The Problem of Happiness, Lesson 1

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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

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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

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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.