Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey: Episode 1154 Summary
Title: Ex-New Ager Reveals Cults’ Secret Invasion of the Church
Guest: Melissa Dougherty
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Podcast Network: Blaze Podcast Network
Introduction
In Episode 1154 of Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey, host Ally Stuckey welcomes Melissa Dougherty, an apologist and author of Happy Lies: How a Movement You Probably Never Heard Of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World. The episode delves into how New Age and New Thought philosophies have subtly infiltrated Christian churches, altering theological perspectives and cultural practices from within.
Melissa Dougherty's Background and Testimony
Melissa Dougherty shares her personal journey from being raised in a household intertwined with Christian Science and New Thought ideologies to becoming a staunch critic of these movements within the church.
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Early Influences:
"I grew up in what I thought was a Christian household, but really it was more intertwined with New Thought..." (02:06) -
Conversion Experience:
Melissa recounts a pivotal moment at age 16 when she embraced Christianity, leading to a transformation from battling suicidal thoughts to feeling reborn.
"I felt like this new person, brand new. I felt born again..." (22:04)
Defining New Thought vs. New Age
Melissa clarifies the distinctions between New Thought and New Age, emphasizing that while both have seeped into Christian theology, they possess unique characteristics that differentiate them.
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New Thought Explained:
"It's metaphysical Christianity... making it look Christian with Christian terminology, same terms, quoting scripture." (02:06)
"It's the positive thinking movement in America with Jesus as its mascot." (02:06) -
Metaphysical Clarified:
Melissa elaborates on the term 'metaphysical' within Christian theology.
"Metaphysical is just the non-physical attributes of God... sovereignty, omniscience, all of that." (03:20) -
New Thought vs. New Age:
"New Age is more Hindu, Hinduism, Buddhism, Eastern mysticism... New Thought is more Gnostic in origin." (14:44)
"New Thought would say they are more panentheistic... non-duality, which is the opposite of what Scripture teaches." (29:16)
Infiltration of New Thought into the Church
Melissa discusses how New Thought ideologies have covertly influenced mainstream Christianity, leading to theological shifts that prioritize self-empowerment over traditional doctrines.
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Secret Invasion:
"There's an infiltration, a hiddenness that it's been hiding behind the leg of New Age." (16:48)
"New Thought teaches you to kind of shut off your critical thinking... you are in essence creating whatever you feel about something you are bringing into your reality." (06:12, 32:01) -
Word of Faith Movement:
Melissa connects New Thought teachings to the Word of Faith movement, highlighting how prosperity gospel messages have roots in New Thought philosophies.
"The Word of Faith movement is synonymous with the prosperity gospel... Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen..." (35:55)
"They are teaching self-empowerment through Bible verses, like 'I am' affirmations." (37:15)
Impact on Progressive Theology
The conversation shifts to how New Thought has influenced progressive Christian theology, creating overlaps that blur traditional doctrinal lines.
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Overlap with Progressivism:
"A progressive Christian and a New Thoughter would realize they believe the same thing... 'true authentic self,' 'divine mind.'" (46:44) -
Redefining Truth and Self:
Melissa critiques the progressive redefinition of truth and the emphasis on authentic self, linking them back to New Thought principles.
"Truth is redefined completely... true self is your divine self within." (46:44)
"Your true self is your divine self within... fostering a belief that whatever you think shapes your reality." (49:54)
Gender Confusion and Deception
Melissa bravely discusses her struggles with gender identity, attributing them to the internalized beliefs from New Thought teachings that promote self-deification.
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Personal Struggles:
"I had a very strong dislike for being a girl... I thought boys were smarter, funnier, better leaders." (51:42)
"New Thought teaches that your true authentic self is divine, leading to confusion about gender identity." (56:30) -
Literary Influences:
Melissa references influential works that shaped her understanding of self and identity within the New Thought framework.
"Ralph Waldo Emerson's 'Self-Reliance'... expressing emotions and authoritative self-definition." (54:04)
Cults and Misuse of Theology
The discussion highlights how certain religious movements and cults exploit theological concepts to manipulate and control followers, diverging from orthodox Christian teachings.
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Cults' Manipulation:
"You're serving the God of self... authenticity justifies doing whatever you want in the name of being yourself." (50:18, 52:35)
"They believe that whatever is informing their identity is God, thus equating self-deification with divine will." (56:30) -
Consequences:
Melissa warns of the spiritual and emotional dangers posed by these alterations to traditional theology.
"Affirmations are New Thought prayers for manifesting reality... feelings are everything in New Thought." (44:07)
Conclusions and Call to Action
Melissa emphasizes the importance of awareness and discernment among Christians to recognize and counteract the subtle infiltration of New Thought and related philosophies within the church. She encourages believers to critically evaluate their theological foundations and align them with orthodox Christian teachings.
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Final Thoughts:
"If you're reading this, I hope it leaves you with a sense of understanding and the need to make shifts in your own theology." (60:31)
"There is responsibility in how we use our platforms and influence to uphold the true gospel." (27:43) -
Book Promotion:
Melissa's book, Happy Lies, serves as a comprehensive guide to identifying and addressing these theological intrusions.
"It's conversational and informative... hoping it leaves people with the tools to understand and counteract these influences." (60:31)
Key Takeaways
- New Thought vs. New Age: Understanding the distinctions is crucial for recognizing their unique impacts on Christian theology.
- Infiltration into the Church: New Thought philosophies have subtly altered traditional Christian doctrines, prioritizing self-empowerment over repentance and surrender.
- Word of Faith Movement: Prosperity gospel teachings are deeply rooted in New Thought principles, promoting self-deification and material success as spiritual mandates.
- Impact on Progressive Theology: Progressive Christian movements overlap significantly with New Thought, leading to theological ambiguities and compromises.
- Personal Testimony: Melissa's journey underscores the profound personal and theological conflicts arising from New Thought influences.
- Call for Discernment: Christians are urged to critically assess their beliefs to safeguard against theological distortions that undermine the gospel.
Notable Quotes
- "It's metaphysical Christianity... making it look Christian with Christian terminology, same terms, quoting scripture." — Melissa Dougherty (02:06)
- "I felt like this new person, brand new. I felt born again..." — Melissa Dougherty (22:04)
- "The Word of Faith movement is synonymous with the prosperity gospel..." — Melissa Dougherty (35:55)
- "Truth is redefined completely... true self is your divine self within." — Melissa Dougherty (46:44)
- "Affirmations are New Thought prayers for manifesting reality... feelings are everything in New Thought." — Melissa Dougherty (44:07)
- "If you're reading this, I hope it leaves you with a sense of understanding and the need to make shifts in your own theology." — Melissa Dougherty (60:31)
Conclusion
This episode serves as a critical examination of the subtle yet profound ways New Thought and related philosophies have permeated Christian churches, challenging believers to uphold orthodox teachings and remain vigilant against theological distortions. Melissa Dougherty's insights and personal testimony provide valuable guidance for Christians seeking to navigate and counteract these pervasive influences.
For more in-depth analysis and resources, consider reading Melissa Dougherty's book, Happy Lies, and subscribing to her YouTube channel for ongoing discussions on theology and Christian living.