Ask a Question - or - Return to the Faith and Spirituality Forum Index

Question Title Posted By Question Date
On Jesus the CEO Francis Monday, February 24, 2014

Question:

Dear Brother
Have you come across the book, Jesus CEO : Using Ancient Wisdom for Visionary Leadership by Laurie Beth Jones. Is it a new age stuff ?. I have bought the book to read. Please enlighten me on it?
in Christ
Francis



Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OMSM(r), LTh, DD

Francis:

As a general rule it is best to stay away from "motivational" speakers. All of these people, that I am aware of, are inaccurate in what they say as tested against genuine Christianity, a/k/a, the Catholic Church.

I have not read this book, as I do not waste my time reading any of these motivational gurus. This movement began in earnest with Norman Vincent Peale's, The Power of Positive Thinking and the Positive Confession preachers. Both of these approaches have serious flaws from a Christian point-of-view even though both tout Christianity.

In my opinion, motivational speakers exploit those who are unsure of themselves or who have low self-esteem. Many tout a divine connection, which Jones talks about, too. From her About page on her website: "My Personal Mission is to recognize, promote, and inspire divine connection in myself and others." Like virtually all of these people she does not define what that "divine connection" is.

The common denominator with motivational speakers is they tend to make a lot of money. That may be one reason why many tend to refer to the "divine" but not define it. To define it will limit one's audience. Some will actually mention Jesus, but again do not go too far in defining their doctrine because that would limit their audience.

Others go after the Christian audience directly and use the faith of the people to manipulate them into their brand of "positive" Christianity. These types tend to also make a lot of money.

I would suggest that if one wishes to be motivated, find out who you are in Christ. Pray the Litany of Who you are in Christ. Also, listen to speakers who are genuine teachers and preachers who are trying to inspire their audiences to live better in the Christ-Life. Bishop Fulton Sheen and Scott Hahn come to mind. If these two do not inspire you and get you hopping and motivated for the faith then you are likely dead Wink

I would stay away from the "motivational" speakers crowd.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary

 


Footer Notes: This forum is for general questions on the faith. See specific Topic Forums below:
Spiritual Warfare, demons, the occult go to our Spiritul Warfare Q&S Forum.
Liturgy Questions go to our Liturgy and Liturgical Law Q&A Forum
Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) Questions go to our Divine Office Q&A Forum
Defenfing the Faith Questions go to our Defending the Faith Q&A Forum
Church History Questions go to our Church History Q&A Forum