Shiny Happy People: Exposing the secrets of an evangelical poster family
By 
Sophie Killingley2023-06-20T10:54:00
Amazon’s hit documentary makes for uncomfortable viewing, says Sophie Killingley. But she believes Christians should engage with it, and be mindful that such abuses aren’t confined to America’s Bible Belt. They could happen in a church near you too
“Shiny Happy People laughing. Shiny Happy People holding hands” sing REM on their hit 1991 song ‘Shiny Happy People’.
And that’s certainly the impression portrayed by evangelical poster family, The Duggars, in their TV show 19 kids and counting, a staple of American reality TV in the mid 2000s.
The show followed the exploits of devout Baptists Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar who believed God should determine the number of children they would have, and therefore avoided the use of birth control. It ran for ten seasons.
The new Amazon Prime documentary Shiny Happy People…
Related articles
-
Magazine FeaturesThe Future List: 30 under 30 Christians who are changing the world
From music, sport and fashion to business, technology and environmental activism, meet 30 inspiring young Christians who are using their talents and influence to make a difference. These emerging leaders, creatives and changemakers are bringing fresh hope to an uncertain world – and showing us why the future is bright
-
Magazine FeaturesJack Reacher shoots first. Jesus tells us to forgive 77 times
The gun-toting hero of Lee Child’s bestselling thrillers has a simple approach to justice: shoot the bad guys. But as Malcolm Gladwell’s latest book considers America’s real-life epidemic of gun violence, could Christians offer a powerful alternative to the endless cycle of revenge?
-
ReviewsWhy ‘I long to know You’ by Jonny Riggs and Julia Loveless is our song of the month
With its simple arrangement and heartfelt lyrics, this is an accessible new worship song that makes space for personal reflection and encounter with God, says our music editor
More from Reviews
-
ReviewsWant to grow your Christian faith? Sleep more, says this book
Rev Sarah Guinness’s insightful volume on Christian discipleship covers everything from the spirituality of sleep to the theology of play. It reads less like a self-help manual and more like a conversation with a trusted friend, says our reviewer
-
ReviewsA must-read guide to embracing neurodiversity within the Church
Drawing on her own ADHD diagnosis and experience of raising two autistic children, Sophie Killingley’s new book offers an essential, theologically-grounded exploration of neurodiversity that every church leader should read
-
ReviewsSam Ryder’s Jesus Christ Superstar made me cry
When hundreds of theatregoers rose to their feet cheering for Jesus, Coco Parkinson-Huggins found herself unexpectedly moved to tears. The controversial West End musical offers a profound revelation to those with eyes to see, she says
- Issues
- Topics A-Z
- Writers A-Z
- © 2026 Premier Christianity
Site powered by Webvision Cloud