America may be the land of plenty, but in the midst of our Walmarts, enormous
supermarkets, and other signs of material surfeit, it seems that many are
experiencing a gnawing spiritual hunger. New religions, spiritualities, and
religious therapies attract throngs of believers to megachurches, Yoga classes,
and the best-seller bookshelves. The latest popular fad in spirituality is
Rhonda Byrne's 'The Secret', which promises both success and spiritual fulfilment,
and is endorsed by no less than Oprah Winfrey.If you are trying to make sense of
all the offerings in this confusing spiritual wonderland, "Top Secret" is just
the book for you. Noted religion scholar Robert M Price examines the historical
roots and the current appeal of today's pop mysticisms. Critical and appreciative
at the same time, Price applies his impressive background in theology and biblical
criticism to put these trends in perspective. Among other popular movements and
books, Price discusses: Rhonda Byrne's "The Secret and New Thought";
Helen Schucman's - "A Course in Miracles" and the popular works of Marianne
Williamson; Deepak Chopra's - "How to Know God"; James Redfield's - "The Celestine
Prophecy"; The Jewish Kabbalah - recently made popular by Madonna; Joel Osteen's
"Prosperity Gospel" and his popular - "Your Best Life Now"; Diedre Blomfield Brown
(AKA Pema Chodron) and American-style Buddhism.Whether you are a sceptic looking
for a rational approach to understanding current religion or a seeker in search
of a deeper, more informed understanding of popular spiritualities, "Top Secret"
has much to offer.

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