“We’re not living in a post-truth era. We’re living in an anti-truth era.” -Happy Lies
New Thought: a movement so widely spread, and yet, unknown by its contenders. This movement emphasizes the mind being a form of power that can shift reality. It elevates man to a god-like status, taking the glory from God, and instead, replacing Him with a slimy lie.
Have you heard of this movement? Because I hadn’t. That’s why I’m sharing it with you. God’s truth is being attacked daily, but by His grace, it withstands no matter what. However, to avoid being led astray, we must know His truth.
As I grow in my walk with God, naturally, I’ve developed a curiosity to understand my faith, as well as the beliefs of others, so I can better approach people. I had no idea how vast the branches of religion were, or how widespread movements can become. It was overwhelming to say the least, as a new Christian, to step into a world of false truths vying for the attention of every lost soul who happens to stumble into their traps. But thanks to God, we have books like Happy Lies to shed light on dangerous schemes we may be blinded to. I had little interest in apologetics until recently, and this book has only elevated my passion for it. The world has always been twisted and broken, full of “truths” that destroy. Knowing and studying the Word of God is paramount to navigating the waters of lies thrown at us every day in culture, society, social media, Hollywood, and all facets worldwide.
Happy Lies was a fantastic and eye-opening book. It took me a while to finish, but that was simply because there was so much to learn and read about. Everything was easy to understand for the most part, as Melissa articulated everything wonderfully (I adored the splash of comedy relief, too. I never laughed so much from a nonfiction book, and apologetics nonetheless). I found Melissa on YouTube and loved her apologetical and comedic approach to specific topics.
Happy Lies expanded on a movement—New Thought. I had never heard of it before, which is evident in this book, and by the people around me. While and after reading Happy Lies, I’ve asked others if they had ever heard of the movement, and it shook me to know New Thought had so sneakily crept into society and perspectives.
Even my own perspective at times.
This book has aided me in developing discernment (though the Bible is the best way to get the truth), especially since Scripture is so evident in the pages. Melissa touched on all the topics I had questions about and provided answers to things I didn’t know I needed to know. I love how personal and intentional she is, not just stating facts but researching them and giving infallible evidence, even going as far as in-person interviews with people who believe differently from her. She speaks the truth with love and honesty, not sugarcoating what’s blatantly obvious but giving people the reality they crave.
Considering this is Melissa’s first published book, God knew what He was doing. I pray He uses Happy Lies, especially in today’s generation and world. More and more, I’m coming to learn how easily truth can be twisted and contorted into images pleasing to man. But I thank God for people like Melissa who follow His guidance and direction to aid other believers on their faith journeys.
I hope Melissa writes more books in the future because ima read them all!
I highly recommend reading this book, even if you aren’t into apologetics. It’s too easy to fall into the trappings of this seductive world when we aren’t finding our satisfaction in Jesus and the truth of His Word. If you read Happy Lies, you might just be able to distinguish New Thought in the world, your church, your home, and your life.
Final Rating: 5/5 Stars
Recommended Age Group: young adults and above
Genres: Christian living, apologetics, theology
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV
Julia Rose Books 