Description

Be Happy You Are Loved is one of Schuller’s many books, and its title reflects his emphasis on the idea that knowing you are loved—particularly by God—can be a source of happiness and emotional strength. Schuller often wrote about overcoming adversity and building self-esteem through faith and positivity, which aligns with the themes suggested by the title and the visible text in the book. The dedication on the title page reads, “To Arvella, my first wife, my wife today, that anyone can know lives, that reflects in me and makes me the ‘God’.” This dedication is to Arvella Schuller, Robert Schuller’s wife, who played a significant role in his ministry and life. Publication Details • Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers, a well-known Christian publishing house. • Copyright: 1986, as noted in the copyright page. • ISBN: 0-8407-5571-1, which can be used to find more specific editions or copies. • Other Works by Schuller: The copyright page lists other books by Schuller, including Self Love (1969), You Can Become the Person You Want to Be (1973), The Prayer entitled “Faith” (1976, appearing on pages 157 and 123-124 in this book), and Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do! (1983). These titles reflect Schuller’s recurring themes of resilience, self-improvement, and spiritual encouragement. Content and Style Based on the visible text and Schuller’s typical writing style, Be Happy You Are Loved likely focuses on helping readers find happiness and self-worth through the lens of Christian faith. The excerpt on the left page mentions concepts like “self-esteem,” “ego,” and choosing happiness, which are central to Schuller’s philosophy of “possibility thinking”—a term he coined to encourage people to see challenges as opportunities through faith and optimism. The text also references the idea of being “loved,” which is likely tied to the Christian belief in God’s unconditional love. Schuller often used personal anecdotes, scriptural references, and practical advice in his books. The copyright page notes that Scripture quotations are primarily from The New King James Version of the Bible (1979, 1980, 1982), with additional citations from The Revised Standard Version of the Bible (1952, 1971, 1973) and The Living Bible (1971). This indicates that the book integrates biblical teachings to support its messages. Cultural and Historical Context Schuller was a significant figure in the 1980s, a time when televangelism was at its peak in the United States. His Hour of Power program reached millions, and his books were widely read by those seeking spiritual and motivational guidance. Be Happy You Are Loved fits into the broader trend of self-help literature during this period, which often blended religious themes with psychological principles. Schuller’s optimistic, faith-centered approach contrasted with more traditional, sin-focused preaching, making his work accessible to a broad audience.