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Happy Lies

How a Movement You (Probably) Never Heard Of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World
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Brief Description
In this groundbreaking book, popular apologist Melissa Dougherty helps us understand how our society got to be so toxically subjective, why endless positivity is inherently destructive, and how we can live with faithful truth and genuine love in these self-obsessed times. Melissa Dougherty skillfully diagnoses the... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3499
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Influential online apologist Melissa Dougherty brings sharp thinking, a quick wit, and a passion for truth to Happy Lies as she explores New Thought, the 1800s-era toxic positivity philosophy still making us miserable, anxious, and spiritually confused today.

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In this groundbreaking book, popular apologist Melissa Dougherty helps us understand how our society got to be so toxically subjective, why endless positivity is inherently destructive, and how we can live with faithful truth and genuine love in these self-obsessed times.

Melissa Dougherty skillfully diagnoses the issue and provides the cure: the authentic and life-giving truth of the Christian worldview. - Wesley Huff

Have you ever wondered how we ended up in a world where personal feelings could become the authority for reality? Or why so many of us are on a relentless pursuit for happiness, yet somehow feel more exhausted and sadder than ever? You're not alone.

Melissa deftly traces the roots of today's social chaos back to a little-known (but very influential) 1800s philosophy known as New Thought. A former follower of its teachings, Melissa provides clarity and compassion mixed with a dash of loving snark as she exposes New Thought's deceptions and its many concerning tendrils within the church and our "self-help" culture.

You'll be shocked, grieved, and encouraged as you learn:

  • How you can experience true freedom, hope, and peace instead of the world's counterfeits
  • How an anti-God ideology so easily hijacked Christian-sounding ideas
  • Why thinking positively is entirely different from the unbiblical and burdensome "positive thought" movement
  • Why fake "authenticity" short-circuits real redemption
  • How understanding the New Thought mindset can help us share our faith more effectively

Uncover a dangerous ideology that nearly everyone has met, yet few of us can name, in order to better understand our culture and joyfully live faithful to the gospel that is so much better than our world's Happy Lies.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780310368861

Publisher: Zondervan

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 13 March 2025

Country: United States

Imprint: Zondervan

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 212.0mm

Weight: 235g

Pages: 272

About the Author

Melissa Dougherty is a Christian apologist best known for her YouTube channel with over 261,000 subscribers and counting. Her videos, which primarily cover New Age and New Thought, have been viewed over 18 million times. Melissa is highly regarded and connected in the apologetics community. She has had numerous influential guests on her YouTube channel and is a frequent guest on the YouTube videos and podcasts of popular thinkers as well. Melissa has a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from Southern Evangelical Seminary, where she’s also pursuing her master’s degree in religious studies. Melissa is married with two daughters and lives in New Mexico.

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