The document explores the concept of happiness in contemporary society, contrasting it with earlier generations' beliefs and questioning the motivations behind the pursuit of happiness. It discusses philosophical perspectives, cultural influences, and biblical interpretations relating to happiness and joy. The document encourages personal reflection on the nature of happiness and its implications within a Christian context.

1. Session 2: Nothing But a Yuppie Word
1. What makes you happy?
2. “We donʼt want happiness in the next world.
We want it next Monday.” How does this quote
from the French Revolution capture the spirit of
our contemporary culture?
3. Contrasting with earlier generations, our
entire contemporary society seems to orient
itself towards the pursuit of happiness.” Agree
or disagree? Why the change?
4. Philosopher William James believed that
happiness is the secret motive inside the heart
of every person. Is it a motivator of you
personally? Why or why not?
5. What are some of the ways in which people
have believed happiness is attained?
6. According to the book, what are the two basic
rules that most people follow to pursue
happiness? As you look on your life, do you see
yourself following these rules, consciously or
unconsciously?
7. How do people seek the “good life”?
8. Culture tells us to “find something that makes
you happy and do it.” Is this biblical?
9. Job 20:5 says that “the joy (or happiness) of
the godless is momentary”. Yet, for righteous or
unrighteous people, does happiness last?
10. Describe an instance in your life in which
you experienced happiness, only to see it
diminish as time passed. Was this avoidable?
11. We all want it, but see its pitfalls and
trappings. Whatʼs a biblical, Christ-like approach
towards happiness?
12. Read John 15:1-11. How does the joy that
Christ talks about here contrast with the
happiness weʼve been discussing?
13. In the end, how big of a deal is joy to the
Christian life? Is it really much different than
happiness?