📖 Biblical Definition
Paul encountered Epicurean philosophers at Athens (Acts 17:18) and confronted their worldview with the reality of a God who created all things and will judge the world. Epicureanism is the ancient form of modern hedonism and practical atheism. Scripture opposes it: "Whether ye eat, or drink, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). True and lasting pleasure is found only in God (Psalm 16:11).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
The philosophy of Epicurus; the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain as the chief aim of life.
expand to see more
Webster defines EPICURE as "a follower of Epicurus; a man devoted to sensual enjoyments." He understood Epicureanism as the elevation of bodily pleasure above moral duty — a philosophy that amounts to practical godlessness.
📖 Key Scripture
• Acts 17:18 — "Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him."
• 1 Corinthians 15:32 — "If the dead rise not, let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die."
• Psalm 16:11 — "In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
• Philippians 3:19 — "Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Epicureanism is the default philosophy of modern Western culture disguised as personal freedom.
expand to see more
Modern Western culture is functionally Epicurean. The pursuit of pleasure, avoidance of suffering, practical irrelevance of God, and belief that this life is all there is — these are the operating assumptions of secular society. Consumer culture is applied Epicureanism. Even many churches market Christianity as the path to happiness rather than the call to take up one's cross.
Usage
• "Epicureanism did not die in ancient Athens; it simply moved to the suburbs and called itself the pursuit of happiness."
• "The prosperity gospel is baptized Epicureanism — promising pleasure and comfort as the fruit of faith."