The Law
I have not read the book, but I saw the movie.
I was not offended about the message or the manner in which it was presented. I believe the film has two purposes: 1. to get a message out there, and 2. to make money. I do not believe any publisher will work for free or good principles, so that answers the PC issue. They want to reach as many people...not just religious or scientific people...but ALL people.
Now, if you believe God created everything, and that the Universe is governed by His laws, wouldn't one assume that the Law of Attraction is one God installed? And if God did create this Law, wouldn't it be a good law? I think people feel offended because they perceive a sense of evil in this idea. But if all things that our Heavenly Father created are good, then how can this be evil? it can...
Its interesting how all good things have opposition, or evil. Sacred marriage covenants have devilish "open" relationships. Light, darkness. The list can go on and on. If fact, isn't a major reason for existence to learn good from evil? Thus, if God created a Law, which may have an opposite, wouldn't it be wise for one to learn the good from the bad of this Law?
It seems that many have felt the evil in this message. As for the video (can't speak for the book), there is a unsettling greedy overtone which is probably what is felt in the book. Comments are made to the effect of, "If you want more money, ask, believe, and see yourself with more money," and other material things. But, if you were to see the application of how good the Law of Attraction can be, and if you replace your desire with something like, "If you want a stronger testimony, ask, believe, and see yourself with a stronger testimony." ...Then it may be beneficial.
This does sound New-Agey, but I think there is a lot of truth in this. After all, how differently does this sound from, "Ask, and it will be given you," "Seek and ye shall find?"
Could it be that God wants us to be happy (duh!) and that He wants us to ask for things to make us (truly) happy (See D&C 93 for what true happiness is)? And aren't we promised that if we ask we will be given the desires of our hearts? So, wouldn't a God who wanted these things to happen create a way (or Law) for these things to happen? And wouldn't He also allow opposition to be a part of this, since there is opposition in everything? And aren't all his Laws (physical ones, outside the sacred laws) for all mankind to enjoy? After all, there are a lot more people than Mormons who enjoy the benefit of gravity.
So, it seems that the Law of Attraction is a medium designed to carry some aspects of the Plan of Happiness. The way I believe God would want this to work is like this:
1. Have righteous desires (Think these, and allow the physical energy inside you rely these desires)
2. Ask for these things, not of the Universe, but of God through Christ
3. Believe that they will be given to you, show faith that you will have it
4. Act as if God cares about your desires, and that He is already making your desire happen
5. Show gratitude that you are going to be taken care of.
This seems in harmony with the Gospel and with the manner in which we are to desire. Now, maybe this Law is what Heavenly Father uses to grant us these desires, but I am not sure at all...this is just what I got from the movie
Tommie
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