Church

Apparently in February, Oprah opened the world to a new branch of thought.  Well, actually, its old school thought put out in a new dress.

First, the thought is contained in a video instead of a book, or being expounded from a pulpit.  Second, the thought is considered to have been a secret for centuries — kept from the masses.  Finally, the thought will change your life so you can have health, wealth and everything you ever wanted.

The following is a part of a summary of the thought as expounded on the Oprah show.

People around the world have been talking about a movie so powerful that it can change the course of your life. This movie, The Secret, was created by Australian Rhonda Byrne, and she says that if you follow its philosophy, you can create the life you want—whether that means getting out of debt, finding a more fulfilling job or even falling in love.

Rhonda was in a state of despair when she came across The Science of Getting Rich, a book written in 1910 by Wallace D. Wattles.  I took a look at some of his writings.  Supposedly his earliest writing, and one considered to be foundational to all his other writings, was a book called "A New Christ".  Filled with Scripture, my reading of it shows a denial of Jesus as he has been historically understood. 

Rather, Jesus is just a man to Wattles — an exeptional man but nevertheless just a man.  Further, Jesus shows the way into the cosmic consciousness.  He brings to us the truth that we can all become one with God.  And as such, we have access to the universe.  All we have to do is use our minds to think positively.

Well, that’s a quick summary designed to show where I think this he’s going.  This is a gospel of selfishness.  The idea is to become our own god, and to visualize our way into whatever we want.

I’ve lived a few years now, and I see a mixing of world religions in this one.  From Eastern religions to Scientology and a few others.

Which makes me want to yell and scream!  "Jesus is the answer, not ourselves!" 

God is in control of the world, not us.  We are projecting onto God our own selfish desires, rather than seeking God to know what God’s will is.  Wattles has a warped view of knowing God’s will which is selfishly based, rather than unselfishly seeking after God — willing to obey God rather than, as Wattles describes, having God do our bidding.

The contrast is amazing!  On an earlier Oprah show, Rick Warren of "Purpose Driven Life" fame, came on to explain his approach – on that is based on Jesus.  I’m not sure the world of Oprah caught all the contrasts.  But, in a world that is increasingly hostile to Jesus followers, "The Secret" is no longer a secret.  I believe it to be pretending to be the real thing!

If you want a proper view of living in this body, of stewarding the resources we have on earth, of knowing our proper place in the universe — consider what God says in the classic book, the Bible, not a sensational video called "The Secret".

By the way, this rant was inspired by the use of "The Secret" as a training video in a local business. 

Saskatchewan is a booming economy.  We have the statistics to prove it.

But our labour market is stretched to the limit.  Today, Ralph Boychuk (Sask. Chamber president), pointed out the need to have our youth stay in province.  But not only stay, but be employed gainfully.

The suggestion of having a certification in a trade also accompany a high school diploma is intriguing.   Sounds a bit like the German system of schooling.  There you are given a track (professional, trade, etc.) that you follow early in your secondary school years.  The biggest problem seems to be the inability to change tracks once you are completed high school. 

I would love to see more youth walking our streets, buying groceries and becoming responible citizens.   Let’s see what can be done!

Guess who came to dinner?

My dad!  Accompanied by my sister. 

We ate together, along with 50 others, at our "XYZ" luncheon.  Then we listened to stories of Africa told by a young lady, Laura.  She is just back from several months in Africa.

Afterwards we headed to our home.  Around the table we reminisced and looked at the future.

Around 4:30 they headed back to Rosetown. 

See you again soon!!

Tonight, Ralph Boychuk, President of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, spoke to a group of us.  His topic was "being a godly man in a business world."  We ranged all over various topics. 

Once you step into the business world you have to take into account all those things like politics, ethics and management.  As much as we would like everything to be cut and dried, things are complex and real wisdom must be sought.  I pray for those who deal daily in the business world.

On the other hand, Ralph is an old rocker.  We had a jam session with three of us.  Lots of fun!  For about an hour or more.  For Ralph, and even for me, this is a stress reliever.  Just music and chords and rhythm. 

Thanks, Ralph, for dropping in!!