Like oil and water, so are Christianity and The Secret. Recently, Rhonda Byrne created what is now being called The Secret. “If you follow its philosophy, which is based on the “law of attraction,” you can create the life you want-whether that means getting out of debt, finding a more fulfilling job or even falling in love.”[1] The philosophy suggests that “everything that happens to you -good or bad- you attract to yourself.”[2] Ultimately, it is saying that all of us can control our own destinies from our power within. “The Secret is a New Age version of the prosperity gospel.”[3]

Sadly, many advocates are placing The Secret, within the Christian faith, however there is a vast difference between the two. Christianity, is not man centered it is God centered, it is not about wealth on earth, but treasures in heaven and it is not about happiness it is about holiness.

The Secret, implies that your desires are going to make your life happy and peaceful and this can be obtained through positive thinking. The truth is that mans problem in life is sin, not his inability to think positively. Christianity states “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord” and “the heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick’ who can understand it: I, the Lord search the heart (Jeremiah. 17:9).” It is only through Christ who has sent the Holy Spirit to guide his people that believers can enjoy wisdom, peace and love, but it does not come without trials and tribulation and it does not promise wealth.

Christianity can define success as knowing God through Jesus Christ. “What aim should we set ourselves in life: To know God”[4] not get rich or fulfill every pleasure of self. Jesus said “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This does not mean that you will not have blessings in your life, however it does mean that the riches of this life are fleeting and far from the goal that God desires for His people.

God desires His people to be holy in order that we may glorify Him. Many of His disciples have been poor or martyred in life and yet they did not pray for wealth or a girlfriend. Were they unable to think positive enough to attract good things? No, Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). James tells us to count it all joy when we face trials because it is testing our faith and developing maturity.

Self fulfillment, wealth and happiness are just the surface areas of great importance regarding the differences in The Secret and Christianity. We have not even touched on the fact that The Secret rests on the foundation of the Gnostic gospels mixed in with Christianity, as well as the issues of taking Scripture entirely out of context. At any rate, this philosophy is a lie and must be exposed by the truth of the Bible.

“I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned (through the Bible). Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil” (Romans 16:17-19).

Deanna

[1]http://www.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200702/tows_past_20070208.jhtml
[2] Ibid
[3] Swan, James, www.aomin.org
[4] J. I. Packer, Knowing God, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1993.