Hedonism: Christian Worldview with R.C.
Sproul
Transcript of R.C. Sproul’s discussion on Hedonism transformed into a structured text.
Understanding Hedonism
Hedonism is a worldview that defines the ultimate purpose of life as the pursuit of pleasure and the
avoidance of pain. For the hedonist, the “highest good” or summum bonum is maximizing
pleasurable experiences while minimizing discomfort. While not everyone in our culture has heard
the term “hedonism,” its influence is deeply embedded in modern society, shaping behavior, values,
and ethics.
The hedonist is not always seeking the maximum amount of pleasure but rather the optimum
level—the most satisfying experience without overindulgence or negative consequences.
Historical Roots of Hedonism
Hedonism as a philosophy is ancient, with its roots in early Greek culture. One of the earliest schools
to promote hedonism was the Cyrenaics. They practiced a crude, indulgent form of hedonism that
prioritized immediate gratification through drinking, feasting, and other sensual pleasures. This is
often depicted in portrayals of Roman orgies or celebrations like the Bacchanalia, honoring Bacchus,
the god of wine. Similarly, Dionysian rituals involved drunkenness and ecstatic experiences, aiming
to break free from ordinary consciousness and connect with the divine.
The Cyrenaics’ version of hedonism was unrestrained and reckless, but another group, the
Epicureans, developed a more refined form of the philosophy. Epicureans sought balance,
appreciating life’s finer pleasures—such as good food, wine, and art—without falling into
overindulgence. They pursued pleasure in moderation to avoid the negative consequences of
excess, such as hangovers or boredom.
The Hedonistic Paradox
Hedonism faces a major problem known as the hedonistic paradox. This paradox highlights that:
1. If a person fails to achieve the pleasure they seek, they experience frustration, which
is painful.
2. If they achieve the pleasure they desire for too long, they become bored, which is
also painful.
The pursuit of pleasure, therefore, can lead to pain, either through unmet expectations or
overindulgence. The Epicureans understood this and aimed for a balance between pleasure and
pain.
Modern Hedonism
Hedonism is still prevalent in today’s culture but often manifests as escapism—the pursuit of
euphoria instead of genuine happiness. This focus on feelings has influenced many aspects of life,
including language, entertainment, and even education. For example, people frequently use phrases
like “I feel” rather than “I think,” reflecting a shift toward emotion-driven reasoning.
This emphasis on feelings extends to the rise of the “drug culture,” with widespread use of
substances like marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol as artificial means to achieve pleasure. Teenage
alcoholism and substance abuse highlight the dangers of radical hedonism, which prioritizes
avoiding discomfort at any cost.
The Ethical Implications of Hedonism
Hedonism’s focus on pleasure creates a value system where what “feels good” is considered morally
right. This philosophy is reflected in common slogans like, “If it feels good, it is good.” Such ideas
have shaped modern ethics, especially in the context of the sexual revolution. For instance, the
definition of promiscuity has shifted dramatically over time, reflecting changing cultural values
influenced by hedonism.
The Christian Perspective on Pleasure
Christianity does not deny the value of pleasure or the avoidance of pain, but it does not place these
as the ultimate goals of life. Jesus, for example, willingly embraced pain and sacrifice to fulfill a
higher purpose. While Christians may enjoy pleasure and avoid pain when appropriate, they are also
called to endure suffering when it serves a greater good.
From a Biblical perspective, ultimate pleasure and fulfillment are found in God’s kingdom, not in
fleeting sensual experiences. Christianity teaches that true happiness comes from aligning one’s life
with God’s will, even when that path involves difficulty.
Hedonism’s Impact on Culture
The modern obsession with feelings and euphoria has reshaped many aspects of life. For instance,
education often prioritizes entertainment over intellectual challenge, ensuring students “enjoy” their
reading rather than exposing them to great literature. Similarly, popular culture glorifies hedonistic
values in music, movies, and other forms of media.
Hedonism thrives when society removes transcendent truths—values grounded in God—and
replaces them with subjective feelings as the ultimate standard of truth and goodness. When truth is
no longer absolute, ethics become a matter of personal preference, leading to the moral confusion
seen in many aspects of contemporary life.
A Call to Discernment
Christians must recognize hedonism’s pervasive influence and understand its limitations. While
pleasure is a natural and good part of life, it must not become the ultimate goal. True joy and
fulfillment come from living according to God’s Word, which often calls believers to make sacrifices
for the sake of truth, love, and righteousness.
In a culture driven by feelings, it is essential to hold firm to Biblical principles and discern between
fleeting pleasure and lasting joy rooted in God’s eternal promises.
This version organizes the content for clarity and accessibility while preserving Sproul’s original
points and tone. It highlights key concepts and historical context, making it suitable for high school
students.
