“O, how easy it is to do religious things if other people are watching! Preaching, praying, attending church, reading the bible, acts of kindness and charity-they all take on a certain pleasantness of the ego if we know that others will find out about them and think well of us. It is a deadly addiction for esteem that we have.”

American Reformed Baptist theologian and retired pastor

John Stephen Piper is an American Reformed Baptist theologian and retired pastor. He is known for his work in New Testament studies and for his long ministry in Minneapolis. He taught biblical studies at Bethel University from 1974 to 1980, then served for 33 years as pastor for preaching and vision at Bethlehem Baptist Church. He is also chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and his writing and teaching are shaped by theology and Scripture.