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The Lost Virtue of Happiness: Discovering the Disciplines of the Good Life

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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.

JP Moreland and Klaus Issler ransom the contemporary idea of "happiness" from the obsessive, authoritarian grips of pleasure-seeking narcissism, and cleanse it with biblical counsel, Spirit-led wisdom, pastoral insight, and the demonstrable lessons of their own life lived in the fellowship of others. Their thesis is articulated in eight life-empowering chapters, which claims that happiness is best understood and obtained if it means living our life as it is meant to flourish. We are meant to flourish in a life of character and virtue formation that manifests itself in wisdom, kindness and goodness (25).

The life of Jesus Christ and the gospel of the kingdom of God are both the indispensable model and means for obtaining this kind of abundant life. Chapter One and Two both (authored by Moreland) establish this foundational claim. Chapter Three (Issler), Four (Moreland) and Five (Issler) form a unit to give clear instruction and pastoral insight about how to get good at living this kind of life: Namely, form a tender, receptive heart (ch. 3); form a thoughtful mind stayed on God (ch. 4); form a trustful will that risks with God (ch. 5). With the foundation laid in chapters one and two, and the edifice formed in chapters three, four and five, this house of edification is nearly complete. But first, Chapter Six (Issler) and Seven (Moreland) tests a biblical conception of human flourishing in light of the so-called "hiddennes of God" (ch. 6) and in view of experiencing anxiety and depression (ch. 7). These two chapters form a potent unit of instruction and insight, encouraging the reader to embrace the reality of God's hiddenness and to learn not to just "cope" with anxiety and depression but to actually defeat its control over one's ability to flourish. I found these chapters to be liberating, helpful, and truthfully conveyed. Moreland openly shares his experience and defeat of anxiety and depression. This testimony should encourage anyone who is afflicted with such struggle. Lastly, Chapter Eight (Issler) caps the entire discussion of the book with a focus on "cultivating spiritual friendships."

Topically, I would expect Chapters Three, Four and Five to be part of a book on spiritual formation, even though the authors offer a decisively unique perspective on these topics. However, it is Chapters Six and Seven that make the book all the more accessible and authoritative. For these chapters demonstrate that the ideas conveyed in the previous chapters are not only true, but because they are true, they actually work and are livable even in the crucible of life's most desperate circumstances.
Structurally, each chapter faithfully maintains a length of 24 pages. This consistency appropriately informs the reader's attention and forms the reader's expectation. This prudential proportionality of space demonstrates that the authors do not overstate or understate one topic over another. Visually, the text actually appeals to the eyes. The lines have generous spacing and the fonts are crisp. Each page does not feel like it is informationally overloaded. The ideas expressed and the space and words that are used to fulfill that expression are prudentially balanced.

Moreover, instructional helps and end-of-chapter exercises are found throughout the book. These are not superficial or ineffectual, but encourage the reader to give careful attention to what they are reading and to do so while attending to their own life. For example, there is an informative chart on page 26 that offers a succinct contrast between "Contemporary Happiness" (pleasurable satisfaction) and "Classical Happiness" (virtue and well-being). On page 117, Issler captures "Five Enduring Kingdom Themes" (Loving God, Relating, Reigning, Renewing and Resisting) in the form of a circular diagram. And in this same chapter about learning to form a trusting will, Issler provides (p. 125-26) an "Eternal Investment Portfolio" (EIP) to gauge how we are investing our lives now in view of how we will live eternally. Lastly, on 197-8, Issler provides an in-text questionnaire to discern a "Close Friendship Quotient" (CFQ). The end-of-chapter exercises strike a brilliant balance between a summary of the chapter's main content and a creative way to receive and digest the significance of what the authors intend.

The book is wisely and strategically co-authored. Moreland and Issler draw from each other's interrelated contributions and insights on the topic. I would characterize this book as the merging of two streams, each author drawing from and extending their most notable offerings on spiritual formation to date. In addition, their 25-year friendship adds further credence to their credibility, especially when they authoritatively model to the reader what it means to "cultivate spiritual friendships."
The treatment of their topic is not just mere "biblical exposition" with no end in sight, or exposition with no insight. It is a beautifully written account from a first-person perspective that is also informed in the tradition of other's experiences, culminating in existentially relevant words of encouragement and biblical instruction. Scripture is handled in an exegetically honest and hermeneutically informed way. Therefore, it bears honorable likeness, credibility and seriousness to a peer-reviewed but without being stuffy, or taken too seriously because it is "academic." For this reason, I would have no hesitation or feel no embarrassment to give the book to an honest, truth-seeking Christian academic or to a spiritually hungry layperson.

The tone serves both the academic and layperson beneficially. Indeed, this is one of the notable accomplishments of the book. Only a senseless and apathetic reader would not be able to detect the vulnerability, authenticity, and pastoral care for people's well-being that is voluminously present in the text. When I read the book, I actually had a keen sense that I was being shepherded and pastorally instructed in how I am to live my life well in the kingdom of God. This has not always been my experience when reading other so-called "spiritual formation" books.

When reading other books about the "inner" spiritual life, sometimes the discussion unnecessarily becomes gendered and therefore complicated. But this is not the case for Moreland and Issler's book. I would have no reservation in giving this to a male or female friend. Emotionally attentive men and thoughtful women (neither of which is an oxymoron!) will receive enlightenment about their lives in this book, even though the discussion is not intended to be gendered. I think this will be one of the long-lasting gifts of the book.

The remarkable legacy of the book, I believe, is its ability to successfully provide instruction and pastoral insight in and from a biblical conception of human flourishing that is rooted in what it means to live as an apprentice of Jesus Christ. The authors joyfully and eagerly call people to get good at living their lives in the manner that Jesus lived his life. Having tested and tried the ideas and exercises of this book, I can honestly report that I am a better person because of it.

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.

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.

This book is a concise integrative study contrasting a shallow short-sighted commonly-held view of happiness with the grounding nurturing notion of happiness that has guided mature Christians in all ages. The book is personal, candid, and broadly informed. It discusses biblical principles as well as comments from wise observers of life throughout history. There are discussion questions which can guide group use of this book. Highly Recommended.

I was fully prepared to enjoy this book, having already enjoyed one by J.P. Moreland earlier this summer called Love Your God With All Your Mind. So if he can write such an excellent book on the role of the mind in the life of the Christian, why not on the role of the spiritual disciplines in the life of the Christian? After all, that is how The Lost Virtue of Happiness by Moreland and Issler was billed.

"Discovering the disciplines of the good life"
"A fresh look at the spiritual disciplines"

Alas, I was disappointed on two fronts. Unfortunately, the earlier book I'd read by J.P. Moreland was a factor in this book being a let-down. In at least two rather extensive portions (that I noticed), J.P. borrowed heavily and even quoted word for word sections from Love Your God With All Your Mind. This is not a grave offense, I've noticed other authors do it before. However, in this instance it felt forced and a little out of place because the sections did not seem to fit the expressed intent of the book.

Which brings me to my second critique. For a book supposedly dealing with spiritual disciplines, they were not the disciplines I was expecting. Instead of chapters devoted to prayer, fasting, and the study of the Scriptures, there were chapters like "Embracing the Hiddenness of God" and "Defeating Two Hardships of Life: Anxiety and Depression".

After I got over the initial disappointment of being misled by the packaging, I found the book somewhat insightful in finding happiness in the Christian life (I would recommend this book to any Christian dealing with depression).

I know that often the publishers have the final say on what is on the front and back cover. Unfortunately, if that was the case with this book, it made some truly engaging and helpful material feel like a "miss" for me.

The Lost Virtue of Happiness is about accessible, balanced Christian spirituality.

In a bipolar culture overrun by two diametrically opposed philosophies of happiness, Moreland and Issler offer an alternative. They assert while that happiness comes not through the mindless pursuit of pleasure through consumption, neither does pleasure darken virtue into shades of vice. They help us understand that true happiness comes from within, not without and that it is actually a virtue--the natural outcome of giving up the things that diminish our joy.

Having laid a strong foundation, Moreland and Issler move on to an remarkably simple presentation of how engaging our whole lives in spirituality through discipline is related to happiness. And then, chapter by chapter, they provide a framework of simple disciplines and suggestions to improve our relationships with God and others, focusing on opening our hearts, strengthening our minds, and taking risks.

There is even an entire chapter on applying some of these disciplines when dealing with anxiety and depression. While this particular application may not speak to everybody, it is certainly relevant in a culture where we are anxious for nearly everything.

I found The Lost Virtue of Happiness an intellectually stimulating, personally challenging, and practical book. It was easy to read and is well organized. But make no mistake, this is no "one-size-fits-all" self-help roadmap to supposed success. Rather, its goal is that we be united with God and formed into the image of Christ and enter into his joy.

This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy

I was very impressed by Moreland and Issler's book, The Virtue of Happiness. I participated in a group discussion of the book, and it proved to have all the right stuff to make it a reflective and thoughtful topic of study. The writing is very clear and sharp, and the theme grabbed me right from the beginning. I still think about some of the principles and quotes in the book now two years after having read it. The American church community would do well to read this excellent treatise on what real happiness is and getting back to a classical definition that has nothing to do with pleasurable experiences but everything to do with character and conduct and a life well chosen.

In "The Lost Virtue of Happiness", J.P. Moreland and Klaus Issler attempt to address the growing epidemic of depression that is sweeping the Western world. In a day and age where life is filled with luxuries- air conditioned homes, televisions, and fast food at every corner- people are becoming more and more miserable. What could possibly be wrong?

Moreland and Issler contend that the problem is the redefinition of `happiness' that has occurred in the modern period. Whereas happiness used to be defined as a life full of virtue and character, it is now being conceived as merely a sense of pleasurable satisfaction. Since pleasurable feelings come and go, people are doomed to live an unstable life of ups and downs, while the consumerist culture mindset serves to convince them that they don't have enough.

The cure is to return to a more stable definition of happiness that is based on a life of love and service to God. Only in relation to the kingdom of God can we truly live the life humans were meant to. And, by giving up the relentless pursuit for the next thrill, we can find a sense of meaning and satisfaction to our lives that will last.

Throughout the book, Moreland and Issler provide discussions of how we can use the spiritual disciplines to gain a sense of purpose and grow closer to God. Combining personal experience, clear thinking, and Biblical principles, the authors are able to provide good discussions and some useful suggestions for how we can use these disciplines to improve our lives. For example, the authors recommend offering a brief prayer to God many times during the day. I have found this very helpful for keeping God on my mind and refreshing my prayer life. Although not all of the suggestions may be useful to everyone, the practical applications provided in The Lost Virtue of Happiness add to its value. Moreover, the book is simple and should be very accessible for almost everyone.

As Christians, we have all the resources necessary to live a meaningful and happy life. We simply need to lay aside our own narrow self-interest and pursue a much greater purpose. As Jesus said, "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." [Matthew 6:33] We can only enjoy the smaller pleasures of life to the fullest degree when we give up the pursuit of self-interest and live for God and His kingdom. This message, expressed so well in this book, is one that every person needs to hear.

Moreland and Issler offer a thoughtful and practically engaging book of instruction and edification. Moreland continues this theme of happiness or biblical eudaimonism in his KINGDOM TRIANGLE. But LOST VIRTUE OF HAPPINESS is where it starts. Rarely will a book intelligibly facilitate a transforming experience. THE LOST VIRTUE OF HAPPINESS is an exception.