New Thought: The Most Influential Heresy You've Never Heard Of, with Melissa Dougherty

[@nikki1067]

When, as a teen, my church leaders went hard into the NAR thing (the pastor was suddenly an anointed "apostle"!), none of us typical christian attendees understood the cliff they were driving off of. God preserved many of us via church splits, and the Holy Spirit often told me when to hold back and not participate, even when I was young and highly involved in my church! It's amazing to me that it takes 10 or 20 years to be able to see these movements, call them out and understand. Sometimes longer! I was eagerly reading Norman Vincent Peale's little power of positive thinking pamphlets in my grandfather's house as a gradeschooler, and did not even comprehend that these encouraging words would be connected at the root to such a metastasis of heresies. I don't think my 10 yr old self is to blame and I think the Holy Spirit in all grace let me take away what was good from these and forget the rest, mostly because I was covered in prayer by loved ones and just steeped in His Word and copying out passages for myself. The Truth drives out the lies, and the cheap imitations too. Thanks so much for your videos! Both of you!

[@mrsbethrogg]

I was a student at Oral Roberts University in the 90s, and our chaplain at the time was mentored by Robert Shuler. I'm unraveling more and more how these unbiblical ideas have been disguised inside my theology for most of my life, and this was one more light bulb. Thank you.

[@BillTony2]

I'm convinced that every denomination and tradition has been influenced by the doctrines (plural) of demons. I base my opinion on the Barna reports research. That being said, I am convinced that all have some true believers as well. That's why online topics like this are helpful to a lot of people.

[@curiousjojo4life]

Just wait until you see all these players are also Freemasons. 😅 May the Holy Ghost continue to give you discernment brother and may you continue to be sensitive to the discernment, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 🙏🏼

[@BillTony2]

@@curiousjojo4life You are right it is discernment, but along with that the Holy Spirit is directed me to ask the right questions. The Internet has helped me to get answers through podcast, audiobooks, and KZbin channels. To your point about masons, I would not doubt it. I can’t speak for other areas, but in my area in DFW I checked out a lot of older, black churches and 60 to 70% of them if not more had Masonic symbols on the cornerstone.

[@curiousjojo4life]

@BillTony2 Amen, brother! ORU is full of them too. I am glad you are researching and that you have the yes to see, the ears to hear and are of sound mind. I am so encouraged when I find more brothers and sisters out there with discernment and wisdom from The Lord and spending time in His Word.

[@larrylafferty3836]

i was young in 1965 my mother us to sent money to Oral ROBERTS we did not even have food to eat half the time yet mom would send money to oral roberts and people like all the time some of them would call too i became a real bitter towards tv so called preachers they have no idea how that can destroy family i was to young to know what was going on my dad and mom would fight over her giving money to these guys she eventually had a mental break down all us kids where put in foster homes i was 8 years old at the time but by thr GRACE of GOD I started following Jesus but its been a struggle

[@MelissaDougherty]

Thank you for having me on, and for endorsing this book, Alisa!

[@kevink9938]

you’re the best Melissa! i will be purchasing your book with part of my next paycheck.

[@astrosmith3832]

Thank you for your work, Melissa.

[@deserienelson1842]

I can't thank you enough Melissa, I stumbled on your channel a few years ago and opened me up to a whole new understanding about the Bible!❤

[@cindyricksgers6478]

Can you talk about grounding? Is that new age?

[@Megs-t9b]

"God loves you and so do I." That's what I remember from Dr Robert Schuller at the end of his tv program every week. I grew up on Dr Robert Schuller, Norman Vincent Peal, Dale Carnegie, Maxwell Maltz, Og Mandino, Florence Scovel Shinn, James Allen etc. There were so many books my dad had, also including books on meditation, eastern religions and more. I grew up thinking that New Thought was the REAL Christianity. Moulding all of it into Christianity was what dad did and so did I. I am so glad Melissa has written this book, it is so important for people to understand that it has nothing to do with Christianity. In fact it ended up taking me down the path of New Age and witchcraft. I am so thankful that is all behind me and that Jesus is now my Lord and saviour. Thank you Alisa for having Melissa on your show, I will be buying the book!

[@jesusfreakof2000]

I so appreciate having and seeing women embrace apologetics. It's truly what's missing in woman's ministry today.

[@nelidascott6917]

Wow! Blown away with this episode! Melissa explained this all very clearly and articulately! What a great conversation ❤

[@NotAFan2024]

Thank you so much. I am from germany and here I have some friends who say "we are Christians and love Jesus" and they are so in to the "New thoughts". I want this book. I hope some day it will be out in german language. Thank you for the work. Greetings from Germany - Corinna

[@ChrisVink-b5b]

I am in deep misery here in Las Vegas, Nevada. I do not think I belong here. I have not enjoyed being here. Do I need to get psychological counseling to find out why other people like Bonnie Tipton and Terry Tipton are morally perfect as well as the Noones, and have nothing but perfect lives. I am tortured with guilt every day. They are all blessed with never having to feel guilt ever, or be wrong about anything, the Tiptons, the Noones, the Blevins, and the Vinks I guess. I guess that is a reason I do not believe in Christian theology. I am just tortured with guiit all day and misery. Is it the case that 99^% of the population of Clark County, Nevada has never committed what Christians call sin, and I am the only one who has? It can seem like that. I am tormented misery because I do not have income or a vehicle. I think most people have a vehicle, and do measure some of their self worth in whether they have a vehicle, even Christians. I foresee my relatiives just torturing with emotions of guilt and failure until I commit suicide. I have a lot of fear. I do not believe Bonnie and Terry Tipton believe they can make mistakes based on observation. I do not believe they think they ever have. My experience with them and the Noones, and including the partners of Travis and Brandon is that my experience with them will get me only feeling terrible about my life. Can someone get me out of Las Vegas, Nevada. I have not had one good experience in Las Vegas. Nevada. I do not know where I have to go. Do I need psychological counseling to find out how everyone of my relatives became morally perfect lives and have nothing but economic security, and I am the only imperfect one?

[@Heartwing37]

Thank you both for your ministry! I started following you to gain information about New Age and New Thought. I have a friend who’s lost in this ideology and I’m trying to learn how to talk to her and defend the Christian faith. Just bought Melissa’s book. Thank you!

[@homesteadinthesuburbs5092]

Genesis 1:3 [3] And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. This verse and many others in Genesis, specifically, came to mind while listening to this conversation. God has been the only one who can use his words and things come into existence. He is the great “IAM”. We are just clay in his hands. Praise God for his love and compassion on us foolish sinners!

[@SustainablyFit]

I never buy new books but I pre-ordered this one as soon as a heard about it. I work in the fitness world and New Age is deep seeded there, but so is New Thought. Melissa and Alisa have both helped me see and avoid those pitfalls and have the language to talk to my Christian clients about it and give them a sound alternative. Thank you both for the work you're doing!!

[@ChrisVink-b5b]

Should I tell every employer in Las Vegas that they have annihilated and destroyed my self esteem by deeming of very low or no qualifications? Should I tell all my relatives they have been able to completely annihilate my self esteem by making me feel guilty all of the time, and a failure? That is what I would tell anyone, any employer. My self esteem has bee totally destroyed. I am a financial failure compared to 99% of the population of Las Vegas. That is what it looks like. So, all my relatives are vastly morally superior to me and more intelligent. They are able to totally destroy psychologically.. There is no way I would become Catholic if President Joe Biden is morally perfect and so is Sean Hannity. Every day is psychological torture for me. I seem to exist for other people here to make me feel guilty or wrong I would tell every employer I have felt psychologically destroyed. I feel psychologically destroyed every day. Should I be looking at all of the reporters from all of the news stations in Las Vegas as completely virtuous people? It seems that way.

[@KimJuarez-q6c]

​@@ChrisVink-b5bno you are being empowered by knowledge so if you believe the Bible your stand is firm. A firm foundation...❤

[@christianfulling9296]

25 years I was New Thoughtler. Fortunately, I got saved in June 22

[@kristyleavitt8007]

Praise God for saving you! ❤

[@cindyroot9944]

Such a good interview. I have so many thoughts right now. I know so many friends and family that embrace all of these "New Thought" ideas and am afraid my daughter is in it as well. Thank you for this clarity on all of the muddiness.

[@mchristr]

I told myself for years that I would never finish my college education. But despite my “negative thoughts” I kept going back to school, and eventually finished. Our “self talk” is not unimportant but perseverance always takes precedence.

[@johnnacrist8715]

Thank you ladies for your work!!! I look forward to reading your book!

[@wendyweaver2784]

You ladies have blessed me so much. Recently I spoke at a conference on marriage, and when a lady expressed the needs in her marriage, someone recommended the enneagram. You have helped me to be awake to things like that, and I was able to respond in a life-giving and truthful way about the dangers of it. Many women thanked me later for what I said about it.

[@janepizzadough8834]

Excellent discussion, and very interesting! Thanks for keeping it close to scriptural truth. You guys are great. :)

[@ruthfisher2310]

Wow. This was eye opening! I need to get this book and share with other women I know. Thank you for this conversation.

[@jennveilleaux3280]

I look forward to reading this book, Melissa! There are SO many women I know who are very deep into Christianity mixed with new thought..

[@emilyrestored]

This has come right on time. Jesus saved me out of 37 years of new age and metaphysical practices in 2023. I have been challenged in reconciling my supernatural experience with Christ Jesus apart from the supernatural spirituality I practiced. On the surface they look alike which makes it tempting to compare and justify my past experiences as “Christian”. I know they are not the same but the temptation is very real.

[@joannewells]

This was so good. The book is definitely needed. Both of you are on my prayer list and will stay. You are needed in the body of Christ. Thank you.

[@chrisr4932]

Such a good talk! I've pre-ordered the book and am looking forward to reading it! What a blessed ministry. Thanks for following God's calling to expose false doctrine and focus. What this New Thought comes down to is idolatry of self, turning the focus from Christ-centered. Thanks again!

[@mattiloveland2393]

Wow! Great conversation! Ordering the book!!

[@Margaret-n-e9y]

Thank you for mentioning dr. Caroline Leaf. I always felt a bit uneasy about her teachings. There is a doctor in South Africa who also teaches her way of thinking. We listened to her stuff and then at some point we started feeling uneasy about it all and stopped following her. Now you confirmed that her teachings are dangerous. This podcast was an eye opener.

[@twanettefourie3131]

Are you speaking about Dr M.K Strydom dear Fellow? I am also from South Africa, Pretoria based. I too was fooled by Dr Leaf and Dr Strydom (Eagle Wings Ministries).

[@ChrisVink-b5b]

All I can is I feel the mysterious power of people around me, including my relatives to make me feel like a failure ,and to feel guilty all of the time. I want to escape my parents financially and not be around them. I hear them constantly speak as if they are vastly superior to NFL players, coaches, and officials. That is just the way they have been. I want to go far away from this location in Las Vegas so people can stop making me feel guilty or like I am deeply flawed compared to other people. My life is a nightmare around my parents, and the Noones. I seem trapped relating to them, and I do not want to anymore. I am willing to do any work. I just want to get away from them. I am fed up dealing with their air of superiority. I despise hearing about people being paid by an employer to work remotely from their house or apartment because I am in a house most of the day, but have not been paid anything for it.

[@NatureBum4Life]

Same here!

[@ChrisVink-b5b]

You can tell every employer in Las Vegas and America I have been totally destroyed psychologically. The American economy is the perfect economy. Al of my relatives from the Tiptons to the Noones, to the Vinks and Blevins are morally perfect people, have perfect lives, and nothing but economic security and success. How did I become the only imperfect one out of all of them? I f you ever meet Sean Hannity of Fox News and President Biden you can tell them I cannot believe in Christian theology if they are both morally perfect and have never been wrong. I have listened to them, and that seems to be their view of themselves. You can tell every employer I feel totally psychologically destroyed, and that people around me make me feel like I have done nothing right in life. That is the story I am in, that I hate being in. That is how everything is presented to me. You can tell every employer in America that I am totally destroyed psychologically. WHAT DID I DO THAT WAS SO WRONG. I HAVE NOT BEEN CONVICTED OF A CRIME. i have not been charged with a crime. What did I do that was so wrong?

[@jillbruce5050]

I’m excited too! You two are my favorite gals to listen to. I preordered Happy Lies on Audible and can’t wait to listen. I’m definitely going to Honolulu this year for the conference. Thank you for your ministry.

[@gabamertins2219]

First of all: thank you for this video! I live in Germany and this is an important topic for us too. However, one thing always irritates me when I watch videos about Progressive Christianity, NAR and now New Thought. There is never/rarely any mention of sin that moves people to join these teachings. A loved one close to me may have had hurts in the past, but what is driving him away from the Christian faith into this New Thought teachings is an attempt to gloss over/justify marriage damaging behavior. John 3:19 "Now in this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." But maybe it's in the book. I'm looking forward to hearing and/or reading "Happy Lies" soon. And I would be even happier if it were then translated into German. Thank you for your work! You both are, among other things, the reason and help that I was able to recognize NAR teachings that I was fed. I am grateful to God for letting me discover you and Greg Koukl, Mike Winger, Frank Turek, Wes Huff.... God is good!!! Greetings from Germany! ❤❤

[@gaidurakismate]

Thank you, Ladies, for a really good overview of New Thought and Christianity.

[@valentinamorales2403]

Yes I came in through the Apostolic movement in 2005 with that thinking Pastor were preaching positive thoughts, positive people positive place . And never say anything negative. And thinking that we can be like Christ as a deity. Yes new though it around for a while.

[@dewargrows3910]

Having grown up in church for over 50 years, became a born again believer at age 13, without a doubt the church has become increasingly infected with happy lies. Thanks so much for bringing this to the light. ❤

[@ChrisVink-b5b]

I feel miserable here in Las Vegas, Nevada not having a vehicle, apartment, or house. I feel miserable in dependency to two retired government employees, Bonnie and Terry Tipton and their pensions, living with two people apparently do not believe they have ever made a mistake. They both have attended Shadow Hills Baptist Church of Las Vegas since 1990. I do not think they believe they can commit what Christians call sin. Since 2021, I have heard them on a daily basis make strong comments about what they see as the mistakes and flaws of others. I cannot seem to get any income opportunity away from this city. Do I have to get psychological counseling to find out what I have done so wrong in life to watch other people drive in vehicles in Las Vegas? Do I have to get psychological counseling to find out why I never got the opportunity to do anything in the engineering or scientific realm as far as work?

[@salt_and_light03]

Can’t wait to listen! Preordered Melissa’s book. God bless you both 🙏🏽✝️🤍

[@BillTony2]

Me too on audible

[@BeverlyFore-jq1uk]

Thank you!

[@kimgary5771]

“It helped me.” Wow, that is so true. I can’t wait to get my book. Thank you ladies! I love learning from you to discern between these things. ❤️🙏

[@bethtaylor9773]

So good to see you two ladies working together to keep the gospel clear. Of course, I ordered the book. I have Alisa's and need to read it! Working on Allie Beth Stuckey's right now. Thanks, ya'll.

[@estherluna4680]

I will receive this book next Thursday according to my tracking at Amazon. Can’t wait to receive it.

[@rdutridge]

Fantastic interview to inform Christians of what to avoid in churches worldwide! Thanks so much and GBY both! Janet

[@missnordstrom]

So excited to read this book! Thank you Melissa and Alisa. I was pretty shocked to hear you say that pastor called us the bad guys. It’s interesting to hear that point of view. I’m learning so much.

[@eo2149]

I live in South Africa where the traditional churches had the Reformed theology ,unfortunately not underscribing the baptism of believers,but of infants. When a person became born again,the baptist churches were an option ,but America exported the Word of Faith Movement,Prosperity Gospel and New Thought Churches to South Africa from the early 80's and it completely dominates the church scene at the moment. Looking back I remember all the inspirational cards and books of Norman Vincent Peale and the lure of the megachurches proclaiming that they have Revival. We even had a young doctor affirming Caroline Leaf's book on healing. When a friend of mine contracted cancer, she was reprimanded that the cause was unforgiveness . The focus is put on human effort and this life and not on Jesus,the glorious Son of God who gave His life as a ransom for us. I really appreciate both of you ,your clarity and the discernment that both of you share with your audience concerning the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

[@Bronwen.Forbes.Kotze1983]

I agree with you as a fellow South African. South Africa is over run by these types of churches now.

[@rainnedancer]

@@Bronwen.Forbes.Kotze1983 @eo2149 Fellow Saffer! and yes agreed! It is heartbreaking to see how it has invaded SA and Africa. During lockdown I started attending online and continue to do so. Churches that teach verse by verse through the bible like Cornerstone Chapel Leesburg Virginia (Gary Hamrick) and Calvery Church (Skip Heitzig)

[@EBM1966]

Thank you for this content! Blessings to you!

[@AndrewDMth]

Thank you both so much for being such a salt and light!

[@suziecera5509]

This should be on the Evening news 📰 📺 instead of the lies they are reporting.

[@noismill]

Can’t thank you enough for this.. I’ve come across the ‘word of faith’ in my family, in the church and many Christians .. didn’t sit right with me but didn’t know how to answer them. I’ve pre-ordered the book on Kindle and can’t wait to read it.

[@specterwolf4711]

Thank you both for your ministry and work.

[@williamstdog9]

I love these 2 women so much it is hard to put into words … 😭♥️ and I mean that in the most Christian, Biblical, respectful and sincere way. Thank you for your ministries my sisters in Christ 😭♥️😔

[@nitatucker7628]

Great interview..thank you melissa.. and Alysa.. it was a little difficult to follow even though i understand.. just because it's so deceiving and intertwined with true Christianity.. new believers or unbelievers might have a hard time.. I'm still struggling to give a good definition of new thought to Christian friends who are concerned. It's increasingly difficult to find churches in north texas that are true churches due to heavy population growth from other states, I'm at a loss to find a true church right now. Thank you again.. great work!❤ 0:07

[@katrinbarbey]

The only power of positive thinking is if you direct it toward the Lord. No matter what happens, He saves you in the end.

[@christinamurphy3845]

Can you respond to the movement in churches to have deliverance ministries or deliverance sessions where people are guided to renounce sins and renounce generational curses and renounce words of curse etc.

[@joycefrank4485]

Please!

[@carriemccoy2954]

I have been hoping this would be covered too.

[@laureldavenport9092]

I pre ordered this book before I watched this and I am even more excited to read it! Thanks!!

[@joyevenson8702]

There is an angry spirit in people caught in lies or defending them. It’s the truth that is threatening to the enemy.

[@sherrihamptonmusic]

Really enjoyed this interview. What strikes me is the "reason" behind many of these New Thought teachers' false teachings--hurt from the other side, basically. I have never been a part of progressive Christianity or new thought and while it is very helpful to understand what's out there I think it's also important to understand the reaction that has come from the legalism and lack of love in churches where the theology might be technically "right." We just came out of a church like that… "High theology" and "Sola Scriptura" but still run by the flesh and no love. It's very possible. (They were also never-Trumpers!) The Pharisees of Jesus' time were just like that. Just wanted to bring out the other side because while all of this needs to be pointed out so we can be equipped to deal with our culture, we need to remember that the remedy is the true Christ of true Christianity and there aren't many churches that represent that, sadly. Again, very engaging interview! 🙏🏻

[@stampedergirl]

I think on both sides there is a tendency to do what I call a “well-meaning overcorrection”. I’ve seen some coming out of the New Thought, New Age, and hyper-Charismatic (valuing the gift more than the Giver) completely reject anything and everything supernatural as evil, especially the gifts given in God’s timing by the Holy Spirit. On both sides, I think it’s a wee bit like someone who was constantly yelled at in an abusive manner flinching every time anyone yells, regardless of whether it’s cheering, distance, or anger related.

[@narrowpathadventure6301]

Great discussion. I always appreciate both Melissa’s and Alisa’s KZbin channels. I am in my mid-sixties now, a lifetime church attendee up until 7 years ago. Now I am part of a home fellowship where we believe the Torah and all of the Old Testament has more of a foundation of our faith than is led to believe in churches today. For example, the feasts, food laws, Sabbath to name a few things. It has really brought the Bible to life for me. But I’d digress. I turn to your channels to learn of the latest trends happening in the churches of modern Christianity. This episode was very informative. You listed a few old self-help books to ignore such as Dale Carnegie and alike. I saw a lot of books to be ignored when I was in Amway some 30 years ago (if only I could have those years back). Besides the Bible, do you have a recommended list of self-help books that are legitimate? Thank you!

[@CountryThreadsbyhand]

This video helped me SO much!!! I thought I fell into the progressive/ charismatic church but I think it was truly a new thought church!! They were sprinkled with scripture & truth and then there would be these crazy one liners where the pastor would say things like a Jesus didn’t have his whole Devine nature and if you speak it and believe it God wants it to happen! I am SO thankful that through my husband disability we both were able to get out of that whole movement and into a gospel believing church!!

[@anthonycarbonaro7890]

Very excellent and informative presentation. Thank you 🙏

[@ethanweniger4071]

So often, if God is incorporated into contemporary spiritual beliefs, He is defined more by His perceived utility to the individual than by His supreme sovereignty. For those who have experienced what they diagnose as “religious trauma” and still wish to remain within or adjacent to Christian beliefs, therapeutic deism is the eventual “solution.” Consequently, they come to relate to God with a primary focus on what He does for them rather than who He is. “Worship” becomes driven by emotional experience, or it falls by the wayside entirely. God becomes fashioned in the image of “human goodness” (i.e., “love”), and any fundamentalist assertions to the contrary are met with disgust and derision. “Where is God in the midst of my troubles?” “Where are you positioned in relation to God’s holiness?”

[@BillTony2]

Well said!

[@earthangel2590]

Always interesting podcasts Alisa. Thanks!

[@fordsrestorations970]

Jesus said any man that come after me let him first deny himself , pick up his cross and follow me. We must die to ourselves and let Christ live through us

[@MaryMouse51]

Fabulous! I think is the 3rd interview I've watched on Happy Lies, and it is worth it. I'm wondering how New Thought folks would answer the question, "What does your belief offer you when you sin (or don't live up to your morals or affirmations)?" Another idea I had is that focusing on how "New Thought" helped me, is very short-sighted. What about eternity? KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!

[@dodieholder]

Thank you for all this Melissa and Alisa!! With the “I am” affirmations being so popular, is “ I am the Church” considered one of those that is wrongly used?

[@MelissaDougherty]

No, because that isn't an "affirmation." Remember the purpose of affirmations: to *affirm* an inner truth, (doesn't matter if it's *actually* true) to consciously align thought and belief with inner divine truth, and manifesting positive outcomes through the "creative power" of your mind. A truth statement and an affirmation are not the same thing. Affirmations are designed in "I AM" statements to be, in essence, divine statements of creation.

[@dodieholder]

@@MelissaDoughertythank you for differentiating this! I am looking forward to your book! ( not an “I am” affirmation but true excitement for the book) amazing 😉😉

[@Marvin-987]

​@@MelissaDoughertyBut "I am the Church" is technically an affirmation. You are against humans having creative power through their thoughts and words because you think that people are blaspheming God by wanting to be like Him. If God did not want us to be like Him, why create Adam and Eve in His image and likeness in the first place? His image and likeness already means "LIKE HIM". Genesis 3:22 goes against your affirmation and assertion that the serpent lied about them becoming like God. The Lord agreed with the serpent in that part; they did become like Him. Plus, if you bothered to look throughout the Bible, the divine intent has always been for humanity to be like Him. Even in following Jesus, it's for us to be like Him. Humans CAN create with their thoughts and words. If words were as powerless as you say they are, witches, wizards, sorcerers and warlocks would not need to speak for their magick to work. You can't really place a curse if you do not actually curse. You also cannot place a blessing if you do not actually bless. And what if God limits the power of humans to preserve order? The problem is that many Christians have not paid the price for their words to actually be able to change reality; within divine limits, but still able to change reality. Same with thoughts; they do attract both good and bad. Within certain limits, but they attract angels, God and demons, and also problems and solutions. Is manifestation not real? Is the building you live in, not a product of manifestation and visualization? When people become evil, are they also not manifestations of sins? Yes, personifications of sin and evil just like fallen angels and demons. So, manifestation is not real? You do actually become what you think about, don't you? See how you don't know what you're saying?

[@stephaniehopkinsartist]

I've pre-ordered Happy Lies and looking forward to reading it!

[@dingotomtom]

Yall are my faves 💓 ✝️ To God be the glory

[@sandratagaban5541]

Thank you, Ladies. That was a great interview. I ordered the book a few weeks ago. I'm sure I will get it this week. It takes longer to get mail in Alaska. Have a great week. Sandy

[@lispottable]

Two of my favs!

[@317237hope]

When I think of Robert Schuller, all I can think is, "Tough times never last, but tough people do!"

[@kaylashryock2743]

also spoke to friend today, who said she was struggling getting into the word some but her friend who is a biblical counselor, helped her by informing her, It was probably her past trauma and gave her this tapping technique and she needs to recall these past traumatic events and invite Jesus in the Holy Spirit in to the situation to make the situation all light instead of dark, and if there's anyone that was doing anything harmful to you in the traumatic events, they'll be afraid because Jesus is there the Holy Spirit is there? 😅

[@angiecritcher9739]

I remember that, too. The fact is that none of our bodies last forever. It was bumper sticker talk to get people to take courage. Problem is that it takes Jesus to be good and loving and to do anything worthwhile and lasting.

[@doxieherblitz]

Thank you for clarifying about ODB. I was so disappointed in them and even somewhat betrayed.

[@teaglass3750]

Looking forward to Melissa's book! :)

[@RainbowMan.]

Beautiful!! 💜❄️🌈🩷 😻

[@kevinnash2444]

Very informative. Thank you

[@debralee1401]

When I was involved with New Thought my husband called teachers at the Science of Mind community center the Thought Police😮😅😢

[@NotEasyButSimple]

Yes, I was getting my Christian Life Coaching cert when I came across a lot of New Age leaders. I didn't realize they were new thoughts until after seeing Melissa's "New Age In church" video in 2020. I was also in the WOF. Soon after her video took me down the research rabbit hole, I realized that New Thought life coach leaders are loved in WOF circles. With that, I have known about the New Thought movement for a while and realized that many of the videos going viral on Facebook with short morality skits were from new thought leaders. And was surprised to see the names of the "Top New Thought Leaders" in a magazine (like Dave Ramsey's daughter whom I thought was Christian!). I also learned that many in the coaching and counseling world are trying to differentiate "Biblical Counseling" from "Christian counseling" because of this. While it is just semantics with some people, Many "Biblical counselors" do not adopt the new thought ideologies and would not want to be called "Christian counselors" without a disclaimer because of that new thought infiltration that seems more prevalent in the "Christian" coaching and counseling zone than in the "Biblical" coaching and counseling zone. a Venn Diagram may be needed for this topic as well LOL!

[@polarisjustdothework2258]

20:46 isn't the main thing that's missing from both new thought and new age, repentance?? Because if it is then it is important for us to recognize the main theme of the gospel is repentance and a changed heart ❤️

[@denawhitney8143]

A Heart for Jesus..He is missing from both of those I think 😊

[@angiecritcher9739]

And a renewed mind to have the mind of Christ, meaning in agreement with Him.

[@1Chr1st]

So fascinating, Melissa. I have had my "spidey senses" up about W.O.F. teachers and methods, and Caroline Leaf for a while... it makes so much sense when I see it as a piece of the larger puzzle. This movement (New Thought) is such an insidious infection, producing much confusion about Christ and doctrines in the "mainstream Christian church." Is it any wonder that Christians have a form of godliness but lacking its power? I see the urgency to contend for Truth and Biblical authority. We need to be in God's Word, studying it, and in a Gospel-centered church with the community around us, helping to challenge us and sharpen our discernment.

[@danniwinter1000]

Thank you for your hard work and informative interview. You are brave women that take alot of arrows. Praying for continued wisdom from God's Word as You serve Him. Please do a video about biblical counseling & the positive thought movement. I have definitely seen Progressive Christianity and Feminist Theory influence biblical counselors. Some have left their associations but continue to publish books in that genre. It's very taboo to talk about this.

[@Crosses3]

I clicked this because the PCUSA church my family attended in the 1970s, had sermon after sermon based upon Norman Vincent Peale’s books.

[@Priscilla_Bettis]

I'm looking forward to reading Happy Lies!

[@ChrisVink-b5b]

People develop some bizarre philosophies. I am in agony because people around me make me feel like professional and financial failure in America. I am 54 yeast years old and destitute. My parents Bonnie and Terry Tipton of Las Vgas as well as other relatives have made me feel like a terrible failure in life. It is agony.

[@elaineburke2005]

Twist number 200,000. New Thought sounds a lot like Mormonism, Positive Thinking, You can be your own God, Garden of Eden lies, straight from Satan. Chewed up, regurgitated and given a new name... There is nothing new under the Sun. Thank you for talking about the "New" that really isn't..... Hath God really said..... Satan always has some new knowledge that will make people "elite", in their own eyes....❤🙏 Thanks for what you are doing.

[@bradleysherman4878]

Serious question: Apart from the Bible itself (because I’m looking for a distillation), what are some of the best books setting forth traditional, historical Christianity. As in the basic tenets, the Gospel, theology, etc.

[@lynandrews4160]

Exactly. New thought arose from the pantheistic worldview where all is divine. In contrast, the Biblical worldview maintains mankind is part of creation and not divine. However, mankind can develop a trusting relationship with the divine as emulated by Jesus during His incantation on Earth. Indeed, Jesus demonstrated the importance of relationship with the divine in the person of His father, even though He, Himself, was God. The pantheistic worldview not only promotes the existence of an inner divine (as does the Urantia Book), but promotes a morality which is relative, which is in contrast to the morality espoused in the Bible. There is little or no overlap between new thought and true Christianity. Great show. Well done Melissa.

[@onehorseopensleigh]

Be careful not to paint in strokes so broad that any encouragement or necessary psychological adjustments are considered “New Thought.”

[@earthangel2590]

Great point, thanks! I💯agree.

[@twanettefourie3131]

Thank you for this interview. Maybe I do not understand. But I am trouble at the comment by Melissa..."Oh my..G.. I thought I was losing my mind". Is this not blasphemy? I love Melissa and Alisa. But I see this as common practice within USA culture. It others me. What am I missing? I mean no offense or condemnation. I am South African, maybe it is my cultural heritage. But my Biblical understanding is that we are to use God's Name when in prayer or praise, worship and in reverence, not in common vernacular to emphasise a personal point. I say these things as I have repented of blasphemy which the Holy Spirit convicted me of, that I was quilty of.

[@Squidicus42]

As a pastor of a Pentecostal denomination for over 30 years, I see how Christians are left vulnerable to deception because of poor use of Scripture. When we decide to preach what we think and then cherry pick verses to back up our own thoughts, we leave all kinds of gaps for lies. Pastors need to teach Christians, by example and intention, how to correctly handle the Word of God.

[@NC_27]

I'm glad you hosted this conversation. Was just wondering if you could also look into decrees and declarations. They've become a common part of prayers especially in charismatic churches but they just sound like an odd way to pray 😅. I'm thinking they originate from word of faith/New Apostolic Reformation. Thank you for your ministry 🙏.

[@hippychile]

Hi! Great conversation and I look forward to reading the book. One thing, though. You mention biblical counseling adopting some of this thinking. What I think you've unknowingly stepped into is the GIANT controversy that is going on in the biblical counseling world right now. I am an ACBC certified biblical counselor with my masters in biblical counseling from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I'm finishing up my doctorate there right now. ACBC, Southern, Masters, and RTS, among others, hold a strong view of the sufficiency of Scripture for counseling. In fact, if I held to these new thought ideas and used them in counseling I would lose my certification. Other seminaries, Southeastern being the big player, teach what is called new integrationism or redemptive counseling under the banner of "biblical counseling." This is in large part due to the hire of Eric Johnson, a super nice guy, but an integrationist, who was let go from Southern in 2017/18 ish for his views. I wasn't aware of the massive fight that's going on right now over the name "biblical counseling" until I attended the ACBC conference in FW in October. I think you might actually find this controversy interesting as it tracks pretty well with ideas in progressive Christianity. The fastest way you could get an overview of the controversy is to read Heath Lambert's book A Call to Clarity. It was handed out at the conference, where he gave an amazing talk, and is the top ACBC book of 2024. In particular, read the introduction and the two chapters he wrote. The others are great, too, but his chapters will give you an idea of what is going on in the BC world. I would be so interested to hear your take on this on some future podcast!

[@alisachilders]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing!

[@cynthiahunter2570]

I wish you would’ve defined New thought at the start of this video. I am 26 minutes in and still don’t know what it is. I do love you both.

[@DonnaMarie414]

I know of a false teacher who is teaching these very things but couched in different terms. Instead of positive and negative energies, it's positive and negative emotions, finding your true self, which is pure and sinless, i.e. "divine," although he doesn't use that term. Looking forward to reading your book! Gid bless!

[@tjhunter3530]

I just wanted to make you aware that Dr. Caroline Leaf's site looks scientific because she is a neuroscientist. And is one of the first in her field to prove that you can be healed from brain injuries. And while she probably prays for people also, I'm talking getting healed through medical processes and therapy.

[@akhiker2495]

Caroline Leaf is a speech language pathologist who calls herself a neuroscientist. She was called out by a doctor a few years ago over her credentials.

[@fsommers94]

I would advise caution with Dr Caroline Leaf.

[@tjhunter3530]

@fsommers94 I don't follow her. I was just infoming that she is a real scientist.

[@leslieanngunnforgie570]

Looking forward to reading. I have a similar past before receiving the gospel.

[@jacquesbarnard6576]

It would be interesting to hear how this ties up with contemplative spirituality & its proponents such as John Mark Comer, who is also associated with Richar Rohr.

[@kittenwiskerz299]

Yes, thank you for requesting this! My (ex)church recently put out an "Advent Refresh Guide" that was a 3 week guide into Lectio Divina (basically contemplative prayer). My research tells me this is Catholic/Eastern mysticism and encourages one to "empty the mind to experience God". (Ray Yungen has a couple great books exposing this).

[@janicesanders8631]

I would be very curious to know your opinion on Joyce Meyer. I have been a Lutheran all of my life, baptized and confirmed and I love the Lutheran service. However there was a time about seven or eight years ago when everything in my life seemed to be falling apart, my parents sickness and death, a divorce, difficult work situation. I was very depressed and a friend recommended Joyce Meyers books. I found her books to be very helpful, full of Scripture references and Joyce really stresses the importance of forgiveness. I found myself reading the Bible more. She does however, appear on the programs of leaders that are considered New Thought and I was wondering what your opinion was on Joyce..

[@juliemcdaniel7646]

A question for both of you. The idea of new thought, are there any influences that carry into The Chosen? Thank you.

[@briananicolepeanut]

I used to watch Caroline Leaf and have read several of her books. The worst part about her work is that she use to have a completely different theology, and system in terms of mental health. She's slowly weaved new thought beliefs and systems into her content. She actually used to be very bible based in her practices, from what I remember. And for some reason the past several years, she doesn't mention God or Jesus or her former Christian beliefs at all. She used to talk about being a neuroscientist and helping her patients who were struggling mentally by praying and meditating on the Word of God. It's very sad she decided to take a completely different path. I pray that the Lord would open her eyes.

[@roccocarile1203]

Dave Hunt wrote about new thought in the 80’s in his discernment masterpiece, The Seduction of Christianity.

[@wilfredomendez3450]

What do they all have in common? they all point to something else except to Jesus since it has no scriptural basis at all. Thanks for sharing Gob bless.

[@melvanini]

I've been seeing Melissa's videos pop up in my sidebar suggestions but wasn't sure whether to watch or not. Thanks for helping with the decision! (I will definitely watch her videos now.)

[@paulasarvas7676]

I first listened to Melissa when her and Doreen Virtue were doing podcasts calling out Christian leaders and churches which I was quite surprised by since they were both new converts. Clearly she's still on that path. Although I'd agree with criticism of the Word of Faith movement (in particular) since l was wounded by churches applying that teaching, l would certainly not lump in someone like Dr Caroline Leaf, a neuro-scientist, who offers a means by which people can get free from unhealthy (and sometimes debilitating) thought patterns. The program Dr Leaf sets out is similiar in nature to the 12 Steps/self-help programs which Melissa also poo-pooed in this podcast. If she's had the good fortune not to have had to deal with addiction, trauma, depression, etc then perhaps she should stay out of that lane and leave that ministry to those that have. OR at least list every other doctor or motivator that has stated that choosing positive thoughts over negative will benefit a person's overall well-being.

[@VeganSwimmer]

Oh excellent theme for Unshaken Conf!!!

[@wendymorrison8995]

Alisa, what do you think about ' tapping'?

[@jbuzzgirl]

Loved this interview! So timely for me. I've been in churches all over the spectrum discussed. Now in a small home church! ❤🙏❤️

[@Suzd34268]

Have you heard the testimony and ministry of Jesse Cezbotar? What is y’all’s discernment about her faith message?

[@cathiejensen9415]

I love Dr. Caroline Leaf is a neuroscientist who is a Christian. She is a Medical Doctor first and teaches about brain health (She works with traumatic brain injuries). Consider researching her books a little further. Neuroplasticity is a medical term and isn't considered part of the positive thinking camp. There is a difference. I've ordered the book as a daughter of a woman who was tricked into becoming a Psychic Medium. I appreciate your information here but do ask you to interview Dr. Leaf personally.

[@SharonsMessianicJourney]

I believe that the danger of New Thought is that it equates us with God. For example, whereas God creates the tree, we can only plant seeds, nourish the tree and create things from the tree through woodworking. We have only limited creative power. God created the universe with His words, we can only affect the atmosphere of the universe because He made us stewards of what He created. We do have life and death in the power of the tongue, but we do not create life like He does.. God IS the Truth, we can only speak the truth if we speak His word, because only His word is Truth It is a fine line, and easy to cross if we're not careful. Thank you for this vidso. Many blessings.

[@tlfendley]

What about neuroplasticity? Shad Helmstetter wrote about this. Learned about it from an MLM leader.

[@pilarkrol]

Curious too 🤔❤

[@ryanehlis426]

The Lord takes pleasure in the prosperity of his servants 😇

[@deborahthomas1337]

Ps 35:27 The literal translation is “who is desiring the peace of His servant” Context

[@bellbells872]

@@deborahthomas1337 Definition: Peace, completeness, welfare, well-being, safety, prosperity Meaning: safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace ... source Biblehub