or other people with similar views, like Dan Fuller and Sam Storms, who are also Baptist theologians.--[[User:Whizkid|Whizkid]] ([[User talk:Whizkid|talk]]) 00:28, 20 July 2016 (EDT)

:::::There's a kind of Christian Hedonism in Reformed Theology, especially in the teachings of the Baptist theologian John Piper, the Chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary, although it seems to be different than some of what's been posted earlier.  Piper argues that mankind's greatest happiness lies in obedience to God and in the promise of heaven, and that we should obey God because we know that doing so will make us happier than disobeying Him.  It's a controversial position, and certainly a minority one, but it's out there.  Generally, though, when somebody talks about "Christian Hedonism", they're talking about the teachings of Piper or other people with similar views, like Dan Fuller and Sam Storms, who are also Baptist theologians.--[[User:Whizkid|Whizkid]] ([[User talk:Whizkid|talk]]) 00:28, 20 July 2016 (EDT)

::::::When I was taught about hedonism in college, I was not made aware that what I was learning was a minority view.  My philosophy professor was in fact himself seeking a Doctorate in Theology.  Perhaps it would be best to make a separate entry for Christian hedonism, then briefly mention and link to it in this article? --Pious (talk) 23:32, 20 July 2016 (CDT)

::::::When I was taught about hedonism in college, I was not made aware that what I was learning was a minority view.  My philosophy professor was in fact himself seeking a Doctorate in Theology.  Perhaps it would be best to make a separate entry for Christian hedonism, then briefly mention and link to it in this article? --Pious (talk) 23:32, 19 July 2016 (CDT)

Pious, you wrote: "What hedonism is about is the maximization of pleasure and minimization of pain, for both oneself '''and others'''."  

Pious, you wrote: "What hedonism is about is the maximization of pleasure and minimization of pain, for both oneself '''and others'''."  

:Thanks for your input, [[User:Whizkid|Whizkid]] and [[User:Conservative|Conservative]]!  I seem to be well out of not only my area of expertise but also my area of familiarity.  I guess I need to do more reading and less writing.  Anyway, Whizkid's explanation makes a lot of sense to me anyway.  I'd wondered before if Conservative's question was applicable, (regarding whether you had a unique definition for this or not) and now it seems it is.  What I'm hearing from every angle is that hedonism is all about self.  It would make sense, therefore, that even Christian Hedonism would be about serving God for the purpose of self, which is not the reason God wants us to have for obedience and service. Anyway, if we can get the self only vs self and others issue resolved, I'd agree with making a separate Christian Hedonism section.  I don't think you would need to link to this page, since it is the talk page of hedonism already.  --[[User:DavidB4|<font color="ForestGreen">David B</font>]] ^{<small>([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]])</small>} 08:17, 20 July 2016 (EDT)

:Thanks for your input, [[User:Whizkid|Whizkid]] and [[User:Conservative|Conservative]]!  I seem to be well out of not only my area of expertise but also my area of familiarity.  I guess I need to do more reading and less writing.  Anyway, Whizkid's explanation makes a lot of sense to me anyway.  I'd wondered before if Conservative's question was applicable, (regarding whether you had a unique definition for this or not) and now it seems it is.  What I'm hearing from every angle is that hedonism is all about self.  It would make sense, therefore, that even Christian Hedonism would be about serving God for the purpose of self, which is not the reason God wants us to have for obedience and service. Anyway, if we can get the self only vs self and others issue resolved, I'd agree with making a separate Christian Hedonism section.  I don't think you would need to link to this page, since it is the talk page of hedonism already.  --[[User:DavidB4|<font color="ForestGreen">David B</font>]] ^{<small>([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]])</small>} 08:17, 20 July 2016 (EDT)