Desiring God

[evangelist6589]

I have this book and have yet to read it. What are your thoughts on the theology contained in its pages? I know that its not a book that many Fundamentalist Baptist churches will use in a small group or class on the topic of Biblical change. Many will use a book by Jim Berg called Changed into is Image which I have read and give a high rating, or a book by Jerry Bridges on Holiness, Respectable Sins, Discipline of Grace, etc… I think that Piper overloads his readers with Calvinism/Reformed theology (although he fits more as a Calvinist than a staunch Reformed pastor like RC Sproul or James White) and perhaps this is the reason why the Fundamentalist for the most part will not use his books. I know there are exceptions to the rule here. So what are your thoughts? Personally I find Piper's writing style hard to follow, and not as exciting as a Jerry Bridges or Jim Berg. Or have I misunderstood Piper?


John

 

[preachinjesus]

I enjoyed the book. Its a fine text to read and be encouraged by if that is what you desire (no pun intended.)

Piper is a fine writer imho and sticks to the essentials while offering some challenging insights about the nature of the Christian life. His paradigm of "Christian hedonism" is certainly a concept that most people would benefit from mulling over in their heads.

You don't have to agree with everything he says, I certainly don't, to appreciate this book. It will benefit anyone who reads it.

 

[TCGreek]

Among living pastor-theologians, there's none I enjoy more than Piper. You'll find Desiring God to be quite a treat, though there'll be points of disagreements here and there, as PreachinJesus suggests.

Enjoy.

 

[The Archangel]

One summer, while on summer hiatus from classes at Southern Seminary, I was living in the Williamsburg, VA area and I took it upon myself to read Desiring God. The only exposure I had had to John Piper was a tape of two messages he had delivered to a missions conference for, I believe, the Christian Missionary Alliance.

It was early on in my seminary studies and I found the book a very difficult read. I read half the book and decided I didn't get it. So, I started re-reading the book--hoping and praying I would get it. I did. By the time I got through the first half again I found myself in the midst of a major worldview shake up.

I tend to buy and read everything Piper writes. His message at Together for the Gospel in 2010 was the message of the conference. It was an astounding message. It was the kind of message that changes the way you think about God and life--just like Desiring God.

I have met John Piper twice. While I know he's only a human being--and a sinner at that--there is something about talking to him that makes you want to know God more. It is almost as if the glory of God radiates from him (as it did with Moses in the Old Testament). One gets the impression that he lives in the presence of Christ and, if you once thought your walk with Christ was sufficient, you realize you have not yet begun to know Christ deeply. After meeting him, you realize you want what he's got and that drives you to your knees and it drives you to Christ.

As for Desiring God, I have said that this book will be the Pilgrim's Progress of the next 200 years (even though the genres are totally different). It is that much of a must-read for any Christian.

Blessings,

The Archangel

 

[TCGreek]

As for Desiring God, I have said that this book will be the Pilgrim's Progress of the next 200 years (even though the genres are totally different). It is that much of a must-read for any Christian.

Blessings,

The Archangel

That's quite an endorsement.

 

[evangelist6589]

That's quite an endorsement.

Okay I plan to give it a read once I complete my current books. Can anyone tell me why it is better than books by Jim Berg & Jerry Bridges? Why is this Piper book more popular? Jim Berg's books really mostly sell in Fundamentalist circles, and the same with Pastor Paul Chappell's books.

Desiring God (like books by Tozer, CS Lewis, Bunyan, among others) seem to be sell across the scope of Christianity. I cant say the same of Fundamentalist books.


John

 

[thomas15]

...I have met John Piper twice. While I know he's only a human being--and a sinner at that--there is something about talking to him that makes you want to know God more. It is almost as if the glory of God radiates from him (as it did with Moses in the Old Testament). One gets the impression that he lives in the presence of Christ and, if you once thought your walk with Christ was sufficient, you realize you have not yet begun to know Christ deeply. After meeting him, you realize you want what he's got and that drives you to your knees and it drives you to Christ.

...Blessings,

The Archangel

Wow.

Anyway, I have Pipers book The Justification of God:... It is not an easy read but there is a lot to learn there. At the beginning he attempts to answer the question why he stops at Romans 9:23? This question is never answered to my satisfaction at least. Not being critical as it is a must read for anyone who takes the Scriptures seriously.