A "fix-up" about a science of happiness and the effects it has on society.

Christ said, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). A joy-filled person is the best advertisement Christ has for a joyless world to consider his loving offer of salvation. The second fruit of the Spirit (joy) makes one an inspirational and infectious person to be around, whether you are a marriage partner, a business leader, or a next-door neighbor. The way Christ wants to accomplish this in and for us is through his two-step process as outlined in Colossians 3: •Step One: “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you” (Col 3:5). We will refer to this as the removal of a Joy Killer. •Step Two: “Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge” (Col 3:10). We will refer to this as a Joy Maker. Each chapter is divided into these two steps. First, it begins with a removal of a Joy Killer and it is immediately followed with its replacement of a Joy Maker. With each chapter, you find an increasingly deep and rewarding joy as you pitch your tent one day closer to eternity.

Josh, an Earthman returning from a rugged colony on Venus, finds the pursuit of happiness and pleasure has become the domineering philosophy on Earth. Is it all good, or an enslaved society that needs to be freed?

Timshel was once the vacation spot of the galaxy, full of culture, natural beauty, and friendly, hospitable inhabitants. But now Timshel has cut itself off from the universe. No one is allowed to enter or leave. Concerned, the Federation has sent agents to investigate, but none have returned. Captain Kirk and the crew of the Starship EnterpriseTM are shocked to discover the truth: the people of Timshel have succumbed to an insidious new technology that guarantees every citizen total pleasure, a soul-destroying ecstasy that has enslaved their entire civilization. Kirk and Spock have faced many threats before, but now they face the most seductive menace of all: perfect happiness. And the rest of the Federation may soon fall under the irresistible control of the Joy Machine.