LOA Teleconference Part 3 of 3

Note: This is part 3 of a 3-part series based on a portion of Monday night's teleconference on the law of attraction.

The second fundamental difference, or flaw or distortion, in the current teaching of the LOA as propounded by teachers of the Secret is that the answer to the world's darkness or problems is a Gnostic answer. That is, the teachers behind much of this new age thought claim that it is through knowledge - becoming more aware or enlightened; having a secret knowledge or understanding - that we will overcome war, famine, oppression, poverty, disease, illness, and everything else that is wrong with the world.

In other words, education in these universal principles will bring about the Age of Aquarius. Hey, I'm old enough to remember the Fifth Dimension singing that song. It's a great tune, great message. But there is more to overcoming the world's darkness than simply singing, "Ooh, let the sunshine in!"

The answer found in the bible has to do with restoring a broken relationship that the creation has with its Creator. That is why there is war, famine, poverty, disease, oppression – the relationship between us and God has been severed. Now this is not a popular message, but there is no other way to describe how this situation came about other than by calling it what it is – sin.

The fundamental flaw in a lot of this "new agey" type of teaching is that you will never hear it said that the problem is sin. People will talk about lack of awareness, ignorance, not thinking right, but they won't talk about sin. Or a broken relationship with our Creator.

You see, if the universe is God and God is the universe then there is no relationship to restore. If Carl Sagan was right when he stated in Cosmos in 1980 - "The cosmos is all there is, all there ever was, and all there ever will be," then we are in a sad state. For if the cosmos is all there is, then we are indeed simply made of star stuff – just a collection of quarks – and to the stars we will return. No hope, no future, simply become one with the universe.

Do you see why I believe that this teaching is fundamentally at odds with the teaching of the bible? The scripture proclaims that the God of the universe created us for a relationship with him, but because of sin we have a broken connection. God’s plan is to restore that relationship – and as Christians we believe it is through Jesus Christ, his son, that that friendship is re-established. The future is bright – not because we return to the stars, but because we have the opportunity and invitation to come home to our Creator and live with him forever.

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LOA Teleconference Part 2

Note: This is part 2 of a 3-part series based on a portion of Monday night's teleconference on the law of attraction.

One reason I hosted the LOA teleconference is that I believe there are two fundamental distinctions between sound, traditional, self help principles - which are biblically based - and the teachings of those who are full blown followers of the Secret.

And these distinctions are not just differences between a Ford and Chevy. I’m convinced that much of what is passing for "wise instruction" is actually non-biblical and even anti-biblical distortions.

So for those who have had concerns about the Secret and yet didn’t know exactly why you felt uncomfortable, maybe you'll identify with what I’m going to articulate.

The first fundamental difference – and I would say flaw in this teaching – is that there is a confusion and syncretization between God the Creator of the universe and the universe itself. The language that is used is very revealing. When people write about the law of attraction they talk about the Universal Mind – with capital letters. Infinite Intelligence. Higher Self. And they want us to believe that when we talk about God, we are talking about the same thing. Different words, same concept. Semantics.

And my response is absolutely not. This is not simply a matter of semantics. The God of the bible is the creator of the universe and is in no way to be identified with the creation. Why? Because even if we grant that the universe is pure energy, and is the same thing as God, then what we have is a non-personal force, an energy field that we can tap into for whatever purposes we desire.

The bible teaches that God is a person, not an impersonal force. And that he created us for his good pleasure and our purpose in life is wrapped up in his good and perfect will for our lives. God wants to have a personal relationship with us; he created us in his image so that we could relate to him - creature to Creator.

You can’t have a personal relationship with a lightening bolt. You can’t have a loving, intimate friendship with a tsunami or force of nature. "May The Force Be With You" is not the same thing as saying, "God be with you." I thought we clarified this issue when Star Wars came out in 1977. But evidently this idea is still with us.

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Self-Esteem Equation

You've heard of the formula E=MC2.

But have you heard of E=MC3 ~ the Self-Esteem Equation? If you have, it probably wasn't in science class. I explain it like this.

Of course, I didn't discover this truth, but I did assign different values to the famous formula in order to remind us of our true identity. Plus I added a C!

When we struggle with self-doubts, low self-worth, or negative self-image, remember the Self-Esteem Equation.

E=MC3

• E stands for ego, self-estimate, or self-esteem.
• M stands for the truth that you matter to God.
• C stands for the fact that you are created in God's image and that he is calling you into relationship with him and wants to adopt you as his child.

So the formula is stated like this:
"My self-estimate, my self-esteem is based on the fact that I matter to God because I am created in his image, he's called me, and wants to adopt me as his child."

Take this formula before breakfast and throughout the day as needed. And twice at bed time.

LOA Teleconference Part 1

Note: This is part 1 of a 3-part series based on a portion of Monday night's teleconference on the law of attraction.

I think we can accept that there is probably a scientific or biological basis for the LOA, but in my opinion it probably has more to do with the heightened expectations of our brain rather than our thought energy going out into the universe and manifesting our desires. What causes this heightened expectation that opens us up to new opportunities and thus gives us the "ability" to attract what we want into our lives?

Well, there is a part of the brain that, when stimulated by goals, desire, experience, repetition and suggestion starts "looking for" evidence and validation of this new direction or information. It's called the reticular activation system of the brain – and its purpose is to screen out unnecessary information while letting in only the information that will help us function.

Some children with autism, for example, or ADD, are often over-stimulated – they lack the ability to screen out those things that we don't even give a second thought to. The clicking of a clock, the buzz of the fluorescent light, traffic noise outside the window. Our brain perceives all of this "information" but determines that it isn't useful and so it ignores those signals.

A common example of the reticular activation system at work is when you buy a new car – all of a sudden you see that dang car everywhere when you could have sworn you were the first to buy that make, model, and color. What has happened is that your brain is now open to this new information.

That, to me, is the greatest strength and power of the personal development movement – it gives us the tools to change our thinking and reprogram our brain to accept and look for positive opportunities, relationships, abundance, fulfillment. Two of the biggest limiting factors that keep us from living successful lives are fear and negative thought patterns. By speaking positive truth into our brains, we can form new thought patterns for success.

I have a friend - you may have someone like this as well - that every time I see him he affirms me, encourages me, tells me I can do it - "I believe in you, you’ve got what it takes." Do you think I might be attracted to him? You bet! He's the law of attraction in action! What happens is that every time I hear those words and then tell myself those truths, the reticular activating system of my brain kicks in and looks for evidence to support those words and pretty soon I am more confident, more attractive, more successful.

In fact, that is what I believe is really behind the LOA - like-minded people are attracted to each other because they are going a common direction, they share a common cause. The brain's reticular activation system works to ensure it.

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Free "Law of Attraction" Teleconference

Oprah endorses it. People are talking about it. A DVD called The Secret is making the rounds. And it all has to do with the Law of Attraction. What is this law? Is it biblical? Should Christians be concerned? Let's explore this topic together and discover the secret behind The Secret in a free teleconference tonight!

Monday, February 26, 2007
10:00 to 10:30 P.M. (CST)

~ The "Secret" Law of Attraction ~
A Biblical Perspective

30 Minute Free Teleconference
with Q&A and Discussion

Hosted by Lyn Perry of Thought Renewal
and a Special Blogging Guest
Moses Edward Miles III of Three Sticks

We have a limited number of dial-in lines available. If you would like to participate in this free teleconference, please register your interest by emailing me at "lyngperry (at) yahoo (dot) com" [you can figure that out] and I will email you the dial-in number and access code.

UPDATE: Here's the "agenda" Moses and I will use to guide our discussion tonight. "See you" at 10 pm central time.

Discussion Guide:
1. What is the Law of Attraction? The principle defined.
2. Is it biblical? See Gal 6.7; Luke 19.11-27; Luke 6.38.
3. How is it applied (or misapplied) in today's culture?
4. Why does it work? Why does it seem not to work?
5. Non-scriptural teachings and distortions of this principle.
6. Open Discussion & Q&A ~
+ As a follower of Christ, how can the Law of Attraction be applied?
+ What role should "self-help" and "personal development" play in our lives?
+ Do you have any questions to ask? Please email me today. Thanks.

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Some Personal Growth Carnivals

A number of great carnivals out there. Here are a few I'm aware of.

Moses of Three Sticks Blog did a great job hosting his first roundup, the Personal Development Carnival. A number of categories to dip into, including Finding Success, Getting Things Done, and Creating A New You. Check it out. And submit a post of your own.

Widows Quest says, Let's Start the Week Positively and collects a number of positive links to help us do just that. Topics include getting rid of stinking thinking; 5 life-changing keys to overcoming your fear; risk taking - living life to the fullest; and a crisis may be a blessing in disguise.

Brain Cramps for God hosted the most recent Christian Carnival and linked to my book review, Wild at Heart under the heading of discernment. Other featured spiritual gift categories include evangelism, encouragement, giving, teaching. Great reading.

UPDATE 2.27.07 ~ Evolving Times is hosting the Law of Attraction Carnival - Physical Health Edition. I've had some good interactions to my comments from the blog host, Ed Mills, who always seem to respond in a positive manner even when disagreeing with me.

Beyond Positive Thinking Update

My premier post to Thought Renewal was Saturday, June 04, 2005 and it was a short response to one of the first books I'd read that mentioned the concept of attracting things - positive or negative - into our lives based on our thinking (i.e., the "law of attraction").

Yes, I'd heard that what we focus on grows and that we reap what we sow. But Robert Anthony's book Beyond Positive Thinking opened an interesting perspective for me by clearly demonstrating the power of "right thinking."

My concern with his book is that, while many of the concepts are sound, it is based on a gnostic worldview - as much of this type of literature is. Here's what I wrote in my first blog entry:

Interacting with Beyond Positive Thinking, a book by Robert Anthony. One of the many self-help resources available online and anywhere. I like the challenge to move beyond positive vs negative thinking and begin right thinking, but listen to this:

The truth is we are in darkness because of our ignorance. (p 2)

Really? Is lack of knowledge all that is wrong with our world? Hmm. Let's put this to the test over the next few weeks. Whenever I do something wrong I'll just go to my bookshelf and get more knowledge. I suspect I'll be reading quite a bit.

Today: Although I was a bit cynical in that first post, I still hold that knowledge is not the supreme answer to our darkness. We see educated derelicts all around us (and no, I'm not trying to be political here :-) We need something more than right thinking to save us from ourselves. Anthony's answer to the world's darkness is ultimately that of the gnostic. And gnosticism is simply salvation by knowledge:

This definition, based on the etymology of the word (gnosis "knowledge", gnostikos, "good at knowing"), is correct as far as it goes, but it gives only one, though perhaps the predominant, characteristic of Gnostic systems of thought. Whereas Judaism and Christianity, and almost all pagan systems, hold that the soul attains its proper end by obedience of mind and will to the Supreme Power, i.e. by faith and works, it is markedly peculiar to Gnosticism that it places the salvation of the soul merely in the possession of a quasi-intuitive knowledge of the mysteries of the universe and of magic formulae indicative of that knowledge. (New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia)

The quasi-intuitive knowledge of the mysteries of the universe. Magic formulae. Doesn't that mark this current surge of interest in this movement? And the teachers of The Secret are right there lead us into salvation. Well, that path has already been laid out:

"God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27)

On the Role of Virtuous Art

"Our aim is to prevent our Guards being reared among images of vice - as it were in a pasturage of poisonous herbs where, cropping and grazing in abundance every day, they little by little and all unawares build up one huge accumulation of evil in their soul. Rather, we must seek out craftsmen with a talent for capturing what is lovely and graceful, so that our young, dwelling as it were in a salubrious region, will receive benefit from everything about them. Like a breeze bringing health from wholesome places, the impact of works of beauty on eye or ear will imperceptibly from childhood on, guide them to likeness, to friendship, to concord with the beauty of reason."

~ Socrates, as told by Plato in his Republic

The Pursuit of Happyness

The Pursuit of Happyness
The Life Story that Inspired the Major Motion Picture
by Chris Gardner (Amistad, 2006)

I did not see the movie. I will. It'll be better than the book.

Although this memoir was engaging, the storyline was probably better served as a feature film which focused, I understand, on Chris Gardner's grit and determination in overcoming the obstacles of family breakup, job loss, homelessness, caring for his son, inevitable racial barriers, and of course new career challenges as a stock broker.

The San Francisco Chronicle Book Review pronounces: "The quintessential rags-to-riches American dream story - amazing and inspirational." And it is. It's just that the first half of the story drags. Gardner spends too much time on his childhood - and not an exceptionally interesting one at that. Except for the retelling of some classic and hilarious boyhood antics that reveal an ornery streak that sets the stage for adulthood triumph, I kept wanting Gardner to get to the good part.

He does eventually. But has to drop about a thousand F-bombs along the way. Some poignant truths, but unfortunately Gardner's personality is off-putting just enough that I never felt compelled to care deeply about his struggle. But then, I am white. I've never been homeless. I come from an intact, nuclear family. His story is not mine. Yet I admire his determination.

So although I've read better memoirs, The Pursuit of Happyness delivers. Gardner finally did get to the "good part" - he's now the CEO of Gardner Rich & Company. And I doubt very much if he cares whether I liked his book.

By the way, for a happenstance taxi interview with Chris Gardner in 2000 in Chicago, watch this You Tube Video. (F-bomb alert.) If you like what you see here, you'll like his book.


UPDATE April: Found another good review of this book by M.B. Levine.

Why "The Secret" Works Part 3

So, now that we've pointed out some of the biblical principles behind the Law of Attraction, and raised some concerns as to how this teaching might stray from biblical truth (for a summary so far, read Part 1 and Part 2), let's explore a couple of reasons why The Secret works.

The explanation du jour is based on what is touted as a scientific application of Quantum Physics. For those lost already...

"Quantum physics describes how electrons surround the nucleus of the atom and other subatomic actions." And while "the evolution of quantum physics first started with questions about light and the atom," the science has matured. In fact, "quantum theory is no longer limited to explaining the workings of light and atoms, but also black holes, quantum gravity, negative energy, and more." (Selected italicized quotes are from a site by Jim Tucek.)

The more includes (although not likely anticipated by serious students of quantum mechanics) metaphysical applications, or so the teachers of The Secret would have us believe. Meaning, we now know why the Law of Attraction works.

And the reason is this: It's because we are all made up of "fundamental matter particles" that vibrate at a very high frequency. That is, if you break our physical bodies down to the very smallest particles discovered so far - quarks - then we seem to be composed of vibrating bits of energy. And these quarks, it is taught by metaphysicians, send out vibrations that resonate with other things vibrating on the same frequency. Like attracts like after all.

Because we are vibrating, you ask? Stay with me.

You know we aren't one solid object, right? Nothing is. Everything is made up of molecules; and a molecule is simply a combination of two or more atoms. But even an atom (despite the literal meaning of the word - "cannot be cut" from the Greek a - not, and tomos - cutting) is not the most basic building block of matter.

"Atoms were originally thought to be indivisible, that is, the smallest particle. However we now understand that atoms are built up of smaller parts. These parts are electrons and a nucleus. The nucleus is much smaller than the atom and is itself composed of protons and neutrons. Again, later knowledge changed our understanding as physicists discovered yet another layer of structure within the protons and neutrons. It is now known that protons and neutrons are made up of quarks." (From the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center website.)

Thus quarks are the true building blocks of the universe (so far discovered). Fundamental matter particles. And they vibrate. The belief is that quarks are pure energy. Now here's the leap. Our thoughts are merely bits of energy as well.

And since thoughts are energy vibrations that can resonate with other energy vibrations out there we have the power to "manifest" what we desire by sending out to the universe thoughts and feelings of what we want and the universe must respond in kind. It's the law. We are literally, or so it is stated, walking magnets.

A bunch of poppycock, you say? Well, I share that view - but only in degree. It's not that I don't think we send out energy that either attracts or repels - it seems obvious from observation that we do (ever want to run from negative people?) - it's just that the rumors of our magnetism are greatly exaggerated. We may indeed be quantum-powered creatures, vibrant, attractive, and able to leap tall buildings. But does that make us demigods, with unlimited potential and infinite intelligence on tap as the teachers of the Secret proclaim? I think not.

In fact, I know the secret as to why we can't manifest absolutely everything that we desire into our lives. But for that discussion, we'll have to wait until another post. Until then, manifest your thoughts and see them appear in the comment section below.

UPDATE NOON: I corresponded this morning with a member of the quantum theory group at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center at Stanford University and he had this to say in response to my inquiry between quantum science and metaphysical application:

"To the best of my knowledge, there is no scientific evidence for a connection between subnuclear or quark physics and the metaphysical sort of attraction that makes our lives more or less worth living. And, I know no basis for a scientific theory along these lines.

"My experience is that people who push such things are usually interested in attracting money out of your wallet. Watch out, please."

I love that.
:-)


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Wild at Heart

Wild at Heart
Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul
by John Eldredge (Thomas Nelson, 2001)

So this is a men's book.

Fortunately, it's not a typecast "7-Steps-to-Becoming-a-Better-Whatever" men's book. Instead it's a discussion about the masculine heart, and therefore a great read for both men and women. In an engaging, often candid, disarming style, Eldridge explores what men really yearn for - with sometimes painful accuracy. I rediscovered truths about myself that I'd forgotten; that our current cultural fascination with metrosexualism has suppressed.

Like our three-fold desire for a Battle to Fight, an Adventure to Live, and a Beauty to Rescue. Let Eldredge explain in his introduction:

Most messages for men ultimately fail. The reason is simple: They ignore what is deep and true to a man's heart, his real passions, and simply try to shape him up through various forms of pressure. "This is the man you ought to be.". . .Men need something else. They need a deeper understanding of why they long for adventures and battles and a Beauty - and why God made them just like that. And they need a deeper understanding of why women long to be fought for, to be swept up in adventure, and to be the Beauty. For that is how God made them as well. (emphases his)

Now that is a refreshing take on the masculine soul. But then there's that fear: What if I don't have what it takes? Plus the wound: Living as if we're orphans, without a Loving Father to guide us into manhood. How do we navigate this journey to become real men?

In Wild at Heart (and from what I can tell so far in his follow-up book The Way of the Wild Heart, which I'm reading now) Eldridge shows us the truth about ourselves and the Father who wants to initiate us into an abundant, truly masculine life. Through personal reflections, great illustrations taken from modern day scenarios, and biblical study, he gives us hope that we do indeed have what it takes to win the battle, live the adventure, and rescue the beauty, since that is in fact what our Hero, Jesus Christ has already done for us.

If you're looking for something beyond the stadium excitement of Promise Keepers, this book comes highly recommended. For more on John Eldredge and his books, visit Ransomed Heart.

Why "The Secret" Works Part 2

Okay, quick review (or read part 1 below): This phenomenon called The Secret is really about The Law of Attraction ("like attracts like"); and as I mentioned in yesterday's post, I believe this is a true and biblical principle. The Apostle Paul borrows the slogan when writing to the Galatians: "You reap what you sow." (Gal 6.7)

In fact, everything that is true and valid works because it is based on God's Truth. Let's be clear about the order of things. If something is true, it will work and bring about positive and successful results. The converse is not necessarily the case. Just because something works doesn't make it true or right. Manipulation works, but it is based on deception and not truth.

Many Christians are skeptical as to the validity of this movement for that very reason. We ask, and rightly so, "Is something 'working' here (appearing to be of benefit to people), yet not in keeping with what we believe to be God's Truth? Is some sort of deception at work?"

It is my contention that universal laws or principles are neither moral nor immoral, but simply exist as gifts of a Creator and can be utilized by creatures for their benefit . . . or detriment, as the case may be. For example, planes can fly because of the interactions of thrust, lift, drag, and gravity. Just over 100 years ago it was thought impossible that humans could fly. And yet because of the truth of these physical laws, flight works. There are "spiritual" or "relational" laws as well. And God has woven these truths into the fabric of our human existence.

So I don't believe a deception is at work. Success principles (hard work, positive attitude, persistence in the face of trial, focus, goal setting, etc) have been with us from the beginning. I think the real issue, or danger, in this movement is the tendency for advocates to adhere to the laws of the universe while ignoring, denying, or more likely, syncretizing the laws with the Law Giver.

This can be attested readily enough when we listen closely to the language of the "teachers" of The Secret. Instructors like John Assaraf, Michael Beckwith, Jack Canfield, Bob Doyle, John Gray, Loral Langemeier, Lisa Nichols, Bob Proctor, James Ray, Marci Shimoff, Joe Vitale, Denis Waitley (and many others) speak on why the law of attraction works. This is where we'll discover if the foundation of such teaching is consistent with the biblical God.

But, alas, this exploration must wait for another post. In the mean time, feel free to share your thoughts on this topic.

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Why "The Secret" Works

What is The Secret? It is the Law of Attraction at work. Stated in various ways throughout the years, here are some familiar self-help slogans:

• What you focus on grows.
• What you think about comes about.
• You attract who you are, not what you want.
• You reap what you sow.
  

All true principles in and of themselves. And even biblical. Note what Jesus said as recorded in Luke 6:38 - "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

What is different - or at least more clearly stated - about this renewed interest in this personal development, self-improvement movement is the rational behind these principles of success. And that is, we now know why (it is claimed) this Law of Attraction works.

This is also where, if we're not careful, people can be led astray and mistake the natural laws of the universe for the law-giver of the universe. And I believe that that is what many of the "teachers" of The Secret have done. So while I'm concerned, I recognize that this has been human tendency throughout history. A fundamental sin to all of humankind: We end up worshiping the creation while ignoring the Creator.

In the next few posts we'll explore some of the explanations of why the law of attraction works. And we'll evaluate them in light of biblical truth. For that is the purpose of Thought Renewal - to interact with and glean truths from the genre of self-help. I want to help readers "help themselves" to the truth that God makes available through such resources, wherever they may be found. SDG

Until then, feel free to comment or start a discussion.


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The Law of Attraction

With Oprah gushing over "The Secret" and "The Law of Attraction" lately (it should be noted, though, that she's applied these basic success principles long before they were called secrets and laws), I thought I would republish this post from 2005:

In "5 Easy Steps" you can create wealth or anything else your heart desires. At least that's the premise of The Attractor Factor by Joe Vitale. It's called the "Law of Attraction" and works because we are walking magnets, pulling into our lives the very things we are thinking and feeling. The simple steps:

1. Know what you don't want.
2. Select what you do want.
3. Clear all negative or limiting beliefs.
4. Feel what it would be like to have, do, or be what you want.
5. Let go as you act on your intuitive impulses, and allow the results to manifest. (p. 176)

The Attactor Factor is heavily influenced by Hindu thought and philosophy. It mixes and confuses eastern spirituality by utilizing some biblical language and concepts. Although many of the principles are in fact truthful - and I actually like the 5 Easy Steps as a daily goal setting practice - the starting point is not from a biblical perspective and points the reader toward trusting an impersonal force or energy rather than the one true God.