The Call to Happiness

Nathaniel A. Warne is that rare thing: a rigorous philosophical theologian who is also deeply humane. This book is about how some of the most impressive people in the Christian tradition have wrestled with what it truly means to be happy — not just in theory, but also in practice. He not only understands the Puritans sympathetically in their own context, but also draws out their lessons for our own age, when the idea of 'happiness' has become so impoverished. Anyone who wants to enrich it again will benefit from reading this book. -- Alec Ryrie, Durham University
This illuminating book will be a welcome conversation partner for contemporary discussions on flourishing. Nathaniel Warne’s well-researched treatment of the Puritan perspective of happiness carefully integrates their themes of virtue, contemplation, vocation and calling, and friendship that clearly reveals that the partial happiness of this world pales in comparison with its fulfillment in heaven. This insightful book deserves a wide readership! -- Tom Schwanda, Wheaton College
Few words explain our modern system of value better than happiness. We instinctually trust something as good if it makes us happy. Yet few ideas are more diversely defined and nefariously pursued. Work often becomes the avenue where we seek the happy life at any cost. As a pastor I live in close proximity with the devastation caused by such an ill-fated perspective. After all the tension resides not just in pews but also in my own affections and inclinations. What Warne has done in The Call to Happiness has settled these waters of confusion. Through historical context and deft cultural application, he has done a great good, all the while maintaining a tone of humanity. His words will help any willing to listen to hear the redeeming invitation of God into a life and vocation which are truly happy. -- Jason C. Helveston, elder for Teaching and Vision at Church in the Square (Chicago, IL) and author of Tell Me Everything
Warne’s A Call to Happiness provides a powerful antidote to the widespread view, stemming from Max Weber, that English Puritan thought inevitably led to the cut-throat individualism and brutal utilitarianism that characterize contemporary capitalism. Drawing on a powerful tradition of eudaimonist thought beginning with Aristotle, a tradition that deeply influenced seventeenth-century English Puritan thinkers, Warne provides a compelling case for reimagining the Puritan pursuit of happiness as inseparable from a commitment to furthering the common good. -- Roger Ferlo, president emeritus, Bexley Seabury Seminary
In this book, Warne provides a detailed and illuminating account of the relation between eudaimonism and the doctrine of calling in Puritan thought. While giving due weight to seminal contributions, he investigates an impressive selection of authors, identifies and weighs key ancient philosophical and theological influences, and outlines the distinctive contribution a Puritan account of happiness might make in contemporary ethics. For anyone interested in the perennial debate surrounding the puzzle and prospect of human flourishing, this book is an important read. -- Robbie Griggs, Covenant Theological Seminary
This is an important study, which corrects many misconceptions about the history of Christian ethics. At a time when many are rediscovering the riches of classical ethical perspectives, The Call to Happiness brings the riches of Puritan thought into the discussion as a fruitful conversation partner. And it should encourage those Christian ethicists who have been suspicious of talk about happiness and human flourishing in ethics to take another look. These are their roots as well. -- David A. Horner, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
Warne brings to light a neglected and fascinating tradition of eudaimonism in Puritan writings and in so doing, he shows us something surprising, illuminating, and delightful. This is the history of ideas at its best, achieving its true purpose: which is to open up for us a way of thinking that is both new (for us) and traditional. What emerges is an overlaying of an Aristotelian conception of happiness with distinctive Puritan themes of calling and vocation. Warne's subtle theological literacy comes through at each turn. This book provides a new resource for contemporary theological ethics. -- Christopher Insole, University of Durham