How do you know if what you believe is really true? I remember when I first became a Christian, my brother thought I was involved in a cult. (It’s been nearly 30-years now, so I think he realizes his sister is OK.) Nonetheless, there are strange beliefs out there. How do you know when one is false? Let’s take a look at the “Law of Attraction” to help answer this question.
A friend of mine contacted me recently with concern that her sister is involved in a cult. She mentioned something about the Law of Attraction, and sent me a link to this lady who holds conferences on this movement. As a strong Christian woman, my friend wasn’t sure how to approach her sister, but she wants to “speak the truth in love.” (Eph. 4:15.)
Here is what I would say: ALL TRUTH COMES FROM GOD… but here’s the kicker — Jesus Christ said that He was the way, the TRUTH, and the life. (John 14:6.) So, Jesus is the complete truth.
ALL TRUTH COMES FROM GOD... Share on X
To illustrate this point, I am going to use a pie to represent the whole truth metaphorically. What I’ve seen is that many people get one small ‘slice of the pie’ of truth, but they don’t see the whole pie. These people then take their pie slice and can build a whole movement based on a mere piece of the truth, instead of the whole truth as found in Jesus Christ. The problem is that there is enough truth in some of these beliefs to convince many people that they have the ‘whole pie’ of truth. That is a lie. Good lies are deceptive because they contain a slice of Biblical truth* mixed in with a lot of humanism (secular thought). The Law of Attraction is such a movement.
A woman named Esther Hicks has been conducting workshops and writing books on this subject. What the Law of Attraction states, according to Hicks, is that we are to “bring our vibrations into one with the moment… That we all have access to a non-physical stream of consciousness, and can create our own reality.”[1] Hicks takes this idea even farther, calling it the “Abraham-Hicks” technique. She suggests we create our own realty by translating thoughts from a group of non-physical entities called Abraham (unrelated to the Biblical Abraham). Hicks describes this Abraham as the “infinite intelligence” that she taps into. Esther said that this is “the purest form of love I’ve ever experienced.”
No one should ever simply believe something without asking reasonable questions. So, ask what exactly does she mean by “Abraham”? On what does Hicks base her beliefs? It sounds as if she bases everything on a personal, subjective experience. Is this reliable?
Hicks’ teachings are based on subjective experiences. That is the key — subjective experiences cannot be verified, since they are internal and personal. Hicks’ claims are not verifiable. Followers of Abraham-Hicks must simply take her word for it. There is no concrete evidence backing up her teachings.
In contrast, Christianity can be verified. It is not based on one person’s experience, but it is based on hundreds of eye-witness accounts (1 Cor. 15:6). These people saw Jesus in a new, resurrected body after he was crucified. Not only did hundreds of people see the Risen Christ alive again, but many wrote about it in historical biographies. Some ended up paying with their lives to proclaim this truth to the Roman empire! Those martyrs did not die in vain. Within a few hundred years, the entire Roman empire was converted to Christianity. Now all of this is verifiable, since it didn’t happen from a subjective, personal, internal experience. It happened because it was an historical event that many people saw with their own two eyes!
Again, Hicks’ teachings are subjective, personal experiences. She describes these experiences of the Law of Attraction by stating that one’s thoughts are like a magnet—what you think, you will attract. Hmm…That sounds familiar in some way. Could this idea be borrowed from a Biblical concept? It sounds like the Biblical truth that teaches “you reap what you sow” (Gal. 6:7), meaning you live with the results of your actions, and those actions first begin in the thought life.
The Abraham-Hicks technique is similar to the positive thinking movement, which is another concept that the Law of Attraction borrows from. This movement was started by an occultist named William Walker Atkinson in the early 1900s. Atkinson borrowed his ideas from principles taught in the “New Thought” system. This system is not so “new” after all. The techniques taught in New Thought are what some refer to mental science, which is based in ancient Asian meditation practices designed to bring about good karma (cause and effect).
The concept that the Law of Attraction is ultimately based upon is Karma. Christians don’t believe in Karma, which is the sum of a person’s actions in this life, and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences (a.k.a. reincarnation). Instead, symbolism used in the Bible is one of farming: sowing and reaping. If you plant seeds that are good, you will grow good things, and vice-a-versa. Specifically, the Bible is referring to sowing seeds of the Spirit, which are eternal principles of Divine government set in place by God. These things include fruits of the spirit, which Paul discusses in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Christians also don’t believe in reincarnation—this life is all you get, and then you will stand before God to account for your life. There are no ‘do-overs’, as clearly stated in Heb. 9:27: “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”
When we don’t live by the Spirit, we’re living by the flesh, or the self-focused (sinful) nature. This self-focus centers primarily on individual pleasure and personal happiness. This is what the Law of Attraction feeds on: the self. Hicks explains that your thought life creates reality in the physical realm. She encourages participants to focus on positive thoughts, wellness, and success. Who doesn’t want those things? But if those things are an end unto themselves, then the Law of Attraction is, ultimately, a selfish belief system. Christianity, in contrast, teaches a Christ-centered focus, and that means being otherly-minded, serving humanity for the benefit of all.
The Abraham-Hicks technique has a small piece of the truth pie, but where did she cut that slice of truth from? The apostle Paul spoke about one’s mental state about two-thousand years ago: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” (Phil. 4:8.) This concept of ‘how you think’ does have truth in it.
Instead of following some guru who basically borrows slices of the truth from the Bible, why not follow Truth Himself in the person of Jesus Christ? He said this, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38.)
Remember that a cult is something that cannot be verified because it is based on subjective experience or a spurious belief. It’s often led by a single person, or guru, who shares these experiences without evidence to back it up.
* There is a good reason to trust that the teachings of the Bible are divinely inspired. How can I make such a bold claim? First, there is ample evidence showing that the New Testament documents are the most historically-attested ancient documents that we have. This means that they are genuine. Recall that all we know about history comes from written accounts. So, knowing that the New Testament is historically verified by not only the embarrassingly-large amount of manuscript evidence, but through archaeology and other, non-biblical sources[2], we can trust its sayings to be true. Its sayings contain the very words of Jesus Christ. His words, read over the centuries, have changed millions of people’s lives for the better! The New Testament shows that Jesus regularly quoted from the Old Testament, too, affirming its inspiration. Other religions simply don’t have this kind of evidence. The best evidence of all is the Resurrection! All these other gurus are either dead (or will die), but none of them have risen in a new, resurrected body like Jesus! This is why Christians are so adamant about sharing the truth – Jesus is alive, and He is the ‘whole pie’ — the Truth and God incarnate.
[1] YouTube video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmRep5MXsB0
[2] Jewish historians wrote about Christ, as well as Roman historians.
Dear Lisa
“The Law of Attraction – a Cult Exposed” was a great read.
Here’s my comment.
Your initial question is excellent: “How do you know if what you believe is really true?
I can relate to your brother’s experience.
Many people think we’re participating in some kind of cult as Christians, perhaps we are 🙂
I get hungry from seeing your pie; I miss a good pie, we don’t have so many choices here in Greenland.
It’s interesting how people pick from different religions today.
They show the same kind of behaviour as we do in the supermarkets, but they almost never pick anything from Jewish religion or Islam.
You are right. No-one should believe without asking questions; this is also true for our own Christian faith.
We need to live in a kind of reflected faith; otherwise, we’ll not be able to explain the value of our faith to other people.
I understand what you mean you say Christianity can be verified, but for me, this is not the crucial point.
It’s not the verification that gives Christianity value for me; nor is it an afterlife etc.
The thoughts expressed in the Christian tradition are simply the best alternative I’ve seen for living an excellent, valuable life committed to other people.
Your thoughts about the fundament of the Law of Attraction are interesting.
The Christian tradition does not think so highly of the self as modern culture does.
Martin Luther and the early Christian thinkers did not expect to find anything interesting by looking in the mirror as we do today.
God bless,
Edna Davidsen
Hi Edna! As always, I appreciate your comments. When I first became a Christian, I didn’t even think to question it. I simply had an encounter with God that I knew was real, and I believed. It wasn’t until questions came from non-believers that I could not answer that I began to wonder about my faith. I knew there must be answers to those skeptics’ questions, but I didn’t know the answers! So, I began a quest to learn WHY my faith was true.
I think it is vital to know the “WHY” of what one believes, because you can believe something and be very sincere about it, but you can believe something that is not true. To me, that is crucial. Why believe something that is not true? The good news is that Christianity IS true, and it is verifiable. That means you can test it to know if it’s true or not. This is not the same thing as “testing God.” This simply means one can look at the historical records to make sure that they are reliable. Of course, there are the millions of changed lives today that speak to the truth of Jesus Christ, and that is evidence in of itself! My life certainly has dramatically changed for the better. I’m sure yours has, too. God bless!
You’re welcome, Lisa.
You’re right. The first phase we’re not questioning the faith.
But at some point, it’s beneficial to do because we come out stronger on the other side.
The best questions about the fundament of our faith come from the non-believers.
Yes, it’s scary that it’s so easy to believe something that is untrue, and the funny thing is that it feels so right.
Yes, it has changed for the better; and it’s such a blessing to meet other bloggers like you who reflect on some of these same topics that I think about in my life.
Take care,
Edna
Hi! Lisa,
I loved your pie analogy! I love how you pointed out that deceptions have just enough truth in them. “Good lies are deceptive because they contain a slice of Biblical truth* mixed in with a lot of humanism (secular thought).”
There is nothing new under the sun. Vain philosophies come and go through time with slight changes or new names, but THE SON of God, Jesus, is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one gets to God without coming to Jesus!
Great point about cults not being verified and that they are subjective, and that the account of Jesus is reliable.
Blessings to you on your ministry!
Misty 🙂
Hi Misty!
You are so right in pointing out that there is “nothing new under the sun.” (Ecc. 1:9) Goes to show you these “New Age” concepts aren’t so new after all, are they? They borrow from older ideas, and revamp them to sound cool, new, trendy, progressive, etc. But when all is said and done, like Solomon said, people really haven’t changed in their characters. We have changed with better technology and new advancements in the sciences, but not when it comes to human character, sadly.
Yet, when I continue to meet a true believer in Jesus Christ, I am always hopeful. Bona fide Christians in this world bring light to the dark places and spark hope where there is none. You are one of those people, I am thinking! May the Lord bless your ministry, too.
God bless you – Lisa Q
This is an interesting read. I used to attend a church that people thought was a cult, though I still believe it is NOT a cult, I do see where people were coming from.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the Law of Attraction, and for bringing to our attention a twist of the enemy.
Thanks, Taylor, for taking the time to read my blog and your comment. God bless you – Lisa Q
Over Christmas I watched a popular movie on Netflix called “The Secret” with my oldest son. It was promoting the same “Law of Attraction”. Yes, there is truth when it comes to the power of our thoughts. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” In other words transformation begins with our thoughts.
Without Christ becoming our life, there is only the rule of self. The Gospel message is that we need to be crucified with Christ and be “born again” into His life, by faith.
The “Law of Attraction” without Christ makes self the center, as do all cults. I was involved in a few when I was searching for the truth. They appeal to our flesh. The Christian message is that self is the problem. It can never be good enough or strong enough to earn God’s favor. Self needs to be exchanged for a whole new life in Christ.
Because I know who I am in Christ, I can see the slice of truth being promoted, but I can also discern when it is being used for selfish ambitions or bringing people to the Cross of Christ.
Thanks for bringing this to light.
>Scott
Hi Scott!
WOW! I didn’t know a movie was made on this same “law of attraction”concept. It must be appealing to many people if someone felt it deserved a movie made on the movement. You are right in saying that this movement “appeals to our flesh.” That is why I wrote this about it: “She (Hicks) encourages participants to focus on positive thoughts, wellness, and success. Who doesn’t want those things? But if those things are an end unto themselves, then the Law of Attraction is, ultimately, a selfish belief system. Christianity, in contrast, teaches a Christ-centered focus, and that means being otherly-minded, serving humanity for the benefit of all.”
I am so blessed to know the whole pie of truth in Christianity. Since following Jesus Christ, yes, I’ve had to die to my selfish nature but in that death is where I found life! I am so much happier, living as His disciple, than I ever would have living out my fleshly desires.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments! God bless you – Lisa Q
Wow, it’s really too bad that this entire article has grotesquely misunderstood and misquoted what Esther Hicks says is happening and conveying because it has missed the point, completely and is, in fact not speaking the truth because those things are not at all what she says. It is difficult to quote a book without actually reading it and understanding it in the first place and that analogy can be applied to many things as well as your article. Your pie analogy is a great analogy however, it applies more to you and your limited view. Also, I seriously question your judgment as well as that of your entire congregation and any others that teach such a limited view of God and the Bible, claiming to understand Jesus and what he said, while epically misapplying it. Make sure you understand something before you go talking about it is if you do. Does it not say in the Bible that what you put out comes back to you. At one point Jesus even said that what comes out of your mouth is more important than what you put in it. Those are basic Law of Attraction laws. Just FYI.
Hi Alexandria. Thanks for your comments, and I must disagree with them. I actually take quotes directly from the YouTube video (which is footnoted in the blog) that I watched which Esther Hicks gave, so I am not misquoting her. As far as questioning my judgment, claiming I have “limited views”, this is a classic ‘ad hominem’ attack. This is an error in reasoning and happens when people start to question the opponent (me) or her personal associations (my congregation), rather than evaluating the soundness and validity of the argument that is presented. My argument stands. Hicks is presenting subjective material that cannot be backed up evidentially. She borrows from other faiths and has repacked the whole idea of “positive thinking” and/or Karma. And according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a cult is a “great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work.” Hicks is promoting a cult-like phenomenon with the Law of Attraction. Just FYI.
Excellent & necessary dialogue. Thanks to all contributors.
Of only one thing I am certain….without faith & belief in “something” Greater than “self”…i wouldn’t be here to write this.
My faith in God picked me up from depths of despair that no human could reach far enough down to lift me up from.
There’s a lot of confusion on Earth with so many people thinking “my opinion is right”…so, i put my hand on my heart & ask: what is true? What brings my heart a message of Peace & Love? The only consistent Truth in my 48 years on this planet, is the Truth of Jesus’s words, so lovingly recorded for little me to know, beyond doubt: i am loved; i am forgiven, i have peace & can love & accept & share peace with all Creation with respect & dignity because of my simple, uncomplicated, Faith.
Funny thing is Esther’s “cult” is not even a religion. She says herself that religion is man-made and there is no religion on the other side, only happiness. Why do you consider Law of Attraction religion when it’s actually more science? Its foundation is basically just positive outlook to get us through life. She believes we are here to find joy? What is so wrong with that? Religion brings some people guilt, fear, confusion and other heavy feelings, especially when we do fall short as man. LOA is using adversity / contrast as growth and good, b/c it helps us learn what we want by learning what we don’t. Religion says don’t be selfish, don’t focus on self and on our wants and desires but on God, but we really do have to focus on ourselves for the most part, and a majority of the religious leaders live quite nicely in abundance, why aren’t they giving all their stuff away and living simple lives?
I think Esther is helping people and I think it is threatening to religious groups b/c it lessens their grip on society, as it’s kind of a business. I’ve spent my entire life attending church, I am 48 now, and all the Law of Attraction information, especially Esther’s, has done for me is brought me closer to God. Just don’t think it should be classified as a Cult b/c it’s not a religion, just my opinion…
It depends on how you define “cult.” Merriam-Webster’s dictionary has several meanings, and I think the Law of Attraction falls in the second definition, which is this: “great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work…”
I am not sure you could put the Law of Attraction in the ‘science’ category; I do think it is more of a spiritual thing.
And you claim that Esther says we are here just to find joy? Is that according to Esther? Who gave her the key to humanity’s purpose? Joy, in of itself, is not a bad thing, like you said. But joy is not our ultimate purpose. According to Christ, our purpose is to love God and love others well. And since Jesus Christ was killed and rose again, I think I’d take His word on our purpose more than the word of a lady who enjoys positive thinking.
I know a lot of people think religion causes us to feel guilty or fearful, but that is not the essence of true Christianity. Christ came to pay for our sins, and by doing so, He took away the guilt of humanity for all time. Yes, we do fall short as people, but this is why what Jesus did is so freeing – He paid the price for us! We don’t have to be perfect because He is perfect in our stead. That’s the good news – that’s the Gospel.
I would disagree with you that we need to focus on ourselves for “the most part.” Yeah, we need to be concerned with ourselves in many ways, but by focusing on God, who He is, what He’s done for us, peace comes because we realize our salvation is not ultimately up to us… it’s in God’s hands, through Jesus Christ.
I don’t know what religious leaders you are talking about who live abundantly, but the majority of them don’t. Yeah, Joel Osteen or Joyce Meyers live pretty lush lives, but my pastor doesn’t. I could count on one hand the leaders you may be referring to, but as far as the rest of religious leaders go, most do ministry for modest salaries or none at all. I, for one, do this blog for free. I also give many things away to the poor, including sponsoring a poor child in Indonesia. What you have done with your statement that a “majority of the religious leaders live quite nicely in abundance” is to assume that ALL religious leaders live like that – that is false.
If the Law of Attraction helps you, so be it. But in the long run, only One can help you eternally, and His name isn’t Esther.
This was the first article that came up when I searched the question: Does Esther Hicks contradict the Bible?
After a few videos trying to lead me BACK to the ideas and teachings of “Abrahamn Hicks”. Which is part of the reason I was beginning to question this in the first place. It is less likely to find negative or opposing videos and reads on this “motivational movement” & “the law of attraction”. So I feel it’s being pushed & for what reason?
When I first heard her speak, I will admit it was yes confusing at first- speaking in the 1st 2nd and 3rd person and what not. But it was captivating none the less. I was inspired and it made me feel good initially. As I continued to listen to more & more though, I began to question it being a sinful way of drawing away from God. I see now how that small piece of the pie drew me in but was drawing me away from the Lord. And it began to eat at me. Because I know WE are not God. And the SELF centered, worldy, distracting and alluring charm of the entire basis of ABRAHAMN HICKS became clear.
I want to THANK YOU for your words. God is Great!
Sincerely,
The gal who questioned the slice_
I am SO glad that my article helped you! It’s always good to use your good critical thinking skills to question stuff that seems off Biblically. May God bless you in your pursuit of truth!
No disrespect at all… but we do all know that the bible wasn’t the first to say any of this right? If you’re going off of “history” there are multiple sources that tell the same story. The bible that has been read by so many(KJV) is also not even the original text. (Geneva Bible) It’s been translated over and over again, the first account not even separated and punctuated. Think about when you have a conversation over text vs in person. There are so many different meanings you can take from words in the simplest form imagine the different perspectives of all of these translators trying to map these words into instructions for life – for the entire world… to me this feels like the slice that would be limiting. But that’s my opinion and why it’s only my opinion.
I know you said that we should not be satisfied with 1 slice of the truth, but in a way, that’s exactly what you’re promoting here. That Jesus is the only slice…. The bible is the only slice….
Everyone who is coming from a place of love seems to be pretty much sharing the same message. It only seems to get messy when others come in to point out the flaws and put whatever motivations they have at the time into it. So many people are at so many levels in their lives at any given time. Who is anyone to tell them what is right for them to relate to where ever they are in their journey. Only them, and the god within them can truly feel what god, truth, love, and rightness is for that person.
John 10:34 Jesus replied, “Is it not written in your Law: ‘I have said you are gods’?
Not trying to change minds, just commenting
Thanks for your comments, whoever you are (you didn’t leave a name, so…?). There is a lot in your comment to unpack, so here it goes…
The Bible is the oldest record of history remaining intact that I know of, and it’s also plausible that the Hebrew language may have been the first alphabet. The Egyptians did hieroglyphics, and some scholars think that while the Jews were enslaved by the Egyptians, they developed their alphabet (probably inspired by the Egyptians). This Hebrew alphabet didn’t contain vowels, so yes, it was challenging to translate. But not impossible. Scholars who translate learn the Hebrew language just to do it correctly.
I am not sure what you mean that there are “multiple sources” that tell the same story. What story, exactly? If you mean that there are many religions that incorporate a form of the “Golden Rule,” than yes, there are but that doesn’t somehow invalidate the Biblical texts.
There is an innate knowing in the healthy hearts of humanity of what is right and wrong (i.e. murder is wrong), and so it’s not surprising that other cultures wrote those kinds of things down. But other stories? The Bible is pretty specific, and actually, very reliable historically. If you do a simple Google search on archaeological discoveries, for example, you will find that the Bible’s record of history is very accurate archaeologically.
Regarding the Bible being changed through translations over the centuries, this is a popular myth that has been circulating for some time now. It is not true that the Bible has been changed so much that we can’t possibly know what the originals held. We can, and we do know much of what the original authors penned.
I’ve written a blog post on that, and it would help you understand the process better if you read it, too. here.
Why does it seem impossible for God to preserve His word if He created the Universe? I mean, if He can create the entire Cosmos, it doesn’t seem like a stretch to inspire a few people to write down what He wanted them to record. That’s what is so amazing about God – He partners with us! He certainly doesn’t have to, but He has chosen to invite humanity to be a part of His story. Pretty cool, I think.
Why do you think it is hard to imagine Jesus being the “whole pie”? Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) He is The Truth. The whole pie. Or some might say, the whole enchilada! (ha ha)
Jesus, who is God incarnate, came down to save humanity from its sins and to set things right between us and the Father. Why would He have down this IF there was any other way? Because there isn’t any other way! True, there many be many ways to get to Jesus, but He is the only one in history who rose from the dead, and because of that, He holds the keys to eternity. (Rev. 1:18)
The standard for our lives is perfection. No one can meet that standard, which is why Jesus came. Why would God require us to be perfect, and yet know we cannot be? So that no one can boast that they got to heaven for anything they did – it’s all the grace of God through Jesus Christ.
“Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” (Ephesians 2:9)
There is only one Triune God: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. One God expressed in three, distinct persons sharing the same essence. And we are NOT gods. The scripture that you refer to, calling us “gods”(John 10:34), when understood in its historical context, is spoken to civil magistrates and because of their authority and power, they do represent the a kind of ‘divine majesty’ in the government of nations and kingdoms.
So, we do have authority on Earth because God gave us that, but that does not mean we are gods of any sort. Now as Christians, upon being baptized in the Holy Spirit, we thus become the “living temple” of God, and carry His Spirit within us, to guide us into all truth. But that still doesn’t mean we are, in any way, equal to God, the Creator of it all.
Love is awesome and we should all learn how to love well, and that includes speaking the truth in love (Eph. 4:15), even when the truth can seem hard. We are in different places in our journeys, and we need to come alongside people to help them along that road. But it must be a narrow gate to pass through (Matt. 7:13) – that gateway is Jesus Christ.
God inspired the Bible. He makes the rules, and we are His messengers. So please, don’t shoot the messenger – just sayin.’
Christianity is a cult.
You are making the claim, and therefore, you have the burden of proof – prove that Christianity is a cult.