What is God saying through this huge cultural trend?

Homework for the series is to buy the book "Authentic Happiness" by Dr. Martin E. P. Seligman, and read it.
What John hopes to do is take the godly principles of positive psychology and apply them to the context of our faith. If you read the book, these sermons will make a lot more sense. Or, if you prefer, check out this website. ppc.sas.upenn.edu/

Positive Psychology is the scientific study of the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. This field is founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselves, and to enhance their experiences of love, work, and play.
Positive Psychology has three central concerns: positive emotions, positive individual traits, and positive institutions.
Positive Psychology Center, ppc.sas.upenn.edu

When everything was hopeless, Abraham believed anyway, deciding to live not on the basis of what he saw he couldnt do but on what God said he would do
Romans 4:18, MSG

Abraham didn't focus on his own impotence and say, Its hopeless. This hundred-year-old body could never father a child. Nor did he survey Sarahs decades of infertility and give up. He didnt tiptoe around Gods promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said.
Romans 4:19-21, MSG

Theres more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when were hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, were never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary, we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!
Romans 5:3-5, MSG