The Happy Christian: A Book Review
I have to admit I was highly skeptical when I read the title, The Happy Christian: Ten Ways to Be a Joyful Believer in a Gloomy World, the forthcoming book by David Murray. However, I enjoyed his last book, Jesus on Every Page. You can read my review here. I am also a frequent reader or Murray’s blog. Based on his previous writing I assumed there had to be something more to the book than just another Jesus is just my fix-it man to solve all my issues. So when Murray’s assistant asked if I would like to review a pre-pub copy I responded with a yes. (Be sure and see the end of this post for a special offer from the author)
“Christianity does not deny the difficult and painful reality of and suffering that runs through our lives, but with one vertical line form heaven to earth, with the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus, Christianity promises to change the equation of our lives into a positive result.”
I was not disappointed. In The Happy Christian, Murray has created a great balance between science, psychology and the work of the Holy Spirit. Too often well meaning Christian authors tend to make everything a 10 step do it yourself program. Murray gives well researched science but he also makes it clear that ultimately it is the work of God via His spirit that brings about true happiness in this life.
“A positive faith produces a positive life; a negative faith, a negative life.”
“… the key is individual Christians and the Christian church repositioning the positive symbol of the Christian faith, the cross of Jesus Christ, at the center of their faith again.”
“Our thoughts can be changed, even if our circumstances can’t.”
“In the Christian life, forward looks should outweigh backward looks because no matter how wonderful the past has been, the best is yet to be.”
“Christian hope is a realistic expectation of and joyful longing for future good and glory baed on the reliable Word of God.”
Throughout the book the author identifies the causes of negative thought and unhappiness and outlines ten biblical and practical action steps to become the happy Christian God has called us too. Murray starts off with the massive problem of negative media that bombards us every day. Rarely do we hear the wonderful stories of people blessing one another; instead all we hear is about the robberies, rapes and murders. Even the top movies are filled with death and destruction. Eventually all these negative scenes begin to effect how we feel. The author is clear that we should be aware of what is going in our communities but we can do so without the full blown gory details. Just a change from negative to positive information that we feed on can go a long way toward becoming a happy Christian.
Murray then works his way through the impact of our salvation, benefits of praise, a positive view of work and giving. These are just a few of the chapters where Murray walks the reader through making the change to a more happy life. He makes it clear that our circumstances will be rough in this fallen world but with our positive action and the finishing work of God we can find the joy of the Lord that is our strength.
I would recommend this book to anyone needing a better Biblical understanding of how to live a more happy life. Sadly there are a lot of so-called Christian books on being happy that fail to maintain correct theology. In this regard David Murray’s book fills a great void.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of he Happy Christian: Ten Ways to Be a Joyful Believer in a Gloomy World from the author. However, I have written an honest review. Also note that if you decide to purchase the book I will not receive anything in return. (Links are not affiliate)
Special Offer from David Murray
If you purchase the book prior to February 24th you will also receive $100 worth of free resources including the Happy Christian Study guide, six e-book, six films and an app. To get the free resources just purchase the book and email a copy of your receipt to TheHappyChristianBook or visit the book website to learn more.
All quotes are by David Murray
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