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Christianity Today, June, 2007 |

The Secret Exposed

Why Oprah and millions of readers can be wrong.

Mel Lawrenz | posted 6/18/2007 08:47AM

You can gain anything you want in life—wealth, health, the perfect mate, business success, respect from others—literally anything. That is the promise of the No. 1 best-selling book The Secret ...

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Margot Ditterich

Posted: June 30, 2007 6:13 AM

I found these articles very interesting. So much of what is taught and we read about today is about self. We are all so busy we hardly have time to listen. Watching Oprah makes me realise as a Christian it seems good, but most subjects are about making ourself happy. Why should we in Western Society have and want so much when in third world countries they have so little,but they are much happier. Their relationships are better,they appreciate the little they have.

???	Posted: June 28, 2007 11:51 PM


hi im a christian i agree with a lot of this but dont be too critical i guess there are some things in the secret which you can take and apply like positive thinking as long as u dont indulge urself too much in the world and keep ur eyes focused on whats important which is god! peace out

Jean	Posted: June 28, 2007 4:12 PM


Thank you for the review. I've had several people recommend The Secret to me lately. You've helped me avoid it. (I messed up the star rating. Five stars for the review. Zero for the book.)

Steve

Posted: June 28, 2007 6:12 AM

The Secret sounds like an adult version of "The Little Engine that Could" learning to climb a mountain by repeating "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can." Or Meridith Wilson's Music Man teaching the youth of River City to play their instruments by using the "think" method. For most of these self-help hucksters, the "secret" to their personal wealth is convincing others to buy their book or attend their seminar. P. T. Barnum would be proud!

John	Posted: June 27, 2007 7:35 AM

I see the Secret another way. Did Jesus not preach that the Kingdom of God is within us? And what about Colossians 1 that says "For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together"? Christ in us is the hope of glory. That's the Secret. He directs us and carries out His will thorugh us. So it's never just about us. If we had followed the Secret, rather than pillaging every poor nation then we would not be now engaged in a war on Terrorism.

Kerry E. Southorn

Posted: June 26, 2007 11:54 AM


Stretching the "Secrets" already strained point--Too bad Christ couldn't have just thought our sins away, rather than dying for them. The very idea that some Christians would fall for this betrays the shallowness of much of Christendom today. A timely article for a "hang dog tired" idea.

C.Carl

Posted: June 24, 2007 5:31 PM

We as christians believe that God has given to us the power to ask and believe it is done then why would we question are limits. On the other hand it is also easy to see that as humans we faulter in our own thoughts when things do not happen in our time instead of his time, it all comes to what is a true believer and one who calls themselves believers. When we humans experience a negitive that is the time to question how close to God we are? Maybe just maybe if more humans thought positive then understanding the sercret wouldn't be just about self but it would allow for a better understaning of our time here on earth. I for one wish the world was more positive and we would see alot of bad things become less threating and the things that remain on the down side could teach us all how to deal with hurt and pain etc. I give you 5 star

Rachelle

Posted: June 24, 2007 12:04 PM

I have a secret...ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and the door shall be opened. I have another secret...for with God nothing shall be impossible. I have yet another secret, for we walk by faith and not by sight. The list of my secrets go on and on. The bible calls them mysteries. Thankfully, our God has opened them up freely to us all, that call upon the Holy name of Jesus. The secret's out, the Word of God is truth.

Dedra

Posted: June 22, 2007 5:15 PM

This Article is much needed and I felt very important. My friend and I went to a chuch called Agape Internationa Spirtual Center where the guest speaker was Lisa Nichols, one of the writers of the secret, and I have to tell you what she said sounded positive and convincing, but there was a set back, Gods word says we will go through trials and tribulations and that he would be with us. Plus the chuch was totaly off the wall. There were same sexes attending it and Budda status not normal , it was not right and thank-God my friend felt it to because we were so glad to get out of there. Let me say I am just glad you summed this whole thing up about the Secret, and the scriptures. We should think positive but also keep in mind Gods Word. He has the finaly say. Again thank-you so much for this article.

BM	Posted: June 22, 2007 9:00 AM


The hypocrisy of this article is astounding. You deride an unsubstantiated claim at the same time as promoting your own unsubstantiated claims. Then again, "lying for Jesus" isn't a new concept.

Antony Michael Hylton

Posted: June 22, 2007 2:16 AM

Raving, raving, "you must see the secret" said my up line. "Its amazing it changed my life". Did it really? "The secret" is a mishmash of truth and error. There are truths, lies and testimonies. even if the testiminoies are true, that is even if he was living in his dream house, does not mean he got it because of the so called law od attraction. Why he might have got it simply because he had faith and believed. These people are generalising from their personal experience and assuming they understand everything about them and their world. But they don't. They assume because they have seen success that every one who did what they told them to do got what they told them they would get. WRONG. Many tried their way and got nothing. Many read their books and went nowhere. Why? Because its doesn't always work in all circumstances. Yahuah controls the universe, not some impersonal force. These people no nothing of the Word of the Lord, or the Holy Spirit, just man. Yahuah reigns, not monism.

Rose	Posted: June 21, 2007 4:09 PM


I felt the article was thought provoking at least. There are so many "self" help books out there and still people do not realize the truth. The "self" issue is the problem. When everyone realized that it is not about "us" or "ourselves" but in fact all things are about God. Everything in the world and universe is for God's pleasure and glory. I pray for all those who have not found the truth.

Johann

Posted: June 21, 2007 7:20 AM

Interesting how similar "The Secret" is to Kenneth Hagin's "Name it/Claim It" Gospel. However, in that case, huge sections of American Pentecostalism embraced it wholeheartedly and mainstream evangelicalism, with a few notable exceptions, shrunk from condemning it. I guess if you put enough lipstick (Bible verses) on a pig (heresy), American Christianity will be more than happy to find a place for it at the dinner table.

Gary	Posted: June 21, 2007 6:38 AM


Sounds like a twist on the old "Blab it, Grab it:" "Thought it, caught it!"

Kim	Posted: June 20, 2007 8:18 PM

I have to admit, I was one of the many that was attracted to all the "positive energy" of this panel of "experts" associated with The Secret. As I get e-mails and media bombardment, it's more clear to me than ever that the answer is still in my "relationship" with the Lord. As a popular song says, "I'd rather have a shack on a rock, than a castle in the sand". I believe that all the hype is telling people "don't ever be satisfied with what you have, keep reaching at any cost. No thanks. I'll keep looking up!

Fran	Posted: June 20, 2007 7:57 PM


Wow thank you for having the Godly attitude from the Bible and willing to share truth with others in spite of anything. In His Love Fran

Darrell Cameron

Posted: June 20, 2007 2:34 PM

In my 30 years as a Christian I don't think I have ever hear the following scripture quoted, preached on, or discussed in a small group. That is IThessalonians 4: 11. What The part of the verse that say's "make it your ambition NAS" AMBITION -you have got to be mistaken! With all that is said in the Bible about contemtment, self control, not storing up treasures on earth and on and on and on. The Lord said when you pray how about this thy kingdom come!!!! There are many false profits preaching just what most of the American Christian desires. We are to looking for his coming to correct this mess of a world. What are we looking for -MORE- THAT WOULD ANCHOR US MORE TO THIS WORLD AND NOT THE ONE hE IS BRINGING. dcc

Kelli Singleton

Posted: June 20, 2007 11:10 AM

I haven't read the Secret but have heard about it----Believers have to be careful---we are living in very deceptive times which calls for us to be alert and prayerful. The bible---the unadulterated Word of GOD has already given us "the Secret". It ells us that the Secret (mystery) is that CHRIST in us is our hope of glory---that HE actually dwells on the inside of every born again, blood washed believer---Wow! That is powerful--feels good to even type it! This being said and revealed, tells us that all we need (not want but need) is found in CHRIST and as we seek HIM with pure motives, HE will supply our needs and even give us some of the things we "want". Its HIS good pleasure to do so---All we have to do is believe and walk upright before him (Psalms 84). Stay GOD conscious people! Grace and Peace!

Mike	Posted: June 20, 2007 11:08 AM

To those that seek the Earthly treasures in the manner of which this artical speaks are those who are as selfish as what these books teach. I know, this is my Father Joe Zito. We despise each other because I believe in the Salvation and Jesus Christ while he argues with me that there is no "Christ" and in fact he even asked me if I knew how thoughts entered my head, to which I responded they don't "ENTER" my head, I think of them!. His belief was just as the above article stated. He really thinks that "thoughts" are free flowing and once used are free to float around the universe until they enter the head of another believer. To which I retorted; "OK, Dad, Why don't you think of the winning lottery number and when your done using it let me know what they are"...You folks may better know JOE ZITO because his Son (Another Quack of this thinking) is Barry Zito - My Brother and Pitcher for the SF Giants. They are both Nuts. I'll stick with the lord they can have this other crap.

Terry Thomas

Posted: June 20, 2007 10:43 AM

Sometimes I'm amazed/annoyed at how much the enemy remains focused on his mission statement: Kill, steal and destroy. What makes this so dangerous is that this could be preached across a pulpit on any given Sunday or mid-week Bible study as the minister omits the cross. But "The "Secret" is only the prelude to the surge of spiritual garbage headed in the believers direction, consider rap music mogul Russell Simmons's book "Do You". We must stand firm in the Christ of the scriptures; when we come face to face with the philosophies of this age i.e. the Mars Hill experience. I've learned in this walk that every lie has a bit of truth in it which why its called deception. Truth on the other hand stands alone without the asistance of a lie; satan has been vomiting out this lie to humanity since Eden (Genesis 3:5) that we can be God. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

TS	Posted: June 20, 2007 10:37 AM


Just think how much blood this author and others that support this satanic view will have on their hands when they stand before God to give an account of these untruths!!!! One day they will all have a rude awakening.

Anonymous

Posted: June 20, 2007 10:30 AM

I'm often amazed at times by certain American literature that professes a wonderful life and a solution to all problems if certain rules are applied. I often wonder if perhaps the authors stop to consider the fact that the World doesn't revolve around America. If everyone in the world could just become wealthy, healthy and happy, there'd be no need for all the UN millenium goals international organizations are trying to achieve in developing countries. Americans have so much already and perhaps I can say their cravings for material possessions are still unsatiated. On a general note, I think the real secret is contentment. For a content person will not covet his neighbour's possession especially when that neighbour has only one sheep.

K. Rose

Posted: June 20, 2007 8:59 AM

The Secret seems to be just another packaging of the New Thought/Positive Thinking/Word Faith metaphysic, which is based in an occult worldview---a worldview that operates according to "laws" instead of God's personal Presence. God becomes equal to the Universe, instead of it's Creator who is highly involved and invested yet still distinct. It becomes harder and harder to relate to Him as Father when we accept this worldview. Yet Jesus revealed Him primarily as Father--and one who is passionately involved in relationship with us (if we choose to be in relationship to him). God's greatest desire for us is to know Him, not try to manipulate Him through some kind of "laws" to gain the things we want. The Secret is really just the same old same old, and it is time for Christians to stop trying to practise what amounts to magic and start seeking the heart and mind of God revealed most completely in Jesus Christ. I grew up in the occult before meeting Jesus--I know of what I'm speaking

Janet H

Posted: June 20, 2007 7:29 AM

The "New Age" message is really an "Old Age" message. I find it as far back as the Garen of Eden in Gensis 3. In the latter part of verse 4 the serpent said to Eve, "you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Just as our first family chose to believe a lie, many people today are deceived. All the more reason for Christians to fast and lift in prayer these influential individuals who continue to embrace and teach a lie.

georgina

Posted: June 20, 2007 6:45 AM

I have not read the secret and have no intention of reading it. the first thing i will ask is the author a christain? all this talk about self love, wants, desires fulfiling what you want fro yourself is just yet another banter of the enemy. Christ taugt us to deny ourselves, take up our crossess and follow Him. Then the nonsense about the universe working for you is a laugh, it just remeinds me of 1 of the temptations of our Lord, bow down to satan and he will give you good things? what of sciptures about our times in the hands of God and our new live in Christ being to fulfil what He wants for us and not what we want for ourselves. we have been warned that there will be a lot of false prohets towards the end of age. well yet another one.

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