The Problem of Happiness, Lesson 1 - Clover...
Transcript of The Problem of Happiness, Lesson 1 - Clover...
The Problem of Happiness, Lesson 1
1
(For similar study materials visit the source of this one @ www.outpostsite.com)
Introductory Lesson: our lens for this study and the next = “under the sun”
o What is the tension at the heart of the problem of happiness?
• On the one hand, the urgent pursuit of happiness is an intrinsic and
irresistible appetite encoded in our DNA as human beings. On the other
hand, left to ourselves, we have considerable problems both finding
happiness and keeping it (anecdote: Mrs. Irwin’s happiness dilemma).
• Consequently, we need a life-map to happiness from a Source of wisdom
higher than ourselves. Otherwise, we may end up like Alice, of Alice in
Wonderland fame: thoughtless, directionless, and on the road to
nowhere.
• Even the most intelligent among us gets lost, and no human being is
equal to the task of definitively solving the problem of happiness.
o “The Problem of Happiness” (a play on words from the philosophical world1)
• Why would God hard-wire us to pursue happiness with every breath we
take, and then make it seemingly impossible for us to find it and keep it?
1 For example, in the philosophical world, “the problem of evil” is an argument that points to the existence of evil in the
world as proof that God does not exist. The “problem of pain” is also presented similarly, as yet another philosophical
argument against God’s existence. Such philosophical views often maintain that the realities of evil and pain in the
world cannot possibly be reconciled with the Bible’s truths of a good, merciful God who is also omniscient,
omnipresent, and omnipotent.
The Problem of Happiness, Lesson 1
2
(For similar study materials visit the source of this one @ www.outpostsite.com)
o Wikipedia’s attempt at a definition of happiness:
• “Happiness is a mental or emotional state of well-being defined by
positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. A
variety of biological, psychological, religious, and philosophical
approaches have striven to define happiness and identify its sources.”
� Given its relativistic history, one could obviously spend a great
deal of time and energy chasing down happiness (a quick google
search of “happiness” demonstrates this very well).
� Our current, postmodern2, cultural context also makes any sincere
quest for happiness all the more elusive.
o Our epistemological presuppositions in this study:
� The light of scripture (the king of truth)
� Strangely and counterintuitively, it is the cross that gives us
the most satisfying answer to the problem of happiness
(much like it provides the most satisfying answer to the
problems of evil and pain).
� The light of nature (the queen of truth)
o Before diving into the Bible’s teaching on this subject, I want to first challenge
you to critically consider what values have informed and shaped your past
pursuits of happiness (i.e. your internal dialogue—the vying voices currently in
your head).
• Your parents/family?
• Your country/culture? 3
• Your church/tradition?
• Your friends/peers?
• Your reading/intake sources?
• Your faith/beliefs?
• Your experiences/trials?
2 In the postmodern understanding, interpretation is everything; reality only comes into being through our
interpretations of what the world means to us individually. In essence, it stems from a recognition that reality is not
simply mirrored in human understanding of it, but rather, is constructed as the mind tries to understand its own
particular and personal reality. Postmodernism is “post” because it denies the existence of any ultimate principles, and it
lacks the optimism of there being a scientific, philosophical, or religious truth which will explain everything for
everybody—a characteristic of the so-called “modern” mind. 3 As Americans, from womb to tomb, we are ever encompassed by and bombarded with the value dynamics set forth in
the Declaration of Independence (whether that’s good or bad): “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are
created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty
and the pursuit of Happiness.”
The Problem of Happiness, Lesson 1
3
(For similar study materials visit the source of this one @ www.outpostsite.com)
o During the last several decades, our culture has increasingly embraced
postmodern values, and such has led to an observable shift in the typical
pursuit of happiness in America.
• When it comes to the pursuit of happiness, even among church-going
Christians, as a people, Americans now tend to look more within
(subjectively) and less without (objectively) for an answer to the
problem of happiness.
o The American Dream Story Behind Our Wall-hanging, “Serenity Prayer”
o Jesus, in His high priestly prayer, clearly reveals that He has very definite plans
for the supreme happiness of His beloved people (Jn 17).
• For the next few months, we will be exploring ultimate happiness via
this Biblical passage and others.
• Accordingly, via the Scriptures, amid our American context, we will be
looking at both the already and the not yet aspects of ultimate happiness.
• Accordingly, we will also explore what constitutes a reasonable
expectation of happiness in this life.
• As we explore happiness, whether in this life or the next, I want us to
remain ever mindful (even suspicious) of our entrenched cultural values
as Americans4.
4 From America’s founding, the pursuit of happiness per the American dream has been in conflict with the pursuit of
happiness according to Biblical Christianity. For example, Francis Schaeffer scorned postwar materialism, insisting that
most Americans (even many American Christians) had no higher philosophy of life than “personal peace and
affluence.” In my experience, it’s rare to find Christians who legitimately blend these two pursuits, even among the
orthodox. Conversely, there are always numerous examples of blending these two pursuits illegitimately.