Happy Lies

"Happy Lies" by Melissa Dougherty is an insightful book that takes Christianity on a walk down the halls of the beginnings of the Word of Faith movement. She clearly demonstrates how this movement - featuring household names like Joyce Meyers, T.D. Jakes, and past voices like John G. Lake - was at least influenced by, if not entirely organized around, the teachings and beliefs of what is called New Thought.

Melissa argues that 'progressive' Christianity is more in line with New Thought than New Age practices, though there is some blending of all of these. Melissa is keen to point out the correlations, having grown up in a New Thought church. She goes on to portray the (maddening) "moving target" of 'truth' in both of these arenas (progressive and New Thought churches).

New Thought teaches that your inner "divine spark" is what "equates" to "trusting God" and "your truth". Melissa provides several succinct accounts of interviews with such pastors that puts this belief system on display. Each one interviewed argues that 'truth' can't be known - and that they 'know' this to be true - as they consistently move the target in conversation to meet Melissa's arguments.

One notable example is a pastor who admits that someone can't identify as tobacco, as a vegetable, but then goes on to say that it is "their truth" and that he also could not tell them they were not tobacco. "The goalposts need to move to be relevant, tolerant, and obedient to your inner truth. Even if it gives you lung cancer" (pg 91).

Melissa concludes the book by pointing out that this particular belief system (present in much of progressive 'Christianity' today) boils down to the first lie ever told: "You will be like gods". She aptly notes that the devil wants people to believe they are already "happy, whole, and divine". Our 'truth' becomes god rather than the Truth, the Way, and the Life. An interpretation of common verses used to argue these points is given in organized and clear fashion.

Overall, I enjoyed Melissa's book. Having followed her on YouTube for some time, I was not a stranger to her voice, though the book helped to give a more thorough explanation of some of her viewpoints. Having grown up in the Word of Faith movements, and being thoroughly acquainted with many of the leaders referenced, this book was of great interest to me and beneficial...

Much of the mystical, name-it and claim-it, you can all be millionaire-successes and miracle-magnets, 'straighten your crown' in Jesus' name nonsense that happens in WOF (Word of Faith) movements was why I eventually ducked out. Half of the mindset of these teachings were clearly not Biblical, and the other half should be taught with much caution even when they are Biblically accurate. I found Melissa's book of some comfort and help in terms of deciphering where some of those teachings originated and validating for some of my own troubles.

Nonetheless, I will caution the reader that Melissa does tend to err on the side of seeming to imagine that true salvation, or at least right doctrine, can only come from the seminary-educated and common Biblical scholar. In other words, for as much as she criticizes the "many" who will say "Lord, Lord, didn't we do all these things in your name?" crowd, she sometimes speaks as if she has fallen for the (equally) Pharisaical trap of "searching the scriptures" because she thinks right doctrine equates to salvation.

Sadly, I find that most Christians and most churches fall on the spectrum in one direction or another. Whether personality or upbringing or the knee-jerk reaction to upbringing, there is always a way "that seems right" to every soul (but isn't). I love Melissa. I believe she is a sister in Christ. I also believe both ends of that spectrum warrant stern caution.

At the end of the day, having suffered felt-abuses at both ends of the theological spectrum, I find I only have strength left for Micah's words:

Do justly;

Love mercy;

Walk humbly with God. (Micah 6:8)

I do recommend Melissa's book without reservation - especially if you grew up in WOF, Charismatic, Evangelical circles. She does bring clarity to a lot of the circus around us today in many churches... unfortunately.