Pastor Challenges Viral Claim On The True Meaning of Suffering
Pastor John Piper has responded to a viral post by Jordan Peterson, the Canadian psychologist, who stated that life’s purpose is not happiness but finding something that sustains individuals despite suffering. Peterson’s post, which garnered millions of views on social media in November 2024, suggested that happiness is fleeting and that life is about enduring suffering rather than pursuing happiness. In response, Piper, known for his “Christian Hedonism” philosophy, agreed with some aspects of Peterson’s message but diverged in his interpretation of happiness and its role in life’s purpose.
Piper acknowledged that pursuing temporary and superficial pleasure is futile, agreeing with Peterson that such happiness is unpredictable and fleeting. However, he countered Peterson’s rejection of happiness as a life goal, asserting that true joy, rooted in God, is not only legitimate but essential. Piper emphasized that happiness should not be discarded but redeemed through a deep satisfaction in God, especially in the midst of suffering. He suggested that without this God-centered joy, even meaning in life can become empty.
Drawing from biblical teachings, Piper explained that God’s creation was intended to display His glory, which human beings, made in His image, are meant to reflect. However, humanity’s sin and suffering have distorted this purpose. Piper’s Christian Hedonism philosophy posits that being deeply joyful in God is integral to honoring Him. He explained that maintaining joy in God, even in suffering, shows that God is more valuable than anything else, and it is a way to glorify God by displaying His supreme worth.
Piper emphasized that the pursuit of joy in God is not optional for Christians, as Scripture repeatedly instructs believers to rejoice and find delight in the Lord. He referenced passages like Psalm 16:11, which speaks of the fullness of joy in God’s presence, to underscore that enjoying God is the essence of human greatness and worship. For Piper, true happiness in God is central to the Christian faith and vital for glorifying God, particularly in challenging circumstances.