The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity
Key Takeaways
1. Holiness is possible for everyone through Holy Moments
"A Holy Moment is a moment when you open yourself to God. You make yourself available to him."
Holy Moments defined. A Holy Moment occurs when you set aside self-interest and collaborate with God to do what you believe He is calling you to do in that moment. It's an instance of becoming the person God created you to be and doing what aligns with His will.
Accessibility and impact. Holy Moments are not reserved for saints or extraordinary individuals. They are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background, education, or status. By creating Holy Moments, people can:
- Transform their own lives
- Positively impact others
- Contribute to changing the world
Examples of Holy Moments:
- Offering a prayer of gratitude
- Showing patience with someone who irritates you
- Performing an act of kindness for a stranger
- Choosing integrity over personal gain
2. The biggest lie in Christianity: believing holiness is unattainable
"The great majority of modern Christians don't actually believe holiness is possible."
The lie's impact. This false belief has paralyzed many Christians, preventing them from striving for holiness and living out their faith dynamically. It has led to:
- Spiritual complacency
- A weakened Christian witness in society
- Diminished personal and collective impact
Overcoming the lie. Recognizing that holiness is possible through Holy Moments is the first step in debunking this lie. Christians need to:
- Embrace the truth that God desires their holiness
- Start small by creating one Holy Moment at a time
- Build confidence through consistent practice
3. Creating Holy Moments transforms individuals and the world
"Every time you become a-better-version-of-yourself, the consequences of your transformation echo throughout your family, friends, business, school, neighborhood, church, marriage, nation, and beyond to people and places in the future."
Personal transformation. Holy Moments lead to personal growth and positive change. As individuals consistently create Holy Moments, they:
- Develop stronger character and virtue
- Experience increased joy and fulfillment
- Become more aligned with God's will for their lives
Ripple effect. The impact of Holy Moments extends far beyond the individual, creating a positive ripple effect that touches:
- Families and relationships
- Communities and workplaces
- Society at large
Examples of transformative Holy Moments:
- A nurse organizing shifts to support a sick colleague
- A businessman mowing his injured neighbor's lawn
- A mother investing time in her daughter's dreams and aspirations
4. Christianity thrives when people strive for holiness
"Whenever and wherever you find men, women, and children striving to create Holy Moments, Christianity has always thrived."
Historical perspective. Throughout history, Christianity has flourished when believers actively pursued holiness. This pursuit:
- Attracted others to the faith
- Transformed cultures and societies
- Led to significant positive changes in the world
Modern application. For Christianity to thrive today, believers must:
- Recommit to creating Holy Moments in their daily lives
- Differentiate themselves from the prevailing culture through virtuous living
- Share their experiences and inspire others to pursue holiness
5. Spiritual Multiplication: the key to changing the world
"Invest in a small group of people, teaching them how to create Holy Moments and become disciples of Jesus, then empower each of them to go out and do the same for another small group of people."
The principle explained. Spiritual Multiplication is a strategy based on Jesus' method of discipleship. It involves:
- Focusing on a small group of individuals
- Teaching them to create Holy Moments and live as disciples
- Empowering them to repeat the process with others
Exponential growth. This approach leads to rapid, exponential growth:
- One person disciples 3 people
- Those 3 each disciple 3 more (9 total)
- The process continues, potentially reaching millions in just a few cycles
Practical implementation:
- Start with 3 people you can influence
- Teach them about Holy Moments and discipleship
- Encourage and support them as they disciple others
6. Recognizing everyday miracles in ordinary life
"Life is for living, and the best living is done amid the ordinary things of each day."
Redefining miracles. Everyday miracles are the often-overlooked blessings and wonders in daily life. They include:
- The air we breathe
- The smile of a stranger
- Moments of connection with loved ones
Cultivating awareness. To recognize these miracles:
- Practice mindfulness in daily activities
- Express gratitude for small blessings
- Look for beauty in ordinary moments
Impact on faith. Recognizing everyday miracles:
- Deepens appreciation for life
- Strengthens faith and trust in God
- Increases overall joy and contentment
7. Embracing transformation over superficial tweaking
"God is not in the business of tweaking. God is in the business of transformation."
The problem with tweaking. Many Christians settle for minor adjustments in their lives instead of embracing full transformation. This leads to:
- Spiritual stagnation
- Limited personal growth
- Reduced impact on the world
Embracing transformation. True transformation involves:
- Surrendering completely to God's will
- Being open to radical changes in one's life
- Committing to ongoing spiritual growth and development
Prayer for transformation:
- Express willingness to be completely changed by God
- Surrender all aspects of life to His will
- Ask for guidance and strength in the transformation process
8. Living an intriguing life through Holy Moments
"Nothing is more intriguing than the love and goodness of God, and no person has ever walked the earth who was more intriguing than Jesus."
Defining an intriguing life. An intriguing life is one that arouses curiosity and interest in others. It's characterized by:
- Selfless acts of love and kindness
- Countercultural choices that reflect Christian values
- A visible joy and peace that attracts others
Creating intrigue through Holy Moments. Holy Moments make a Christian's life intriguing by:
- Demonstrating selflessness in a self-centered world
- Showing genuine care and concern for others
- Living out Christian values consistently
Examples of intriguing Holy Moments:
- Forgiving someone who has wronged you
- Sacrificing personal comfort to help those in need
- Maintaining integrity in challenging situations
9. Overcoming the culture's false promises of happiness
"Getting what you want doesn't make you happy."
Cultural lies about happiness. Modern culture promotes false ideas about happiness, such as:
- Happiness comes from acquiring material possessions
- Success and achievement lead to lasting joy
- Pleasure and happiness are the same thing
The truth about happiness. Authentic happiness comes from:
- Living a life aligned with God's will
- Creating Holy Moments and serving others
- Developing virtues and character
Practical steps to true happiness:
- Focus on becoming a better version of yourself
- Prioritize relationships and service to others
- Practice gratitude for life's blessings
10. Rediscovering Christianity's role in changing the world
"The world needs changing, and nobody is in a better position to do that than Christians."
Historical impact. Christianity has a rich history of transforming societies through:
- Promoting human dignity and rights
- Establishing educational institutions
- Providing care for the sick and marginalized
Current opportunity. Today's cultural climate presents a unique opportunity for Christianity to:
- Offer hope in a world of despair
- Demonstrate genuine love and community
- Address pressing social issues from a faith perspective
Steps to reclaim Christianity's influence:
- Unite across denominational lines for common causes
- Engage in meaningful social action guided by faith
- Live out Christian values visibly and consistently in daily life
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FAQ
What's "The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity" about?
- Core Theme: The book by Matthew Kelly explores the idea that modern culture is robbing people of happiness by perpetuating lies about Christianity.
- Central Lie: It focuses on the biggest lie that Christians tell themselves: that holiness is not possible for them.
- Purpose: The book aims to debunk this lie and inspire readers to embrace the possibility of holiness through everyday actions.
- Structure: It is divided into chapters that guide readers through understanding happiness, identifying lies, and discovering the truth about Christian living.
Why should I read "The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity"?
- Personal Transformation: The book offers insights into how embracing holiness can lead to personal happiness and fulfillment.
- Cultural Critique: It provides a critical look at how modern culture's lies impact Christian beliefs and practices.
- Practical Guidance: Matthew Kelly offers practical advice on how to create "Holy Moments" in daily life.
- Inspiration: The book is designed to inspire readers to live more authentically and align their lives with Christian values.
What are the key takeaways of "The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity"?
- Holiness is Possible: The central message is that holiness is achievable for everyone, not just saints or religious figures.
- Holy Moments: Readers are encouraged to create "Holy Moments" by aligning their actions with God's will.
- Cultural Lies: The book identifies and challenges the lies that modern culture tells about happiness and Christianity.
- Personal Responsibility: It emphasizes the importance of personal transformation and the impact it can have on the world.
What is the "biggest lie" according to Matthew Kelly?
- Holiness is Unattainable: The biggest lie is the belief that holiness is not possible for ordinary people.
- Impact of the Lie: This lie paralyzes Christians, preventing them from fully embracing their faith and potential.
- Debunking the Lie: Kelly argues that holiness is achievable through small, intentional actions known as "Holy Moments."
- Call to Action: The book encourages readers to reject this lie and strive for holiness in their daily lives.
How does Matthew Kelly define "Holy Moments"?
- Definition: A "Holy Moment" is a moment when you set aside self-interest and do what you believe God is calling you to do.
- Accessibility: Holy Moments are achievable by anyone, regardless of their theological knowledge or spiritual status.
- Impact: Each Holy Moment contributes to personal transformation and has a ripple effect on the world.
- Practicality: The book provides examples and guidance on how to create these moments in everyday life.
What are some examples of "Holy Moments" from the book?
- Acts of Kindness: Simple actions like mowing a neighbor's lawn or paying for someone's coffee can be Holy Moments.
- Personal Sacrifices: Offering up a difficult task as a prayer or controlling one's temper are also examples.
- Community Service: Organizing efforts to help those in need, like providing Mother’s Day cards to prisoners, are highlighted.
- Everyday Choices: Making decisions that align with becoming a better version of oneself can be Holy Moments.
What does Matthew Kelly say about happiness in "The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity"?
- Happiness vs. Pleasure: Kelly distinguishes between fleeting pleasure and lasting happiness, which is rooted in holiness.
- Happiness Project: He encourages readers to assess their own "happiness project" and identify what truly brings joy.
- Cultural Misconceptions: The book critiques the false promises of happiness offered by modern culture.
- Path to Joy: True happiness is found in living a life aligned with Christian values and creating Holy Moments.
How does "The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity" address modern culture?
- Cultural Critique: The book argues that modern culture feeds people lies about happiness and the nature of Christianity.
- False Promises: It highlights how secular culture promotes the idea that getting what you want leads to happiness.
- Universal Truths: Kelly asserts that there are universal truths, such as the human desire for happiness and authenticity.
- Christian Response: The book calls for Christians to reject cultural lies and embrace the truth of their faith.
What role does truth play in "The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity"?
- Truth vs. Lies: The book contrasts the life-giving nature of truth with the destructive power of lies.
- Christian Living: Embracing truth is essential for living a joyful and authentic Christian life.
- Holiness and Truth: Recognizing that holiness is possible is a central truth that can transform lives.
- Cultural Impact: By living in truth, Christians can counteract the negative narratives perpetuated by modern culture.
What are the best quotes from "The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity" and what do they mean?
- "If you get the man right, you get the world right." This quote emphasizes the importance of personal transformation in changing the world.
- "Holiness is possible for you." It challenges the reader to reject the lie that holiness is unattainable and to strive for it in daily life.
- "Truth breeds joy." This highlights the connection between living in truth and experiencing genuine happiness.
- "Every Holy Moment is a thing of beauty." It underscores the significance and impact of small, intentional acts of holiness.
How does Matthew Kelly suggest Christians can change the world?
- Holy Moments: By creating Holy Moments, Christians can transform their lives and influence the world around them.
- Spiritual Multiplication: Kelly advocates for a method of discipling others to create a ripple effect of positive change.
- Community Impact: The book encourages Christians to engage with their communities and address real-world issues.
- Unified Effort: It calls for Christians to unite in their efforts to live authentically and inspire others.
What is the "Spiritual Multiplication" method mentioned in "The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity"?
- Concept: Spiritual Multiplication involves investing in a small group of people, teaching them to create Holy Moments, and empowering them to do the same for others.
- Biblical Roots: This method is based on Jesus' strategy of discipling a small group to spread his teachings.
- Exponential Growth: The compounding effect of this method can lead to widespread transformation over time.
- Practical Application: Kelly encourages readers to adopt this approach to make a significant impact in their communities and beyond.
The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity receives mixed reviews. Some praise its accessibility and inspirational message about achieving holiness through small acts of kindness. Others criticize it as repetitive, simplistic, and lacking theological depth. Critics argue Kelly's portrayal of Christianity under attack is exaggerated. Supporters appreciate his focus on practical ways to live out faith. The book's core concept of "Holy Moments" resonates with some readers, while others find it theologically unsound. Overall, reactions vary widely, with some finding it life-changing and others dismissing it as shallow self-help.
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