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Yes, God Wants You to be Happy.
One of the most pernicious lies in the Christian community comes in the oft repeated aphorism, “God cares more about your character than your happiness”. Added onto this particular gem is the assertion that as Christians, we are commanded to feel joy even when we are not happy. Next comes a tortured attempt at defining joy apart from happiness. Joy is apparently an emotion located in our spirit while happiness is shallow and only for those weak enough to seek the gratification of the flesh. Joy is lasting, while happiness is fleeting. To all these things, I say, “Bosh.” I blame Immanuel Kant in part for the angst-filled separation of…
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The Happiness Manipulator: Codependent Christianity
One of my greatest strengths lies in my ability to lay down my own desires in order to make someone else happy. One of my greatest weaknesses lies in the fact that I am willing to give up my desires in order to make someone else happy. A bit of a paradox, that. You see, I am a happiness manipulator. We are used to seeing manipulation in a particularly virulent form on the dramas on television. Characters lie and set up situations in order to gain power, wealth, whatever. But me, I just want you to be happy. And if you are not happy, then I will go to great…