[Greek] δονή (hēdonἡē), [Latin] voluptatibus, [Latin] concupiscienta: pleasure, lust, delight, gratification, self-gratification, sensual pleasure; Lk.8:14, Jas.4:3, 2Pet.2:13, Tit.3:3, Jas.4:1
A common depiction of hedonism in Greco-Roman society
Background Information:
Greco-Roman culture: Hedonism developed an important history with Greek philosophers and Hellenistic Jewish authors. This term is primarily used in pleasure sensations, loftier desires, and baser sexual mores. The sensual pleasure is found in the sense of taste (sweets), sense of eating (feasting), and the sense of hearing (feasting the ears). The loftier desires included pleasing the gods, enjoying the arts, and pursuing recreations. The baser desires included lust, eroticism, and sexual deviancy. These examples of hedonism later provide an antagonistic tension against Judaism and Christianity.
Greek Philosophical Schools: The Greek philosophical schools each viewed hedonism in various ways. At one end of the philosophical spectrum, the Epicureans believed that pleasure was the highest goal/ideal one can attain in life. The Epicurean motto can be summarized as “Enjoy life now.” On the other hand, the Stoics viewed hedonism as meaningless or pointless. The Stoic motto can be summarized as “Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.”
Old Testament: The Jewish writers view this term mainly in a non-Greek anthropological sense. This term, rarely found in the Old Testament, takes on a neutral sensual and pleasurable context. This comes in part from a pious mindset obedient to the Torah. Wis.16:20 describes the bread of heaven with a pleasant and delightful taste. Wis.7:2 presents the sexual desire accompanies marriage. In Rabbinic literature there is no exact equivalent to this term. The ideas of evil impulses, desire, pleasure, and sweetness are all linked together. This is evident and understandable in that all these senses come from this same term.
New Testament: This term, taking on the sense of pleasure, joy, delight, desire, lust for pleasure, worldly joy, and sensual pleasure, illustrates a lifestyle opposed to the Christian way of life. Man is confronted with hedonism (choices) that are opposed to God. Man lives either according to his own desires or to according to God’s will. Hedonism struggles against and sometimes chokes the Word of God in man. Prayer is also affected by the destructive influences of hedonism. Prayer, which is not inspired by God or directed to Him, is in vain. Hedonism can be highly destructive, hostile, and terrible, leading to a form of enslavement. The heathen, the Christian (prior to baptism), and false teachers can be bearers or victims of hedonism.
Scripture:
“As for the seed that fell among thorns, they are the ones who have heard, but as they go along, they are choked by the anxieties and riches and pleasures of life.” Lk.8:14
These pleasures leads to the lifestyle opposed to the New Testament or Christian way of thinking. Like the thorns, these pleasures may choke off the moral nourishment of God.
“Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from? Is it not from your passions that make war within your members?” Jas. 4:1
It is through these passions, that man’s relationship is cut off from God. These desires for the passions are oriented to earthly desires. These earthly desires, not directed to God, relies on one’s own efforts. These types of prayers or desires are in vain.
“We know that our self was crucified with Him, so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin.” Rom.6:6
Paul already recognized that as we seek pleasures, we can also be addicted to them. These passions may control us and makes us slaves to these passions.
Conclusion:
Hedonism, hedonistic, voluptuous, concupiscence
When one thinks of a time in history associated with an excesses of pleasures, desires, passions, and indulgences, it is not surprising that ancient Rome or ancient Greece come to mind. Can you say emperor Nero? However, it was interesting to learn that there was a wide range of philosophical thought toward hedonism.
I really was surprised by how the Old Testament presented this term in such a neutral or “low key” manner. Perhaps this was attributed to Hebrews’ deeply ingrained acceptance of Mosaic Law. Rabbinic literature focuses more on this aspect.
Then we have the New Testament taking a full on “assault” against hedonism. You are either with God or not. However, I am struck by the fact that this scripture, over 2000 years ago, can speak to the psychological and psychiatric aspects of being a slave to sin (being addicted to some vice). This is remarkable in that this was a time much long before the notion of a psychiatric or psychological profession.
I guess you can say that Paul was well trained in understanding the human mind and spirit.