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The search for happiness can lead people either to emptiness or fulfillment, but this book will enable readers to know true joy by practicing the ancient spiritual disciplines.
Description:
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.
Lost Virtue of Happiness
ISBN-13:
9781576836484
Trim Size: 5.5 x 8.25
Cover: Paperback
224
Pages
$14.99
Percentage Discounts for Bulk Purchases of Single Items
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Downloadable
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Part of a Series
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Available in Spanish
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Customer Reviews
Good reminder for how to really be happy
This book serves as a good reminder that there is greater meaning to life than just feeling pleasure, or a fleeting sense of happiness. I was a bit disappointed in the beginning section, distracted by an awkward golf analogy and the authors’ focus on the ancient philosophers' views on happiness. However, the rest of the book was more helpful, and related more to God than Aristotle (not that the latter isn't worth reading, it's just I don't think his words are the standard).
The authors discuss various disciplines to “practice, practice, practice” in order to know truer happiness than what is touted in magazine ads today. These disciplines include forming a "tender, receptive heart," a "thoughtful mind stayed on God," and a "trusting will that risks with God."
I especially appreciated one of the later chapters on dealing with anxiety and depression because of the vulnerability of the author in describing his own experience, the reminder to meditate on God's goodness and miracles, and the practical suggestions offered to promote good mood.
Overall, this is a decent book. I learned something new—that the two talents the master gave to his servant in the parable were equivalent to a lifetime’s wages! And I was struck by this exhortation to remember God’s faithfulness: “Our problem is not that God does not act on our behalf. Our problem is that, as time passes, we forget how needy we once were, and we forget the details, the drama, and the gratitude we experienced from answers to prayer.” I am glad for Moreland and Issler’s reminder to notice God’s provision, which will no doubt contribute to any attentive receiver’s happiness.
Posted by
Michelle
on
10/21/2009 1:20:27 AM
Good reminder for how to really be happy
This book serves as a good reminder that there is greater meaning to life than just feeling pleasure, or a fleeting sense of happiness. I was a bit disappointed in the beginning section, distracted by an awkward golf analogy and the authors’ focus on the ancient philosophers' views on happiness. However, the rest of the book was more helpful, and related more to God than Aristotle (not that the latter isn't worth reading, it's just I don't think his words are the standard).
The authors discuss various disciplines to “practice, practice, practice” in order to know truer happiness than what is touted in magazine ads today. These disciplines include forming a "tender, receptive heart," a "thoughtful mind stayed on God," and a "trusting will that risks with God."
I especially appreciated one of the later chapters on dealing with anxiety and depression because of the vulnerability of the author in describing his own experience, the reminder to meditate on God's goodness and miracles, and the practical suggestions offered to promote good mood.
Overall, this is a decent book. I learned something new—that the two talents the master gave to his servant in the parable were equivalent to a lifetime’s wages! And I was struck by this exhortation to remember God’s faithfulness: “Our problem is not that God does not act on our behalf. Our problem is that, as time passes, we forget how needy we once were, and we forget the details, the drama, and the gratitude we experienced from answers to prayer.” I am glad for Moreland and Issler’s reminder to notice God’s provision, which will no doubt contribute to any attentive receiver’s happiness.
Posted by
Michelle
on
10/21/2009 1:20:27 AM
A mix of theory and practical advice
Moreland and Issler contend that we are confused what happiness means. We should view it not as a pleasurable emotional high, but as a quiet contentment with being virtuous people. This is the kind of happiness Jesus meant in such passages as the Beatitudes. As we pursue virtuous lives, we need the tools of the spiritual disciplines to help us fulfill our side of the equation.
They explain that total devotion to God depends on the heart, mind, and will; and what we do with our bodies affects each. In light of the heart, mind, and will, they discuss dealing with emotions, praying, studying God's Word, reading carefully, and calculating risks for the sake of God's kingdom or purposes. The remaining three chapters discuss God's hiddenness, our anxiety or depression, and close Christian friendships.
Why to Read The Lost Virtue of Happiness
They explain how the basis of kingdom life is taking up our crosses, as Jesus commanded. Taking up our crosses means refusing to put ourselves at the center of our days and, instead, finding our place in God's plans for us (30). This is a solid reason to pursue spiritual disciplines, which are tools to help us live out that role God has planned.
Furthermore, whereas some evangelicals deny or at least overlook the importance of emotions in the Christian walk, Moreland and Issler do not. In fact, they start with emotions. They advocate being aware of our feelings and dealing with them.
They offer practical help for building discipline. Moreland and Issler discuss several methods for developing an ongoing prayer life, an ability to read thoughtfully, experiences of silence and solitude, and conflict resolution skills.
The chapter on God's hiddenness is a vital addition to the discussion of spiritual disciplines. Despite all we do, sometimes God doesn't seem evident or near to us. The authors recognize this situation and offer an explanation why they think this happens, how we can get rid of things that block our view of God, and the disciplines that help us gain a greater awareness of God in daily life.
Posted by
Rachelle Dawson
on
10/17/2009 4:41:43 PM