Facts On ---- False Teaching In The Church -- Chapter Eight

8. Isn't Positive Thinking something good?
 

    There are two things one must keep in mind. First, reading his Bible, the Christian knows he is made in God's image (as are all men) and therefore he is of immeasurable worth. Second, the Christian is forgiven all his sin - past, present and future (Ephesians 1:7). He knows he is reconciled to God, justified (declared righteous by God), and is guaranteed a place in heaven (Romans 5:9-11; 1 Peter 1:3-5). He knows God loves him because Christ died for him and he has innumerable promises of God for comfort and encouragement in difficult times (Romans 8:28-38). Therefore, of all men on the earth, it is the Christian who should be most secure and confident. It is only the Christian who has a logical basis for being so positive.
    The problem with CPT is that it often exchanges these great theological truths (which alone give a logical basis for true self-worth) for non-biblical belief. For example, a Christian who knows God's promises can approach the world with a positive outlook. He is positive rather than negative in his attitude because of what God has provided. On the other hand, in CPT, when a man generates a positive attitude (1) some say he forces God to act on his behalf; (2) others teach he unleashes powers to manipulate reality on his behalf; (3) still others teach he unleashes powers God has put in all of us that will bring us success or power.
    The issue is not just a positive outlook on life, but whether or not that positive outlook is based on God and biblical truth or on humanistic wishful thinking mixed with some alleged power. For positive thinking to be of value, it must be based on what is really true and not on lies or fantasies.