Join Mark Turman on the Denison Forum Podcast as he sits down with theologian, apologist, and author Melissa Dougherty to examine the rise of counterfeit Christianity. Melissa shares her insights on the New Thought movement, revealing its deceptive influence on Christian theology and culture. They explore her personal journey from New Thought beliefs to authentic Christianity, the impact of prosperity gospel teachings, and the importance of critical thinking in faith. Explore how New Thought misrepresents Christian terminology and leads believers astray, underscoring the vital role of discernment in today’s church.

• (01:06): Introducing Melissa Dougherty and her book Happy Lies
• (01:58): Understanding the New Thought movement
• (05:02): The influence of New Thought on self-help and society
• (07:21): The core beliefs of New Thought
• (20:23): Historical figures and modern influences of New Thought
• (28:56): Cockroach Christians vs. Elite: Early Church battles
• (29:42): Gnosticism in the Early Church
• (30:44): New Thought and its core beliefs
• (34:50): Defining New Age and New Thought
• (38:45): The Prosperity Gospel and New Thought
• (41:25): Theological reflections on suffering and prosperity
• (46:10): Cynicism and anti-intellectualism in Christianity
• (53:09): Final thoughts and reflections

• https://www.denisonforum.org/subscribe/
• Melissa Dougherty’s Website
• Happy Lies: How a Movement You (Probably) Never Heard Of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World
• facebook.com/NewAgeToChristianity
• Melissa Dougherty - YouTube
• The Melissa Dougherty Podcast | Podcast on Spotify
• https://www.instagram.com/MelissaLDougherty
• A review of Happy Lies by Chris Elkins

Melissa Dougherty is a Christian apologist best known for her YouTube channel with over 285,000 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.

Dr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.