“The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity”

The title of this book by Matthew Kelly caught my eye–The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity. I found that the book lived up to the endorsements on the back cover: “Sometimes a book is just the right book at just the right time. For modern Christians, this is that book!” by Peter Freissle of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and “Every Christian in America should read this book!” by Ken Smith of Nashville, Tennessee.

This is a short book of only 114 pages and it is a great book for our times. Kelly begins by talking about the search for happiness and the false promises regarding the search. He tells us that bringing happiness to other people increases your chances of being happy, while seeking happiness for yourself decreases those chances. Kelly, a New York Times Bestselling Author, understands what makes people tick as he has dedicated his life to helping people and organizations become the-best-version-of-themselves.

Before telling us what the biggest lie is, Kelly mentions the 5 biggest lies which non-Christians tell about Christianity including the lie that Jesus did not exist. He quotes from someone who hates Jesus: “This Jesus is nothing but a collection of stolen myths, stolen identities, and a bunch of meaningless, worthless hypocritical and contradictory teachings…” Kelly tells us that this is clearly a lie, as the reality is that Jesus is a clearly established historical figure who has influenced human history more than any other person.

In my book, Sacred Strands, the Story of a Redeemer Woven Through History,  I showed the truth behind the charge that Christianity is taken from stolen myths. The real truth is that those ancient myths carried a message known from the beginning of history and pointing to the sacred promise that would be fully revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.

Examining the biggest lie, Kelly tells us that it is not one told by non-Christians but one told by Christians. It is “Holiness is not possible.” He goes on to explain that Holiness is possible. He suggests to everyone that they try  by simply focusing on one holy moment. “Holy Moments are possible. Holiness is possible. This is a beautiful truth, and truth animates us. This is also the will of God. In I Thes. 4:3 we read ‘This is the will of God, that you be holy’.”

What is a Holy Moment? It could be mowing your neighbor’s lawn, spending time with your children, visiting a shut-in, sending a card, or driving an elderly person to a Bible study.

“You can leave your mark moment by moment, as you fulfill the ordinary duties of your daily life with gentleness, humility, thoughtfulness, generosity, kindness, service, hospitality, lightheartedness, and joy.” Every Holy Moment triggers a chain reaction of other Holy Moments. This is how the early church grew. People are attracted to this lifestyle, to this kind of community. There is nothing more attractive than holiness.

Today my car had a flat tire and I called my husband at his office and he came and put the spare tire on my car. Later I said to him, “You had a chance for a holy moment,” and he replied, “I thought of that on my way over.”

Kelly says if just 20% of American Christians learn the daily practice of holy moments we could change our country in just 12 months. I want to be one of those 20%.

You can purchase Kelly’s book here and you can purchase Sacred Strands here.