Religion in a New Age
This new approach to personal development brought about through “The Secret” and the Law of Attraction seem fascinating. If you are like me, however, you are wondering how these new teachings fit into your religious beliefs. At first I was concerned. For example, if I could get whatever I wanted stepping right into my life through positive thoughts and feelings, what about all of the less than mentally healthy people out there attracting victims into theirs?! And does God just give everything we desire if we believe it? Or is there a purpose to trials and suffering?
My purpose here is to share what I have come to discover after months of reading everything I could find on the subject of the law of attraction as compared to my traditional Christian beliefs.
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, these new teachings say that since emotions are so important in manifesting your desires, you should “fake it till you make it”. Until I really studied what was meant by that it bothered me. Actually, this goes hand in hand with the age old teaching of gratitude. Being grateful for who you are, what you have will bring more of the good things to you. Use your talents, and abilities, serve and be happy now, and God provides more. I’m actually starting to like this new approach to timeless principles!
Third, faith. Yes we’ve all heard of it. Some grasp it and practice it daily. Even the new Law of Attraction teachers agree that this is the key component. Whatever the Mind can conceive and believe it can achieve. An age old concept that I think we all realize to a certain extent. If you don’t believe something it will never happen. And believing it, and allowing the feelings of hope, love, joy and anticipation in while believing or having faith will spur our desires on toward us. As you can see these too are in direct alignment.
Finally, the whole point in anyone’s life is to find joy and meaning. This looks different for everyone, and everyone can find it. Happiness could be working alone in your garden, lunch with a friend, dinner with your family, or new shoes that actually feel good. Purpose is just a matter of finding joy along your way. Being happy, regardless of circumstance. Both avenues of thought teach that this is ironically when the “things” you want may materialize. But, if they don’t you are still happy. It’s kind of refreshing that these new “out there” philosophies are just a re-vamp of traditional Christian beliefs.
However you see it…God/universe, gratitude/positive thought, talents/source energy, Child of God/part of the immense universe…truth is and always will be truth. Surprisingly refreshing.
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