Very good book about a precious gift given by God but often mis-trusted by Christians. If you've been guilty of being suspicious of anything that feels good, you need to read this book. Would be great in combination with Worldliness by C J Mahaney. ( )

The premise of this book is that Christians often feel guilty about taking pleasure in life. I wasn't too sure that I agreed; I was frankly surprised at his suggestion coming from a fairly materialistic culture. But he makes some good points. We can spend so much time trying to avoid doing wrong that we forget to take pleasure in what is good - in the abundance of what God has created. He suggests that sometimes we fall into temptation because of boredom, or because something is wrong in our lives which may often be solved by relaxation, intimacy or a good hobby.

There are chapters focussing on different themes within the overall idea of Christians taking pleasure in their lives. Chapman points out that Jesus enjoyed many good things - he was accused of being a glutton and drunkard by his enemies, which suggests that he loved to relax over a good meal and a glass of wine. He asks the reader to consider what they enjoy, and to make time to do whatever it is - we are not created for continual work or suffering.

A balance is needed, of course, and we're also warned about too much pleasure, about the dangers of materialism, and about apparently 'safe' pleasures that can lead us into serious problems.

I don't know that I found this life-changing, but it was reassuring and encouraging in a low-key kind of way, and very readable. Recommended. ( )

NCLA Review - Those who use obligation, responsibility, and denial to remove pleasure from their lives or who believe that pleasure is unchristian are the audience for this spiritual growth book. Thomas states that the word pleasure often conjures images of illicit activities, but in reality it is a gift from God that demonstrates his blessing and favor. God tells his followers that he wants them to have abundant life (John 10:10). Thomas raises questions about how Christians should view pleasure. For example: How can celebrating and enjoying the world make us stronger as believers? And how does remembering that God is our creator as well as our redeemer help us to embrace the earth’s wholesome pleasures? He illustrates his points by using everyday examples from his own life and those of his family and friends. Each chapter ends with discussion questions and at the end a six-session online video curriculum is presented for group discussion. Rating: 3—AMB ( )

If you squirm a little inside when you read the title Pure Pleasure, you’re in good company. As the subtitle of Gary Thomas’ accessible treaties on the biblical role of pleasure in a believer’s life suggests, many of us have –- perhaps unknowingly –- adopted an attitude of ascetic martyrdom that is never suggested or recommended in the word of God. However, if you’re willing to put your discomfort and hesitations aside for a moment, Thomas is ready to redirect misguided pleasure avoiders into a balanced and godly understanding of the delights God has in store for us in this life and how they can draw our hearts closer to His.

Pure Pleasure arrived in my life at a time when I had begun to question the lack of joy, the lack of laughter, the lack of, yes -– pleasure -– in the lives of many of my brothers and sisters (and myself in some areas.) Not only was there a desert, but there was actually fear surrounding the prospect of allowing delight into the Christian life. Where was the room for rejoicing? For the jubilant celebration that Jesus calls us to? Not only was I asking this question about others around me, but of myself as well.

I’m always naturally cautious when a book so vigorously defends a certain aspect of the Christian life, and not having read any of Thomas’ work in the past I wondered if perhaps his was a new form of Christian hedonism -– I’m so glad that it’s not. In fact, Pure Pleasure is hands-down the most balanced, biblical perspective on the proper role of delight that I’ve ever encountered, whether by book, sermon, or informal times of fellowship.

Thomas writes accessibly, peppering his ponderings with personal illustrations from his own life’s journey and the thoughts of respected Christian thinkers from times past. He turns to the word of God apart from man-made, extra-biblical legalisms to examine what it truly says. Watch out -– Thomas realizes that he’s likely stomping on some toes, but he trudges forward in any case. I greatly appreciate his courage.

One’s response to the title of this book can easily enough determine if you would benefit from reading it (I believe most Christians would.) If you shy away from the prospect of pleasure or delight as having a positive, healthy role in your life and the title makes you wince -– even a little bit, on the inside –- I highly recommend you read this work. If you shout in acclamation, “Yes, I’m all about pleasure, there’s nothing I can’t do now that I’m redeemed, it’s open season on sensation!” I also recommend you read this work. Neither extreme is a healthy condition; Thomas helps to gently guide us back into joyful moderation through honest, tradition-free examination of the scriptures.

Reviewed at quiverfullfamily.com ( )