'THE SECRET' NOT WORTH SHARING

So what is this book 'The Secret' that everybody's reading? Its the latest new-age/self-help book that promises, "regardless of who who you are or where you are, The Secret can give you whatever you want" just by following the ancient "Law of Attraction." The "Law of Attraction" is simply (and I mean simply), the concept that if you want positive things to happen, you must think positive thoughts. And conversely, negative thoughts create a negative reality. That's The Secret.

So why has mankind sunk to such depths -- war, famine, disease? Why do we suffer? According to the authors, "The problem is people are thinking about what they don't want. It is the 'dont want' epidemic. But this is the generation that will change history because we have the knowledge that will free us of this epidemic." Positive thought is the ancient hidden secret that can transform our health, our relationships, and our world. Want to get rich? Stop fussing with all that hard work and budgeting and start "visualizing cheques in the mail." And yes, these are actual quotes from the book.

Harmless, new-age mumbo jumbo, right?

Not to throw any "negative thoughts" your way, but there is a dark side that deservers serious attention - especially considering 'The Secret' has spent the last 12 weeks on the New York Times bestsellers list and currently occupies the #1 position for books on advice.

From a Christian perspective, the problem begins with the premise that "the Universe emerges from thought. We are creators of our own destiny, and also the universe." If mankind is at the center of our spiritual reality, we must reject the Judeo Christian perspective that puts God first. When The Law of Attraction trumps the Law of Moses, everything is permitted: "The knowledge of The Secret is being given to you, and what you do with it is entirely in your hands. Whatever you choose for you is right [...] There is no blackboard on the sky in which God has written your purpose. Your purpose is what you say it is. Your mission is what you give yourself. Your life will be what you create it as and no one will stand in judgment of it, now or ever."

No judgment to fear. Do whatever you want. Get whatever you want. You decide what is good - The Secret to happiness is yours...

Would you like an apple with that?