Rhonda Byrne

THE SECRET

 “An Ancient Lie Repackaged”

PART ONE

By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.

© God’s Breath Publications

 

2 Timothy 4:3-4

“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

 

“The Secret” is taking the world by storm. Over 2 million DVD movies and 4 million books have been sold. Its Web Site has numerous visitors each day and this falsehood has mass appeal to those desiring a better life and a way to influence their future.

 

There’s a saying, “There’s nothing new under the Sun.” and in the case of “The Secret” this is especially true.

 

“The Secret” is just an ancient lie of Satan repackaged for delivery to a materialistic society focused on self-centered desires. Satan loves nothing more than to distract us from truth by offering us the desires of our heart. He loves it even more if he can convince you that you are the center of the universe and possess the power with which you can acquire all you may desire.

 

The Web Site for “The Secret” proclaims, “The Secret is released to the world! This groundbreaking feature length movie presentation reveals The Great Secret of the universe. It has been passed throughout the ages, traveling through centuries… to reach you and humankind. This is The Secret to everything – the secret to unlimited joy, health, money, relationships, love, youth: everything you have ever wanted. In this astonishing program are ALL the resources you will ever need to understand and live The Secret. For the first time in history, the world’s leading scientists, authors, and philosophers will reveal The Secret that utterly transformed the lives of every person who ever knew it… Plato, Newton, Carnegie, Beethoven, Shakespeare, Einstein. Now YOU will know The Secret. And it could change your life forever.”

 

One truth about false religious movements, cults and deceptive doctrines is they often claim to have secret truth that has been hidden for centuries. “The Secret” is no different. “The Secret” is the brainchild of Rhonda Byrne. She has organized a group of authors, visionaries, physicists, doctors, metaphysicists, spiritual counselors, teachers, therapists and private individuals to promote her idea of what life is all about.

 

The basic core belief of “The Secret” is the “Law of Attraction.” In summary this involves the belief that the energy of your thoughts influence everything in the universe including those around you. If you think good thoughts, success, and happiness, you attract good people to your side, money in your pocket and happiness into your life. Of course they state that the opposite is true as well. The negative energy of your thoughts bring you calamity, bad experiences, poverty and even disease.

 

Related to this core belief of the “Law of Attraction” is the supportive belief that everything in the universe is nothing more than energy. To “The Secret,” God is included in this definition. They claim the First Law of Thermodynamics defines the source of energy in the universe. This law states that, “Though energy can change from one form to another it cannot be created or destroyed, and that the total amount of energy in the universe remains constant.” They take a leap of logic and claim that this describes the existence of God. “The Secret” promoters believe that energy in the universe is God. This is a lie from the pit of Hell.

 

What this does is redefine God. God is no longer a personal being who desires a relationship with you. He is an impersonal energy force that can be influenced by your thoughts. According to “The Secret” your thoughts can manipulate the energy in the universe. You make your own destiny through what you think. They justify this by saying since you were created in the image of God and therefore you are in a sense God. You can create whatever you wish in your life by simply thinking it into existence. The steps to accomplish this are First: Asking for what you want. Secondly: Believing you will receive it. Thirdly: Receiving what you have thought will happen. According to those involved in “The Secret” God has no plan for your life. You create your own plan. Your reality is bound only by the thoughts of your mind.

 

The DVD movie is well produced and the book well written. It presents in what appears to be logical fashion the false truths that it promotes. The problem with the content of the DVD and book is that the logic is false, the premises defective and the manner of presentation is extremely deceptive. They claim participation of numerous people down through history in “The Secret” method of success, but these individuals had no connection with any sort of thought processes manipulating the energy of the universe. They quote Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Ludwig van Beethoven, Alexander Graham Bell, Martin Luther King, Henry Ford, Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Plato, Thomas Edison and a host of others and state that these individuals lived by the creed that the energy of your thoughts determine your destiny. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many of the quotes have been pulled from context so that they support “The Secret” agenda. The quotes speak of thinking positive and achieving your dreams but they do not support the implied idea that these men practiced “The Secret.” Any success story of someone who has worked hard, thought positively, overcome obstacles, or cheated death becomes promotional fodder for “The Secret” to attach to their false doctrine. They will state that this person must have been practicing the precepts of thought control over the energy in the universe.

 

A further concern about “The Secret” is its close ties to such religious sects as The Rosicrucian Order. This group is similar to “The Secret” and promotes the power within the self. They state, “Through our teachings you will gain specific knowledge of metaphysics, mysticism, philosophy, psychology, parapsychology and science not taught by conventional educational systems or traditional religions.” Sound familiar? If you watch carefully in the DVD movie you will see references to The Rosicrucian Order. Beware of this teaching; much of it goes back to the mystery schools of ancient Egypt and Europe. It is neither Biblical nor true.

 

Another point that is overlooked in the logic of “The Secret” is the existence of evil. If their premise is true concerning thoughts controlling energy, what is to keep a pedophile from thinking more children into his life for him to molest? What is to keep the terrorist from thinking more chaos and destruction to fall upon the nation of their of choice? What is to keep the rapist from not thinking more victims into his life to wound and traumatize? If energy is available to be manipulated by our thoughts, evil individuals can influence it to do their will as well. These evil bent individuals could make themselves happy by using the energy of the universe for all sorts of perverse and sinful means of entertainment.

 

How do we respond as Christians to such false teaching and satanic theories of reality? First we must state that God is a spiritual being (John 4:24), He is not an impersonal force or simply energy that makes up the universe. He loves people (John 3:16). He hates sin and in Proverbs 6:16-19 He lists seven of these sins that He hates with passion. He can become jealous (Deuteronomy 5:9). Energy can’t hate, love or feel the emotions of jealousy. We are called to love God with all our heart, mind and soul (Matthew 22:37). Energy can’t love us and we can’t love energy on a relational basis. Energy is a physical force in the universe that bows to the majestic power of God Himself. God created the universe and all the energy within it. God created the natural laws of science but is not bound by them. God is Holy and pure (1 Peter 1:16). Energy has nothing to do with holiness or purity. Our purpose in life is to serve and worship God, not try and influence energy in the universe with our thoughts.

 

Secondly happiness in life comes from knowing Christ as your Savior and being cleansed from sins. Personal joy comes from having a relationship with the Creator of the Universe, your Heavenly Father. Contentment and fulfillment comes from serving our loving God and becoming like Jesus Christ in our thoughts and actions. “The Secret” makes a short statement concerning inward contentment but their main emphasis is on gaining happiness and pleasure from material possessions, money or relationships with others. In the universe of “The Secret” the center is you. In the universe of the Christian, the center is the Lord God Almighty. “The Secret” tempts you to place idols in your life above a relationship with the Living Savior. In Exodus 20:3 God states in His Word, “You shall have no other gods before me.”

 

Thirdly we are not masters of our destiny. God oversees creation and is active in every person’s life. God works through circumstances and situations to speak to our hearts about the need we have to accept His Son as our Lord and Savior. He works through good and bad experiences to draw us to Him. He allows the wicked to prosper at times. He permits evil to exist within limits to bring about His will. He blesses us and provides for us, but often allows struggles in our lives to strengthen our faith. James 1:2-4 gives us guidance when struggles and difficulties come our way. It says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” The witness of Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 with his thorn in the flesh is an example to us that sometimes pain and suffering are permitted in our lives for God’s purposes. God’s grace is sufficient in such circumstances.

 

God wants us happy and joyful. He wants to provide what we need to live a comfortable life, but He also knows there is more to our lives than the physical. He is most concerned about our spiritual condition and growth. The verses in scripture addressing His concerns about our spiritual life are innumerous. Our physical lives and material possessions are temporary. Our spiritual lives will be eternal, either in the presence of Him in Heaven or in eternal torment in Hell.

 

Have nothing to do with the deceptive lies and falsehoods contained in “The Secret.” Commit your thoughts and actions to a living God who loves you and who deserves your worship. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

 

1 Timothy 4:7

“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”

 

Rhonda Byrne

 

THE SECRET

“An Ancient Lie Repackaged”

PART TWO

By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.

© God’s Breath Publications

 

2 Timothy 4:3-4

“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

 

Several weeks ago I wrote a homily that gave a brief synopsis of “The Secret” and how it contradicts a Biblical view of reality and spiritual truth. If you missed it you may want to get a copy. You can view that homily on my web page at www.godsbreath.net if you wish. It can be found in the Heresy section of the website. This current homily provides some additional information on this false teaching that is spreading across the country.

 

Briefly, “The Secret” is a collection of old ancient false teachings that have been repackaged with several New Age concepts, which have strong appeal to our materialistic society. The basic belief of “The Secret” is its “Law of Attraction.” This is the idea that thoughts can become things. You can change your situation or have anything you want if you simply think right. Those promoting “The Secret” say it has scientific support, but their science is bad and their logic faulty. Not only is it lacking credible support from the scientific community it goes against scriptural truth. Donald S. Whitney, Ph.D., who is an associate professor of biblical spirituality at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, states, “It is no exaggeration to say that this book implicitly (and sometimes explicitly) denies virtually every major doctrine in the Bible. “

 

Believe it or not there are some dark secrets behind “The Secret” that you are not told if you read the book or watch the DVD. Fans of “The Secret” might be surprised to learn that they have not seen the “original” version of the DVD. These first editions of the DVD are hard to find and contain material that is even more offensive to Christianity than the current edited version.

 

This first edition DVD is called the Abraham-Hicks edition because Esther Hicks, a 58-year-old woman is considered the leading teacher of the basic doctrine contained in the original version of the DVD. Her friend Abraham is of more concern though. According to Esther Hicks, Abraham is an entity or a collection of several nonphysical entities that she has had contact with for over twenty years. Esther has been teaching the “Law of Attraction” ever since she first had contact with Abraham. The “Law of Attraction” is a basic teaching communicated to her from Abraham. Mr. and Mrs. Hicks have written the best-selling book, “The Law of Attraction: The Basics of the Teachings of Abraham.” The couple has done well by their spirit-channeled false teachings from Abraham. They currently travel in a $1.4 million luxury tour bus conducting “Law of Attraction” workshops in hotels where they charge $195 per person. They feature cruises as well, that promote teachings of the wisdom of Abraham. They have produced over 600 different publications, audio teachings and videos.

 

Rhonda Byrne, the promoter of the “The Secret” offered Ester Hicks 10% of the profits of the sales of the DVD for her participation in the original version. Conflicts arose between Byrne and the Hicks soon after distribution of the DVD. The Hicks didn’t feel that Esther had enough exposure and the financial remuneration was contested. Despite efforts by Jack Canfield, another promoter of “The Secret,” an agreement could not be reached so the Hicks were paid off with over half a million dollars. Rhonda Byrne proceeded to edit the original version of the DVD by removing the voice and appearances of Ester Hicks. Mr. Hicks, a former Amway distributor, said that he was going to sue Byrne but his lawyer advised against it. “The new version of the DVD has basically the same content, just without Ester Hicks presence.

 

Maybe you’re still wondering who this “Abraham” that speaks through Ester Hicks really is? Possibly a quote from Abraham will explain something of who they are,

 

“Physical humans have found many labels that they use, depending on how they feel in the moment, to try to describe their interaction with Nonphysical. We are Source Energy. We are Collective Consciousness…meaning a stream. We are a consensus of many (what you might call) Nonphysical voices. We are that which some have called angel. We are that which some have called God. We are that which some have called Inner Being. But most importantly (and we’ll use some of our favorite words again) we are focalized Consciousness, specifically responding to the vibration that you manage in your asking.”

Abraham

 

Mr. and Mrs. Hicks describe Abraham as a composite entity made up of a number of individuals or personalities existing in some kind of nonphysical or spiritual dimension. Abraham uses the physical body and voice of Mrs. Hicks to share their messages. Esther Hicks basically functions as a medium or what is often called a channeler. A channeler is used to allow these spirits to express themselves. Mr. Hicks has extensive personal experience with Ouija boards and both of them have had intimate exposure with other mediums.

 

The dark secret behind “The Secret” is that the basic “Law of Attraction” is a teaching of Abraham, a nonphysical entity that is the spirit guide of the medium Esther Hicks. If Abraham really does exist they are very likely better described as evil spirits. In scripture we see Jesus encounter a man who is possessed by a group of evil spirits. The account is found in Mark 5:6-10;

 

“When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, ‘What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won’t torture me!’ For Jesus had said to him, ‘Come out of this man, you evil spirit!’ Then Jesus asked him, ‘What is your name?’ ‘My name is Legion,’ he replied, ‘for we are many.’ And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.”

 

Here Jesus encounters a group of demons that have possessed a man. This group is similar to Esther Hicks’ Abraham for they are many that make up this “entity” possessing the man. No good can come from allowing oneself to be influenced by evil spirits and demons. No matter how appealing the information or how accurate it appears to be, the purpose is to deceive.

 

We are told in God’s Word to avoid association with mediums and spiritists.

 

Deuteronomy 18:10-12

‘Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD.”

 

Acts 16 contains another example of a spirit who possessed a young woman and helped her foretell the future for her employers. Here financial gain was obtained by using the information communicated from this evil spirit. This spirit-possessed woman followed Paul around and so pestered him with her predictions that he cast the demon out of her. This is just one more example of how demons can possess or influence people with their communications to lead them astray.

 

We live in a physical world but we must remember we are also spiritual beings surrounded by a spiritual realm. There is a battle raging all around us for the souls of men and women. Tampering with evil spirits will only lead to disaster and confusion. When we hear of books, DVDs, organizations or individuals who are associated with spirit communication we need to steer clear of them and have nothing to do with them.

 

1 Timothy 6:3-5 reminds me so much of those promoting “The Secret.” They are making tons of money with these false teachings of evil spirits. Read this passage and see if you agree with me, that their intention is to make money through deception.

 

“If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.”

 

“The Secret” has at its very foundation communication with evil spirits. Have nothing to do with such false teachings. Avoid it like the plague. Those who come to you asking you to view the DVD or read the book, should be informed of the “dark secret” behind “The Secret” and advised that they should listen no more to the doctrines of demons.

 

1 Timothy 4:7

“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”