March 4, 2009

Religion vs. "The Secret"

By Laurice Egerton

If you're like me, The Secret and other books on the Law of Attraction seem fascinating. But, how do those theories of finding joy and getting exactly what you want fit into your religious beliefs? I was a bit concerned at first. I mean, if I could get whatever I wanted stepping right into my life, what about all the psychos out there attracting victims into theirs?! And, how about God not just giving us everything we want in order to let us learn and grow?

I have discovered after researching the topic for months now that my thoughts and concerns were not unique. My purpose in this article is to be concise in what Ive found to hold true to my traditional Christian beliefs and the Law of Attraction as it has been portrayed in so much media lately.

First, have you ever prayed form something whole-heartedly and didn't receive it? I always believed that God had a higher purpose or a better plan that my egotistical mind couldn't see at present. The Secret teaches that your unconscious beliefs were getting in the way. Further study lead me to find that the law of attraction would not bring you what you desire if it is not in alignment with your higher self. So, in actuality, the two principles are in alignment.

Second, The Secret says basically to fake it till you make it in regard to your emotional state. At first glance this too seems a little backward. After a deeper look, it goes right along with the age old teaching of gratitude. Be grateful for where you are, and what you have, and you will receive more. Use your talents, abilities, and gifts to serve and be happy and God provides more. Hey, Im starting to like this whole new aged approach to timeless principles!

Third is faith. We've all heard of that. Some grasp and practice it daily. Though the new aged approaches may call it something different, it is a key component. "Whatever the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve." I think we can all relate to this to a certain extent. Believing in something, and allowing the feelings of hope, love, joy and anticipation in will fast forward our righteous desires to us.

Finally, isn't the whole point, the goal at hand in this life to find joy. Joy looks different for everyone. Some are happy to live alone in a shack. Some want loads of friends. Some money...you get the picture. So, learning to enjoy the journey and not get caught up in the end result is really what its all about. If you learn to enjoy the journey, being grateful, and serving others you have actually found your peace and may not need that end result you were seeking. Ironically, that is probably when you will receive. Both Biblical and new aged woo woo teach this. How nice to observe that the Biblical/Christian beliefs this country were founded on are actually getting some more media and attention through what has been dubbed as a secret or a universal law that none of us knew consciously how to use until recently.

However you choose to look at it and incorporate it into your life-God/Universe, gratitude/positive thinking, talents/source energy, Child of God/part of the universe, the teachings of truth are and ever will be the same. Refreshing actually.

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