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By Berit Kjos

February 4, 2007

NewsWithViews.com

 

As above, so below!' The Emerald Tablet, circa 3000 BC."[1] Starting page of "The Secret."

"This phrase [above] ... embraces the entire system of traditional and modern magic which was inscribed upon the tablet in cryptic wording by Hermes Trismegistus. The significance of this phrase is that it is believed to hold the key to all mysteries. All systems of magic are claimed to function by this formula. 'That which is above is the same as that which is below.'"[2]

"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:8

Cheered by Oprah Winfrey and Larry King, an enticing book and corresponding DVD have stirred widespread enthusiasm. "It's making headlines around the world," announced Oprah's website, "and buzz just keeps building. Some say it's the secret to creating the life you truly want�losing weight, making money, finding love."[3]

Yes, "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne teems with tempting promises and positive affirmations. But it omits all facts that could sound negative, since "summoning what you want" demands an intentional focus on what's positive. "The law of attraction doesn�t compute 'don�t' or 'not' or 'no,' or any other words of negation."[1]

So while the next quote mentions the historical roots of this Secret, it doesn't tell us that those roots include the ancient Egyptian mystery religions, the occult Kabbalah, Gnosticism, Rosicrucianism, and Hermetic magic. Nor does it warn us that its more recent branches include Unity," Science of Mind, and the "New Thought" movement that swept through the Christianized world over a century ago.[4]

What does that imply? That our God is obsolete? That real spiritual empowerment means replacing the Bible with The Secret? As Byrne tells us, she unlocked a secret that has captivated aspiring occultists, conjurers and magicians for thousands of years.

"I'd been given a glimpse of a Great Secret," she tells us in the foreword. "Why doesn't everyone know this?"

The answer is simple. When Christianity spread, the forbidden forces behind magical arts went underground. Rarely mentioned in public, they were hidden in secret societies until the 20th century, when books, movies, television and universities re-introduced them to a thrill-seeking, Biblically illiterate nation ready and eager to revive the mystical powers of the past. Byrne herself illustrates this fascination:

Her inspiring "masters" -- living or dead -- included mythologist Joseph Campbell, Wallace Wattles (The Science of Getting Rich), Jack Canfield, Neale Donald Walsch (who published his occult messages from a counterfeit "god" in Conversations with God), and Jerry and Esther Hicks. The Hicks' website introduces us to a cluster of demonic spirit guides called "Abraham:"

"Abraham, a group of obviously evolved teachers, speak their broader non-physical perspective through the physical body of Esther [Hicks]. Speaking to our level of comprehension... they guide us to a clear connection with our Inner Being...."[6]

NEW THOUGHT AND ANCIENT MYSTERIES

Byrne introduces Prentice Mulford (1834-1891) as "one of the earliest writers and founders of the New Thought movement... [who] has influenced countless writers and teachers."[1] This quote from Thoughts are Things summarizes his "mental and spiritual laws:"

During the last century, such thinking inspired "positive thinking" gurus like Norman Vincent Peale who, in turn, converted Robert Schuller and countless other leaders who are now pastoring churches or marketing the deception through church-related programs around the world. John Maxwell and other global change agents demonstrate the subtle influence of this feel-good, self-empowering ideology.

"Nothing," Byrne assures us, "can come into your experience unless you summon it through persistent thoughts." [p.43]

Our sovereign Biblical God has no place in this man-centered philosophy. But other religions are acceptable -- including a compatible distortion of Christianity:

The last reference points back to ancient mystery religions and to the words inscribed on the fabled Emerald Tablet. Remember, Byrne used those words, "As above, so below," to set the stage for her book. An occult website decodes their meaning:

Now as then, those dark teachings have become shining lights to cultures inspired by "false apostles and deceitful workers" -- servants of Satan, the "evil one" who masquerades as "an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11:13-14) After all, The Secret offers gullible seekers everything under the sun. Consider these examples:

Do those affirmations remind you of Lucifer's attempted bargain with Jesus in the wilderness? Now, compare them with the next tempting promise. Notice the cost, which Byrne never mentions:

RISKY ATTRACTIONS

"The Secret is the law of attraction!" declares Byrne. "Everything that�s coming into your life you are attracting into your life. And it�s attracted to you by virtue of the images you�re holding in your mind. It�s what you�re thinking...."[p. 4]

This "secret of attraction" has a simple explanation. When we seek forbidden thrills and forces, Satan stands ready to answer. In Old Testament days, God protected His people from the full onslaught of such forces as long as the nation followed Him and His loving guidelines. But when they rejected His guidelines and sought the occult thrills of pagan neighbors, He withdrew His protection.[8] Left to their own meager resources, the nation was destroyed by Babylonian armies.

Would God ever withdraw His protection over America?

Back in the nineties, I received a phone call from a Canadian psychologist. He had read A Twist of Faith and wanted to discuss the swelling tide of seekers visiting his scenic community. Hoping to find their personal spirit guide, they would participate in Indian sweat lodge ceremonies and spirit quests. In former decades, few "succeeded," but recently something had changed. Now almost everyone "meets" their demonic guide. Some therapists had expressed their surprise, he said, by the current explosion of what they only knew as multiple personality disorders. Many seekers were terrorized by strange voices and felt they had lost control of their own minds to entrenched foreign personalities.

The demonic realm, which used to be distant and non-threatening, now crouches near. Occult books, games and movies show children how to empower themselves by summoning demons. Yet we shouldn't be surprised. America has silenced God's warnings and compromised His truth. The consequences could bring unthinkable heartbreak. But God warned us!

MIRACLES HAPPEN -- BUT WHAT'S THE SOURCE

In response to the DVD version of The Secret, "stories of miracles began to flood in," wrote Byrne. Her fans "wrote about healing from chronic pain, depression, and disease.... Some of the most magnificent stories we have received have come from children using The Secret to attract what they want.... There are Secret parties being held in homes around the world, as people share the knowledge with loved ones and families....."[1, p. x-xi]

Many forget that "the angel of light" is a shrewd deceiver, not a kind giver. God has allowed Satan a measure of authority for a season of time, but his power is limited to that which serves God's overall purposes. Our loving Father allows trials in our lives to train us to rely on His strength and wisdom, not our own.[9] That's the exact opposite of Byrne's New Thought message. She may boast of miracles from the hand of the deceiver, but there's a cost. And the devil never fails to claim his due.

We cannot afford to be ignorant these days. The Bible tells us to "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Why? "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:11-13

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To avoid experiencing evil, we need to discern evil. May God show us how to prepare ourselves and our families for the spiritual warfare ahead!

� 2007 Berit Kjos - All Rights Reserved

 

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