The Subtle Deception Of New Thought w/@MelissaDougherty

What do Joel Osteen, Oprah, and the Law of Attraction all have in common? They are notorious proponents of a subtle and deceptive philosophy called New Thought that is linked to new-age beliefs. In this episode, Brett and Erin interview Christian YouTuber and Apologist Melissa Dougherty about her faith journey, the web of new age and new thought taking the church by storm, and strategies for inoculating your kids.

Check out Melissa here: @MelissaDougherty

MAVEN

[connihudson]

Melissa, I've pre-ordered your book, 😊

[nikkilengyel]

I'm an ex New Ager, and I can attest to that it was New Thought in the form of self help that brought me into it. It was reading one of Dr. Phil's books that got me down the path of New Age to begin with; his books *sounded* Christian, with all it's messages about the importance of forgiveness and if how pride destroys relationships, etc. It was very subtle. New Thought is subtle, because it acknowledges a spiritual reality, but it's vague enough to accommodate any spiritual path or religion. It also subtly ushers you into New Age, because it encourages you to be a spiritual seeker and explorer, and you inevitably end up going from meditation and visualization to yoga, to reiki, to crystals and tarot, and end up doing psychedelics, practicing "sex magic" and might even join a cult. There's a "self help to New Age" pipeline. Glory to Jesus Christ for saving me out of it!

[heidibrown]

Thank u for ministering in this way.
Thànk u, Melissa.
Your testimony is so pertinent for our day.
I believe the letters of Paul to the church.

I read the scriptures. I meditate also, following a word or concept that Holy Spirit high lights for us.
Yet New Thought has so much truth in it.
Ephesians and Colossians are saying we are seated with Christ in heavenly places.
Just one verse out of many
So this New Thought does agree to this. Yet it is truth.
Jesus also says ; Ye are gods....
Please I would love to have you comment on this.

[nutricoach]

Ooooohhh…now I see what some of the distinctions between new thought and new age. Thank you for this episode and the clarification.

[michellekrantz]

I'm new to your channel. Thank you for having Melissa on. Very helpful. I'm wondering as I listen, where does Christian mysticism fit into this? Lectio Divina - meditative prayer, etc. I'm coming up against this in my family with an adult daughter.

[kimgary]

I can so relate to the hungry for answers to questions about the Bible. I still have a hard time getting answers in the church.
I didn’t realize myself that I was in a New Thought and New Age church until they closed the churches in our area and watching more churches online.
I was shocked to know I spent 12 years in this church with our son. Sadly our son noticed the church sounded like the world and left the church. We are heartbroken but praying he comes back to Jesus. The gospel was preached but there was so much things in the church we attended that were fun etc…to attract believers….that were questionable. It was like Melissa was saying they preached for man.
I love expository preaching now. So thankful to the few churches that teach the whole Bible and for teachings like @Melissa Dougherty

[sisandazakumba]

so cool having Melissa here, I do already follow her and love what she does. I loved those definitions/differences between new age and new thought. That was excellent! Thanks guys, how I wish you could come this side of the world for these immersive experiences eish..!

[Justas]

Parents should throw down Bible challenges if they don't want to read. Pay to read and discuss it if you have to. It will be worth it.

[dannyvasquez]

Great interview! Thanks for what y'all do!
It's amazing how pervasive new thought is within our culture. One of my pet peeves is when a coworker says they are sending me "good vibes" or "healing thoughts" when I share about some sickness and such.

[AutumnVine]

I am so thankful that God lead Melissa to learn about New thought especially in the Church. For years ans years the people in church just never made sense but I just did not know how to answer them. Now we are getting the truth and see how we can answer and defend our faith and the Bible.

[justinlinusotto]

What brought be into New Thought was Christian Science, but CS has mostly died out. It's amazing how many people are not aware of this connection and how few have actually learned about the false teachings of Mary Baker Eddy, but her legacy lives on, in Unity, in A Course In Miracles, and in the law of attraction. 'The Secret' was new age to me because I thought it diverted too much from CS, which quotes the Bible more, but it's all the same nonsense.

[littlemamatwo]

Yes! When my 12 & 13 yo granddaughters come to my house, it's the norm to read the Bible & pray even tho my son is into new thought. The girls even ask me questions! This wad great! Thank you guys!

[juliesunnydaze]

Let's frame this with critical analysis:
This is an evangelical apologist exposing thinking different from her own.

[drlauratoppertv]

Yes I am a new thought Minister Emerson Institute. Please go back in history and really take time to see that new thought is not new, it’s only become revealed in the last 100 years or so.

[stephfmidwest]

What exactly is "apologetics". ?? I've never heard that term. Thanks in advance for any answers / responses.

[temijinkahn]

James 3:1 Matthew 7:15 Matthew 7:22-24.

[bradfisher]

@maven are there really good resources besides @Melissa? I’m looking for a teaching on the history of New Thought but from solid Christian sources like Melissa..

[drlauratoppertv]

New thought is based in Christianity, ancient wisdom and CHRIST CONSCIOUSNESS. It is beyond law of attraction, that’s first stage. As a new thought Minister I use the bible constantly, as an allegorical mystical and metaphysical book for intentional living. New thought has its roots in Christianity, Judaism and the Gnostics. I AM affirmations are ancient wisdom.