Pure Pleasure: Why Do Christians Feel So Bad about Feeling Good?

To be honest I never made it through the entire book. It has great reviews though, arrived quickly.

I recommend "Pure Pleasure" for several reasons: (1) Gary Thomas is a trustworthy author; he has written perhaps the best books on godly marriage (Sacred Marriage) and personal faith ("Authentic Faith") that I've read. (2) The book is saturated with surprising insights that build as your paradigm shifts. (3) The book has important admonitions regarding a believer's ability to finish well in the long run. (4) The book urgently applies itself to family dynamics in practical ways. (5) Affirming God as a God who takes pleasure in His creations frees us to embrace our worlds with renewed strength.You need to read this book now for the long run.Update: in surveying the books on my shelf that have made a difference, I realize my June 2013 review doesn't do justice to this book or its impact on my life.I am about motivation. As a momentum person, and someone who has become increasingly demoralized by obligation for obligation's sake, I received Thomas' book into the core of my being. Much like Barton's "Sacred Rhythms", "Pure Pleasure" addresses the way our hearts work. It is not "too good to be true" that we get to experience God's goodness as the foundation of all He asks of us. My flyleaf summary of this book is, "As we are called to suffer, so also we are called to rejoice." Thomas' premise is that God designed joy in our lives to replenish us. We ignore this to our peril.Characteristic of Thomas' theme is inclusion of this quote from Jean Vanier: "Every child, every person, needs to know that they are a source of joy; every child, every person, needs to be celebrated. Only when all of our weaknesses are accepted as part of our humanity can our negative, broken self-images be transformed." There is a God who intends us feel His celebration of us through the joys He has given us richly to enjoy. On this Thanksgiving Day 2013, I encourage you to absorb this book's rich themes. Do it for those who count on your whole-hearted generosity if not for yourself.

I have learned more from Gary, about living with heart and soul, than any other author. And I have read a LOT of books. This one is a MUST read.

GREAT BOOK! I loved it! He talks about not being so legalistic and letting yourself have FUN as a Christian. It was nice to finally get permission from another Christian to have fun. lol :) So often Christians criticize you if you have ANY fun. So lame :(

My wife and I read this to each other. It is a real eye opener! It has helped us grow as Christians, and to grow closer as a couple. We heartily recommend this book for all Christians, especially couples.