Stand to Reason Weekly Podcast

Interview: Melissa Dougherty – Happy Lies

Jan 24, 2025
In this thought-provoking conversation, Melissa Dougherty, author and YouTube personality, explores how the 19th-century New Thought movement has infiltrated modern Christianity. She shares her transformative journey from New Age beliefs to understanding the harmful effects of positive-thinking ideologies. Topics include the Law of Attraction, the subtle evolution of practices like yoga into spiritual commitments, and the merging of New Thought with prosperity teachings. Melissa also critiques contemporary self-help narratives, urging listeners to reflect on their spiritual practices.
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ANECDOTE

Interview with Melissa Dougherty

  • Melissa Dougherty, author of "Happy Lies", discusses her book with Greg Koukl.
  • Her book explores how the 19th-century New Thought movement influences Christians today.
INSIGHT

New Thought's Hidden Influence

  • New Thought, a positive-thinking movement from the 1800s, subtly influences many Christians.
  • It replaces salvation with exaltation and permeates society unnoticed.
ANECDOTE

Dougherty's New Thought Upbringing

  • Dougherty grew up believing New Thought principles, mistaking them for Christianity.
  • She later realized the distinction while in seminary, noticing differences from New Age beliefs.
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