In the realm of self-help and personal development, few names are as widely recognized as Abraham Hicks. Centered around spirit channeling and the Law of Attraction, the teachings amassed a significant following.
But a healthy dose of skepticism is called for when thinking about these teachings. Let’s take a moment to critically analyze Abraham Hicks and the Law of Attraction.
By David Stone
Understanding Abraham Hicks
Abraham Hicks, first of all, is not an individual but rather a group of 100 spiritual entities – “ead people” – that Esther Hicks, in collaboration with her late husband Jerry Hicks, says she channels by receiving “blocks of thought1.
The results are heavily marketed in books, DVDs, and CDs, focusing on the Law of Attraction2.
The Law of Attraction: An Overview
The Law of Attraction is simple, according to Abraham Hicks: “Like attracts like” or “You get what you think about, whether you want it or not.”
Positive thoughts yield positive results, while negative thoughts lead to undesirable outcomes3. I short, their teachings propose that you create their own reality4. But you may not be as aware of it as you should bel
A Critical Perspective
Despite its popularity, the Law of Attraction as presented by Abraham Hicks faces considerable criticism. Doubts surrounding its scientific validity and practical application are among the main points of contention.
For example, when followers grow frustrated over not getting the results they want, Esther Hicks explains that “You’re not letting it in,” what ever that means. She has clarified that everything you have wished for has already been delivered but is stuck in “the vortex,” because you’re not at the right vibration.
Hm.
The Absence of Empirical Evidence
One of the biggest criticisms against the Law of Attraction is the absence of empirical evidence.
Skeptics have challenged believers to come up with photos or other proof of healings, riches or lovers that showed up through the practice. None have ever come through.
Plus, critics argue that the Law of Attraction oversimplifies the intricate dynamics of life, reducing it to a mere interplay of positive and negative thinking5. Life’s more subtle, and anyway, if you suddenly found wealth, who lost it?
Implications of Victim-Blaming
Another issue arises from the potential victim-blaming implications of the Law of Attraction. By suggesting that negative circumstances are a result of negative thinking, it blames individuals for their illnesses, injuries and social failures 5.
The Commercial Aspect
The commercial aspect of Abraham Hicks and the Law of Attraction has also raised eyebrows. With a plethora of books, DVDs, CDs, cruises and workshops for sale, some view it as a money-making scheme exploiting individuals’ desire for self-improvement1.
Finally, while the teachings of Abraham Hicks and the Law of Attraction may provide comfort and motivation, approaching them with a critical eye is just common sense. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Without empirical evidence to back its claims and potential implications that could cause harm, exercise caution when considering these teachings as the best way to better your life.
Sources:
Footnotes
- Abraham-Hicks Publications – Law of Attraction Official Site ↩ ↩2
- The Law of Attraction: The Basics of the Teachings ↩
- The Law of Attraction by Esther Hicks, Jerry Hicks ↩
- How to Create Your Own Reality | Law Of Attraction – YouTube ↩
- Abraham Hicks review: Does the Law of Attraction work? ↩ ↩2
The Emergency Was Always Underground
The steam plant and the steam tunnel were never two problems. They were one system. They were only separated later, when separating them made development easier and responsibility harder to pin down.
The Abraham teachings have turned me into the most joyful person. I love every day of my life. People around me have noticed it, too.
It took me more than a decade to fully master the teachings, and it was worth every second of it. Now I know what life is supposed to feel like, and it’s simply spectacular! Enjoy your journey, everyone, and find your own way, through whatever method that appeals to you!
For me, the Abe teachings were the key, but considering the tremendous variety of perspectives present on the planet today, it’s safe to say that for most people, they’ll find different avenues, and that’s perfect, and the way it’s meant to be.
Good for you, Manfred.
In their YouTube videos, Abraham Hicks talks constantly about something they call “the vortex“. But I cannot find any kind of reference to any other religious text, ancient or modern. When I ask Abraham Hicks communities if they understand what it is, nobody seems to be able to respond. I suspect it’s not a real thing, but something Abraham Hicks has made up to capture people‘s attention. Can you comment about this or offer some information or guidance?
You’ve spotted something interesting, something few of the followers know. The “vortex” was created by Jerry and Esther in response to mounting complaints from followers that, although they were doing everything Esther preach, they weren’t getting their stuff. The vortex became a holding pen where all they asked for waited. It would be released when their vibration improved. In other words, of course source responds immediately to every request. Your vibration just isn’t good enough to receive it yet. A lot of this is buried in the seminar recordings
This has an interesting twist because in the New Age Movement from the 1920s, where the Law of Attraction originated (not with Jerry and Esther), there was no vortex. The Hickses created it. What makes this more interesting is that they tried to claim copyright on the LOA term when others began using the term, cutting in their profits. The government denied the claim because it was not original, sending Jerry into a fit of rage. When they pulled him off the ceiling on the Monster Bus, he then claim the clunky “Vortex of Attraction,” which is actually original. I believe they later published a book with that title.
Thanks for your question.