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Hot Tub Religion: Christian Living in a Materialistic World

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This Anglo Canadian author has written 246 pages of easy to read theology on contemporary Christian issues. Primarily, J. I. Packer challenges our materially hedonistic and narcissistic culture and its influence on the church. Packer does this in a positive way by explaining from the Bible, that good feelings, the desire for success, and health are not inherently bad, it is just how the members of our society goes about finding these desirable conditions.

What is expounded is a basic Christian course on spirituality with a paragraph about pleasure. Beginning with the Westminster Confession of Faith, The Shorter Catechism, which reads, "What is the chief end of man?... Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever." Packer in turn explains this statement in terms of the sovereignty of God, obedience to God's word, a desire for holiness, and the willingness to self-sacrifice. These are not demeaning, but rather build up one's humanity and result in the enjoyment of life with God. This is contrary to the hedonistic desires of our society.

The enjoyment of God and His blessings are found in the paragraph on pleasure. If a man or woman can conduct their lives according to the above principals, one can find happiness and joy. Happiness is in relation to the circumstances of life; this is what narcissism seeks. But the follower of God can sacrifice selfish means and goals and find the happiness of God in God Himself. Joy is described as relationship with God in Christ Jesus. This kind of joy is not dependent on circumstance, only on friendship with Jesus i.e.; prayer and Bible reading. Therefore, some people experience hardships, but ironically remain in joy or even find joy amongst the trials of life.

This book is good for anybody who calls Jesus Lord as a reminder to get back to the Bible as the measure of godly Christian conduct. Also, it is good for people who do not call Jesus Lord, as an example of how to live and order their lives on something more solid than just feelings which can lead many people into trouble.

Out of the hot tub and into the fire -- not pleasant contemplation, but realistic for those who cannot tolerate sound Christian doctrine but associate themselves with pastors who just give them "feel good" preaching and teaching rather than the Law/Gospel we all need. (see 2 Timothy 4) Packer does a great analytical job, but his Reformed theology is not the answer: we don't need just the soverignty of God, we need the cross and its cleansing us of our sins. We don't need to try harder, we need forgiveness for our failing to pull trying harder off. Whenever one begins with what we have to do (law), there is never enough one can do. The law measures and qunatifies. The gospel hands out what God did in Christ and Him crucified for our sins. Nonetheless, Packer is an excellent writer and this book is right on with his diagnosis.

Even though this book was written some time ago it is very relevant. It speaks directly to the seeker friendly and Emergent Church teachings and views of scripture. Very easy to read and understand..Tell me what you think of my Christian fiction novel The Palace Theatre..The Palace Theatre