Lost Virtue of Happiness: Discovering the Disciplines of the Good Life [Paperback]

J. P. Moreland (Author), Klaus Issler (Author)

Book Description

Release date: January 17, 2006

We are only happy when we pursue a transcendent purpose, something larger than ourselves. This pursuit involves a deeply meaningful relationship with God through a selfless preoccupation with the spiritual disciplines.

The Lost Virtue of Happiness takes a fresh, meaningful look at the spiritual disciplines, offering concrete examples of ways you can make them practical and life-transforming.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starting from the American "pursuit of happiness," Moreland (a philosophy professor at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University) and Issler (a Christian education and theology professor, also at Talbot) connect with a widely felt desire. Yet they immediately take readers into deeper reflection of the very content of the happiness we pursue, arguing that our consumerist culture has replaced the more satisfying content of true happiness with a poor substitute. Moving smoothly into a discussion of discipleship, they focus on spiritual disciplines as the key to true happiness in life. Subsequent chapters explore how the spiritual disciplines can be used to improve many areas of our lives–emotions, thoughts, risk taking and the development of a more mature faith during difficult times. They end with a convincing chapter on the importance of spiritual friendships. Although exploring some deep topics, this will still be accessible to most readers and very useful for study groups, particularly with the excellent discussion questions at the end of each chapter. The practical suggestions and creative exercises throughout will be particularly helpful for those new to spiritual disciplines. (Feb.)
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From the Back Cover

Even in an age of instant gratification, life's best takes time and effort. What is happiness? The immediate gratification of our physical and emotional desires? A sense of satisfaction brought about through consumerism or other promises of short-term enjoyment? Our twenty-first-century views of happiness are not what the writers of the Bible had in mind. Nor is it what the ancient Greeks or the drafters of the Declaration of Independence envisioned. Such false ideas of happiness always leave us empty chasing the selfish and superficial. Authors J. P. Moreland and Klaus Issler illustrate how we are only happy when we pursue a transcendent purpose-something larger than ourselves. This pursuit involves a deeply meaningful relationship with God through a selfless preoccupation with the spiritual disciplines. The Lost Virtue of Happiness takes a fresh, meaningful look at the spiritual disciplines, offering concrete examples of ways you can make them practical and life-transforming.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: NavPress (January 17, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576836487
• ISBN-13: 978-1576836484
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #664,663 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Discovering a Lost Virtue March 3, 2006

By M. Penner

Format:Paperback

This book combines a tenderness of heart with a sharpness of mind in pursuit of God that is unique among spiritual formation books.

One of the first points made in the book is the difference between our modern concept of happiness and the virtue of happiness. The difference is an important factor in living the life God intends for us. Modern happiness is a feeling, usually a feeling of pleasure. The problem is that as a goal in and of itself it is usually fleeting and out of grasp. But the virtue of happiness is the byproduct of a life well-lived. Moreland quotes Plato, "There is no question which a man of any sense could take more seriously than...what kind of life one should live." If God has made us, He has made us to flourish in a certain way.

Part of the problem with our modern notion of happiness isn't that it's fleeting, but that is is too small.

"Remember, the concept of eternal life in the New Testament is not primarily one of living forever in heaven, but of having a new kind of life now. This new kind of life is so different that those without it can be called dead, truly. This is a life of human flourishing; a life lived the way we were made to function; a life of virtue, character, and well-being lived like and for the Lord Jesus."

We are happy only when we pursue the transcendent purpose God has made us for, and this involves a deep relationship with God.

While the idea of happiness as a virtue may not be a new idea, what I found insightful about this book is the advice on how to pursue spiritual disciplines to practice happiness. Sharing from their personal experiences, Moreland and Issler give practical advice and suggestions on how to nurture the virtue of happiness, a byproduct of loving God. They take that rather abstract idea and provide specific guidance on the spiritual disciplines that will help us to flourish as God made us to.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Relevant, Biblical, Practical, Personal July 31, 2006

By Theresa D. Massey

Format:Paperback

The Lost Virtue of Happiness contains biblical wisdom applicable to everyday living. As a relationship counselor (marriage/family therapist), it was refreshing to read a book written by credible theologians that I can recommend. All too often am I working with clients that are chasing after life's 'happiness' with unrealistic expections. These expectations impinge on others who cannot meet the criteria, causing frustration and anxiety that lead to broken self and broken relationships. Returning to a biblical definition of happiness, combined with practical spiritual disciplines, the authors lead us back to a healthy relationship with Christ and others.

I especially appreciated the personal testimonies of the authors. They are examples of stories I hear often in my practice. Moreland's experience with depression and anxiety is extremely common and is treated therapeutically by the steps outlined in the book. It behooves the church, especially those in counseling positions, to gain this understanding.

The questions for personal reflection at the end of each chapter make the book perfect for a small group study or for personal edification. I expect that this book will be pulled from my bookshelf often as I share life's hurts and healing with others.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Challenging but certainly worth the read January 3, 2007

By Brad Hickey

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

It is uncommon these days to see Christians who actually know what they believe and why they believe it. Furthermore, because they do not have any idea about the truths (truth in the old sense not the postmodern sense) that they profess to believe there is often a wholesale disconnect between what they say they believe (Christianity) and how they live their lives. Not knowing the scriptures that help to inform them of God's will for their lives, many Christians profess yet live frighteningly shallow lives spiritually. This book is a cure for that. It forces the Christian reading it to come to grips with the idea that if we profess Jesus as savior, that our lives MUST reflect a creedal, scriptural and God fearing way of life that shows everyone around them that Jesus is number one in their life and that His glory is their aim.

I mentioned in the title that this book is challenging. That is hardly surprising in that it challenges the reader to throw off old habits and to resist the sin nature in us. It also calls us to better uses of our time for the glory of God. As we all grapple with our sin nature, which of us would not struggle with this? Yet despite the times I wanted to throw this book against the wall in frustration (because I often fall so short of what God calls us to) I have found it to be an excellent addition to my library.