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.
Read Part 1.
This is Part 2.
Read Part 3.
More del.icio.us articles on TheSecret.
2 comments:
Blog Host Note: This comment was emailed to me and with her permission I wanted to make sure it received wider publication.
Thanks Vicki for taking the time to write to me about your concerns. I share them regarding the Hicks' "teachings of Abraham" - that surely is demon possession and I will not be reviewing any of their material on this blog. Lyn
From Vicki:
Lyn, I just wanted to share some info with you on this topic of The Secret, rather than posting on your blog at present. You may choose to use it. For the true Christ follower, a warning must be issued about the author of this book:
"Rhonda Byrne is a disciple of a couple named Jerry and Esther Hicks. In the "acknowledgments" of The Secret, Byrne thanks the Hicks and the teachings of Abraham. Abraham is a group of spirit guides that Esther Hicks channels for guidance on spiritual issues." (Source: From the Lighthouse)
This should alarm us! The bible is clear about the occult. We're not to mingle with it, use it, justify it, consult it...only AVOID it. This book is wrong on SO many levels, but it ought to give us the creeps to know that Rhonda Byrd consults demonic mediums.
More info here, if you need further research.
http://www.fromthelighthouse.com/blog/index.php?p=520&more=1&c=1
In Christ alone,
Vicki
Windows to My Soul
http://windowstomysoul.blogspot.com
Thanks for the well written alert about the book The Secret.
I have bookmarked your article on del.icio.us. http://tinyurl.com/2lvdy6
The Secret is still on the best seller lists! I just blogged a red flag post about the Secret.
Many baby Christians are being deceived by the twisted Scriptures used to promote this book. Same ol' lie as in the Garden of Eden, dressed diffeently trhough history.
We need to be in prayer.
Secondly we need to visit blogs and articles exposing the Secret and bookmark (to several socialbookmarks) and comment on blogs to get the truth higher in the search engines. Please contribute!
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