The True Joy of Positive Living Ch:11

• The speaker used radio, writing, and speaking engagements to revitalize a New York City church in the 1930s.
• Frank C. Goodman, an old friend, supported the speaker's ministry and suggested he focus on loving people and sharing the Lord's love during the Depression.
• Goodman helped the speaker secure a national network radio program for three months in the summer, filling in for Dr. Walter Van Kirk's "Religion in the News".
• The speaker acknowledges that radio and television may not directly increase church membership, but significantly influences the thoughts and lives of listeners.

The Art of Living Radio Program

• Goodman suggested the program be titled "The Art of Living".
• The program aired for forty years, starting in 1933.
• "The Art of Living's" principles later became foundational to the speaker's book, "The Power of Positive Thinking."
• The program was geared toward intimate, personal conversations, focusing on life's important aspects.
• Originally broadcast on WEAF, later NBC, it took a quieter, personal approach.
• In 1962, a half-hour program on WOR featured the speaker's Sunday sermon, which was less intimate but captured the church's atmosphere.

Impactful Stories from Radio Ministry

• The speaker recalls stories of people whose lives were transformed by hearing the message of Jesus Christ on the radio.
• One story recounts a suicidal woman in New Jersey who was stopped by a radio message of hope and later received help to rebuild her life.
• Another story tells of Jack in North Carolina, who, after a night of drinking and gambling, was moved by a message of positivity on the radio, leading to life-changing decisions.
• Jack later became a minister and expressed his gratitude to the speaker for the impact of that radio broadcast.

The American Character Radio Program

• "The American Character," conceived by John Scott and Howard Greene and funded by International Telephone and Telegraph, is a ninety-second program featuring stories of heroism and human service.
• The intent of "The American Character" is to counteract bad news with positive stories of good deeds.
• One episode tells the story of Highway Patrolman Chuck Downing, who averted a catastrophe by using his police cruiser to stop a runaway truck loaded with propane.

Positive Thinking Radio Series

• The Foundation for Christian Living releases a national radio series, "Positive Thinking with Norman Vincent Peale," which airs on major radio stations.
• This series aims to provide spiritual answers to everyday problems and has resonated with a wide audience.

Paul Soupiset's Transformation

• Paul Soupiset, a store operator in Houston, Texas, credited the speaker's radio broadcasts with inspiring his life transformation.
• Soupiset established a church in La Villita, San Antonio, welcoming people of all backgrounds and faiths.
• The speaker dedicated carillons at Soupiset's church, and a dedication statement led to a humorous misunderstanding during the event.
• The speaker later participated in a public meeting honoring Paul Soupiset for his compassionate work.

Preference for Radio Over Television

• The speaker prefers radio due to its relative anonymity, focusing on the voice rather than the visual image.
• A primary reason for not preaching on television is the high cost and aversion to on-air appeals for financial support.
• Instead, Guideposts magazine financed twenty-six thirty-minute TV programs without any fundraising requests.

The Power of Printed Word VS Radio

• The speaker favors radio, public speaking, and writing to spread the Christian message.
• The speaker recalls a woman who found a discarded copy of "The Power of Positive Thinking" and found guidance in a moment of crisis.
• The speaker believes that the printed word, especially books, has a more lasting impact than sermons or radio talks.
• The speaker recounts an incident where someone remembered hearing a sermon he preached 30 years prior, but struggled to recall any details.

Origins of "The Power of Positive Thinking"

• The speaker's most challenging period came with the publication of "The Power of Positive Thinking."
• A maid at the Huntington Hotel expressed a strong need for the book's message after overhearing the speaker dictating the first chapter.
• An editor initially predicted the book would not sell well and suggested revisions, but the speaker eventually returned to the original concept.
• The original manuscript was nearly discarded before the publisher accepted it.

Creation of the Book's Title

• The original title of the book was "The Power of Faith."
• Myron Boardman suggested a title with broader appeal while staying true to the Christian message.
• Boardman proposed "The Power of Positive Thinking," which Ruth enthusiastically supported.

Initial Reactions to the Book

• Fulton Oursler advised removing "power" from the title, but it was too late in the printing process.
• The book gained significant exposure through Ralph Edwards' "This Is Your Life" and Edward R. Murrow's "Person to Person."
• The book topped The New York Times best-seller list for 186 weeks, setting a record at the time.

Criticism and Controversy

• Some ministers criticized the book, labeling it as promoting a "success, get ahead" mentality and not genuinely Christian.
• Critics attacked the speaker personally, accusing him of being a tool of capitalism.
• Some critics hadn't even read the book
• A Methodist Bishop of New York wrote a harsh, inaccurate article in Redbook magazine.

Arthur Gordon's Support

• Redbook's publisher, intrigued by the criticism, sent Arthur Gordon to interview the speaker.
• Gordon wrote "The Rage of the Intellectuals," defending the speaker and highlighting the simplicity and accessibility of the book's message.
• Gordon later became editor of Guideposts and wrote a biography of the speaker, solidifying their lasting friendship.

Ruth Peale's Response

• Ruth remained calm, friendly, and prayerful, even while serving on boards with those who criticized her husband.
• She demonstrated dignity, love, and forbearance throughout the controversy.

The Speaker's Response

• The speaker reread "The Power of Positive Thinking," finding it rooted in traditional Christianity and aimed at helping people live better lives through Jesus Christ.
• The speaker believes hatred should be confronted with love and forgiveness, rather than retaliation.
• The speaker wrote a positive review of a book by the same bishop who criticized his work.

Reflections and Gratitude

• Dr. Arthur Caliandro shared that Cynthia Weddell said the speaker had "outloved" his critics.
• The speaker admits that the personal attacks deeply affected him, questioning his place in the ministry.
• The speaker was grateful for the support of his church members and the Reformed Church in America.
• The speaker considered leaving the church due to the rigid conformity imposed by some liberals, but the support of his congregation made that step unnecessary.

Father's Counsel

• During the controversy, the speaker's father was ill.
• The speaker wrote a letter of resignation but intended to keep it hidden.
• The father encouraged the speaker to remain true to Jesus Christ, stand up for his beliefs, and never quit.
• The speaker tore up his resignation, inspired by his father's convictions.

Lessons Learned

• The speaker values the wisdom of everyday Christians and recounts a story about Governor A. Harry Moore, who attributed his success to his mother's teachings.
• Harry Moore's mother taught him that all he needed was God and gumption.