Finally, the secret to the Universe revealed?

With The Secret claiming to hold the key to our happiness (as well as holding the key to finding the perfect parking space) I couldn't resist investigating further.

The Secret, by Australian producer and author Rhonda Byrne, is a self-help DVD and book which use a series of interviews from the modern day authors in the fields of quantum physics, psychology, metaphysics, coaching, philosophy, finance, and personal development to explain "the secret'. Entwined within these interviews are quotes from historical figures that were supposedly amongst the small group in history who possessed knowledge of "the secret' including Buddha, Plato, Isaac Newton, and Winston Churchill.

Within months of its launch, and through very clever online and viral marketing, The Secret became a best seller globally.  It also attracted the attention of some major media figures including Oprah who have proclaimed its teachings as being revolutionary. 

The Secret markets itself in a similar vein to the best selling The Da Vinci Code claiming that the information it contains has been kept secret throughout the centuries by people coveting "the secret' for themselves.  The book even comes complete with faux parchment and wax seals to give the impression that the reader is about to uncover one of the best kept secrets of all time.  It is this sense of intrigue about uncovering a conspiracy that has been a core element to the DVD and book's success.

What is "the secret'?  In essence "the secret' is the teaching of the Law of Attraction which maintains that everything that has happened in your life has done so because you have attracted it, either consciously or subconsciously through your thoughts.  Once you accept this law to be true you can change the flow of your thoughts and attract anything you want from money, to relationships, to power, to finding the perfect parking space.

This Law of Attraction permeates all areas of your life, however The Secret focuses on three main ones: money, relationships, and health. Money is explained as a magnetic energy that is literally attracted to you.  The universe isn't biased towards the good or the bad. Whatever you think about will be attracted to you. Consequently, if you think about your debt you will attract more debt and if you think about getting money you will receive money in abundance.  The same principle holds true for relationships and health. If you want the perfect partner or to be free of disease you must think and believe it will happen and it will come true.

In order to live "the secret' adherents are told that they must undertake three key steps "ask, believe, receive". The Secret says that principle comes from the Bible, selectively quoting Jesus’ instructions to his disciples. It conveniently leaves out the section where Jesus talks about embracing God's love and nothing will be too hard for you. The Secret renames God as simply "the universe and the energy in it". 

In part The Secret makes some sense. There is a lot to be said about teaching people to think positively, expect good things, be grateful, and believe in miracles. It has been shown that people who laugh and are positive will recover quicker from illnesses. We are also generally more attracted to positive people so if you are positive you will be more likely to get the better job and have more friends.  But then all good false prophets need an element of truth in their teachings to ensure people don't dismiss their theories immediately…

I have many concerns about the teachings contained in The Secret but here are my top three:

1. It leads its adherents to believe they are God

"The earth turns on its orbit for You. The oceans ebb and flow for You. The birds sing for You. The sun rises and it sets for You. The stars come out for You. Every beautiful thing you see, every wondrous thing you experience, is all there for You. Take a look around. None of it can exist, without You. No matter who you thought you were, now you know the Truth of Who You Really Are. You are the master of the Universe. You are the heir to the kingdom. You are the perfection of Life. And now you know The Secret". (The Secret, page 183)

This would be a wonderful sentiment if it was addressed to God in Heaven but it is actually referring to the reader.  This is really nothing less than Satan’s original lie in the Garden of Eden, “You will be like God” (Gen. 3:5).

Not only should the audience believe that they are in fact God they should also believe that they will not have judgement thrust upon them:

“No one will stand in judgment of [your life], now or ever” (The Secret, page 177)

2. The teachings primarily focus on material gain and selfishness

The film's backers state, "We desired to hit the masses and money is the number one thing on the masses’ minds".

The acquisition of wealth is at the core of The Secret. Throughout the book it leads the audience to think more about material gain more than any other area of their lives.

It also states that no matter what your situation you are able to obtain as much material gain as you want if you believe in "the secret'.  I fear that this claim might elude the millions of people living in poverty around the world.

3. That our thoughts have caused everything and the victims of catastrophe, war, and disease are actually the authors of their own misfortune

If someone reads The Secret and truly believes its teachings and then they fall victim to a crime then they would have to believe they had brought it on themselves. This would cause victims of crime, who are believers, not only the distress of experiencing the event but also the guilt associated with causing it. 

Personal accountability also extends to health. "Incurable means curable from within. Disease is the body's way of giving you feedback that you are not loving or grateful," says one of the authors Dr John Demartini.

The Secret even goes further, saying if someone has a disease and is pessimistic about their potential for healing you should shun them lest they infect you with their negativity.

Some claim The Secret is like The Da Vinci Code meet Anthony Robbins, some claim it to be dangerous, and some claim it contains the secret to living life abundantly.  It has caused massive debate within both the secular and Christian community.  Whilst The Secret contains some wisdom I believe it will lead many people to be disillusioned and worst of all deceived by its teaching.  Aside from anything else we can't all get the perfect parking space.