Western Christian theology is skittish about happiness. We hope for future, eternal happiness, but we avoid considering happiness in this life as if we suspect such a thing is not allowed. That You Ma
Western Christian theology is skittish about happiness. We hope for future, eternal happiness, but we avoid considering happiness in this life as if we suspect such a thing is not allowed. That You May Have Life offers a refreshing interpretation of happiness as a way of life grounded in scripture and the incarnate Christ.
Ellen Charry here reveals how the Bible encourages the happiness and joy that accompany obedience to the Creator, enhancing both our own life and the lives of those around us. This advances the well being of creation, which, in turn, causes God to delight with, in, and for us.
With this original theory of the Christian life, this book will encourage intelligent readers to take part in truly abundant life.
David F. Ford
— University of Cambridge
"Ellen Charry has the gift of making deep connections between theology and ordinary life. In happiness she has identified a wonderful theme through which to explore some of the heights and depths of human existence. She revels in her topic and constantly draws the reader into fruitful, wise reflection on important matters."
Iain R. Torrance
— Princeton Theological Seminary
"A frequently voiced complaint today is that academic theology writes only for its own guilds and too often tumbles into an ugly and lazy jargon-ridden abstraction. In this subtle, nuanced book, born from both hope and personal anguish, Ellen Charry reconnects knowledge and healing, thereby responding to a deep need."
John Witte Jr.
— Emory University
"This original and powerfully argued book is destined to become a standard cite for scholars of theology and ethics. Ellen Charry critically reviews the idea of happiness in Scripture and tradition, with a particularly interesting analysis of Anglican divine Joseph Butler. What makes the book memorable, however, is its innovative teaching of 'asherism.' Asherism avoids the dangers of self-denying agapism and self-serving eudaemonism by confirming our perennial need to love God, neighbor, and self at once and to live out our lives and vocations by the letter, spirit, and telos of both the law and the gospel."
Christianity Today
"Charry reframes Christian notions of happiness. . . . Invaluable book."
Publishers Weekly
"Charry concludes that happiness is celebrating our own spiritual growth and well-being and God's enjoyment of these. . . . Thoughtful and engaging."
Library Journal
"This book, which blends academic rigor with personal anecdote and biblical example, will appeal to readers of theology, both at the level of pulpit and pew."
Stone-Campbell Journal
"Rich in biblical and pastoral insights. . . . This book is highly recommended for pastors' and seminary libraries."
Journal of Psychology and Christianity
"This is a very important book."
Theological Book Review
"Charry's coverage of a wide range of sources sheds much light on the timely subject. . . . An informed study of how thinkers across the centuries have wrestled with the tension between eschatological happiness and temporal flourishing."
Religious Studies Review
"A rewarding read that helpfully elucidates a Christian notion of flourishing that is both creational and eschatological."
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