Where is the Focus of "The Secret"?

Last week, a few business friends brought "The Secret" to my attention. They were big fans of this New Thought presentation and were excited that it would be discussed on "Oprah" for the second time.

I was a bit familiar with it, but had never seen it. I watched several segments of it on Google Video, but because of its' focus, I chose not to watch the remainder of it.

Don't get me wrong. I am making no judgements about the people involved or their motives. I just have some serious concerns about the approach that was taken with it. In describing the Law of Attraction, a very big emphasis is put on money and "stuff". Although the teachers of "The Secret" were happy to explain further on Oprah that riches were not necessarily monetary, the presentation itself makes that a very big focus. Film footage shows a genie and a lamp, a young woman focusing on getting an expensive piece of jewelry, talk of new cars, vacations, homes, etc.

One of my friends said that she doesn't have any problem with it, because the philosophy fits very well with her Christian beliefs. I have no doubt of that. Where I see a problem is that many viewers are not going to be coming at it from the same place that she is. They may have little Biblical knowledge, or none at all. They may see it as a magic formula to get "stuff".

The presentation emphasizes the importance of being grateful and thankful every day for all that you have. That's great, except they never quite zero in on who that gratefulness is directed to. The "universe"? The "source"? Are we reluctant to name God for fear of not being as marketable?

I feel it is making a big mistake to fail to thank the One True God for your many blessings. To fail to ask for His will is also a real problem.

In looking at it from a Christian point of view, we can take a look at the Lord's Prayer:

"Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name"
Yes, HE is to be honored and acknowledged in all things. This is key.

"Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven"
We ask for His Kingdom now, but it must be His will, not ours.

"Give us this day our daily bread"
Our wants and needs will be met. He knows what they are and what is in our best interest.

"Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us"
We can live each day in a positive way, knowing that we are forgiven, but we must do the same for others.

"Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil"
We'll be drawn to things or distracted by thoughts that are not in our best interest. That's why we must pray for His will to be done, so these things can be resisted.

"For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever"
We cannot lose sight of where our abundant blessings and love come from or we will not be on the right path. God's best can be ours, if we acknowledge him and have faith in all things.

"Amen"
Indeed!

Love ya-