After I had checked the book out of the library I couldn’t wait to get home and read it. For some reason I kept thinking that it was a hoax. Then I got to page 29. The author encourages the reader to recite the following prayer: “I realize that I cannot control my weight and my life. I let go and surrender to your love and care. Thy will be done.” After that he says “Then relax and let God do the rest. You were never in control anyway.” This reminds me of an acquaintance that my husband and I had many years ago. She prayed about everything, even what pies to serve us when we came over for dinner. That makes me sad. Why is it so hard for people to take responsibility? People who think that they are mature enough to have kids, own a home, and make financial decisions can’t think for themselves. Her husband had to come over to our house to play games on our computer because his wife thought that a computer was a waste of time…it should be spent in prayer instead. Wow. I find myself feeling sad for these people. They believe so firmly in God yet they don’t use the brain that God gave them to think for themselves. Ironic, isn’t it? So, if you want a good book to read, don’t read this one. Just my opinion.
@ Recovering Catholic
The only “weight” that this book was written to help reduce, isn’t on one’s hips but the weight found in their wallets. What a piece of piffle. As for the weight-loss mantra offered here, it appears to be the same message I’ve heard so many times before and is a central thesis and the most important feature…. when one is brainwashing.
First, the idea that one is “powerless” must be established. You’re not going to make a very good sheeple if you can solve you own problems, because then what does that leave for religion to do? So by getting one to believe an idea of valuelessness through constant repetition of that idea — and to do so along side others, reinforces the idea until it is finally accepted by many. And it is made all the easier to accept one’s diminished worth if their friends and family are saying they aren’t any better off.
The next step is to plant the idea that the only one that can cure your ills, be it a weight problem, cancer or halitosis — is THE LORD. This then focuses your attention away from yourself as a potential source for the resolution of your problems and puts it in the hands of his intermediaries. Who of course extract a fee for this service in the form of a “voluntary donation.” And which is tax deductible. They try to make it as painless as possible, but don’t be fooled. Because if you don’t “donate something” you’ll never be one of them.
Critical in it all, is the use of specific tag lines or words, such as: “I cannot control” – “let go” – “surrender” – “love” – “care” – “will” and “relax.” As you can see, its a formula which uses the carrot and the stick. The sweet words of letting go is the recipe that enables one to get that love and care. And its so relaxing when god takes over your life. You can cruise the rest of the way. All you have to do is not think, shut up and do as you’re told. See? Its simple. But then they keep the stick around to used in order to remind you that you don’t control anything anyway. God does the controlling and if you forget this, a whack with the stick serves as a reminder about whose in charge. You never did control anything. And never will control anything, because its THE LORD who controls it all. And as usual, god gets all the accolades for saving you from yourself, but none of the responsibility for having made you that way in the first place. That’s either your fault or the devil’s. You, bad. Devil, bad. God, good. So why not surrender already?
Of course when the diet doesn’t help you shed the pounds, it still won’t be THE LORD’S fault, but yours. Apparently in addition to being fat, you’re also deceptive and a liar. But then we’re flawed from birth, remember? So you’re no doubt cheating on god behind his back with Snickers and Doritos. Oh, and a Diet Coke to wash it all down. And if somehow you can convince others that you’ve been faithful to god and his diet plan and its not you, then its just another case of god moving in one of his “mysterious ways.” Obviously he wants you to be fat for some reason that our little minds just can’t fathom. And by way of example, one might be reminded of deceased preacher Jerry Falwell as an example of when god loves you even when you’re fat. And stupid.
One point that I found interesting is that the prayer went well beyond nutritional advice immediately, when it has you repeat the negative idea of one not being able to “control my weight and my life.” Here, they’ve sucked you into buying the book because of a weight problem and immediately they go for the big prize, they want “your life” too. Interestingly, the fact is that it is totally possible that the woman gushing over losing 15 pounds could actually do that with prayer, if she really believes that god is doing it. Because she may be providing herself the necessary mental groundwork through suggestion, which is then unconsciously translated into her altering her behavior and eating patterns.
On the other hand, I’ve also seen how they pray in the holiness and sanctified churches too. And believe me they don’t just sit around on their asses or have those cushy kneelers like in some churches while doing it either. There’s a lot of jumping around and sweat involved. And whooping and hollering about Jesus. Handkerchiefs and Kleenex are needed. Clothes often get torn, and are definitely in need dry cleaning after its all over. So maybe this is the weight-loss praying method she used too. Aerobic prayers.
And you raise an extremely interesting point about people being viewed as mature enough to have kids own homes and such, but can’t seem to make simple decisions without an invisible sky-buddy to help. It makes one wonder how it is that children services decisions made by welfare agencies, social workers and family court judges — where they often give the nod and favor to people who’re religious — so that they can become foster parents. Or when church organizations receive government funds for children services for dependent and neglected children. And yet these same agencies, social workers and judges never question the idea that if they’re so responsible, if these people should be favored to provide guidance and direction in these children’s lives, then why do they have to talk to imaginary entities in order to resolve the issues of their own everyday life problems?
The courts would never accept the testimony of a scientist testifying about DNA evidence if he also said that god directed or help him/her to achieve the results during the process. Or if a finger print CSI worker said that god showed him/her where to look to find the evidence, or testified: “I swear your Honor, it was just smudges when I looked at it at first. And then, right before my very eyes, it was a miracle!!! O.J.’s fingerprints showed up on the bloody knife!” They would be laughed out of court and into mandatory psychological evaluation.
Now about these “feelings” of sadness you say that you have for these folks — I’ll just say that I understand and I used to be the same way. But that was before George W. Bush and the world got such a good seat in the handbasket that we’re in right now. Just remember that these people are not benign. They’re like Kudzu, a clingy vine that grows around here in the South that will choke the life out of any plant that it comes in contact with. And its almost impossible to kill. I’ve tried, believe me. So look around you now. See how the world is in turmoil. It is religionists who’ve caused most of this. And there’s no getting around it. I often hear people say that liberal Christians aren’t responsible for Bush and all the war and death that we see. But I call bullshit on that idea. They’re part of the same problem when they won’t stand up and tell the world that these religious wingnut provocateurs and advancers of hate and bigotry, and holders of the dream of Armageddon — aren’t the one’s responsible. If not them, then who?
Christians indeed come in all stripes, but at the end of the day they essentially believe the same thing. And until they began violating their own religious edicts and stopped “rendering unto to Caesar that which is Caesar’s” I had no problem with their little beliefs. Not anymore. So I say yep, Bush, his wars, his treachery, his bigotry, and his disdain for freedom and civil liberty is all yours. He got into office with their support and help and so I. BLAME. THEM. All the dead children, all the dead sons and daughters, all the dead and mutilated women in Iraq and Afghanistan – all that is theirs because none of it would’ve have happened in my view, if there had been a moderately competent President in office. Their responsibility then comes either through acts of commission, or omission. A failure to stand up for the so-called truth of their beliefs that advances love, compassion and acceptance. They can’t be like god and only take credit for what they believe is the good stuff, and then dump all the rest of this crap on the infidels and non-believers. No, this is all them. So don’t feel that sorry for them. Because I can almost guarantee that if you’re an atheist, or if you’re simply one who questions the storyline that they put out — they don’t feel sorry for you.
However, on a side note, I am a pie lover in the extreme. Apple, peach, chocolate, pecan chess, yum, yum, yum. And so I totally see the relevancy and need for pies. And if prayer is a required ingredient before one makes them, then I say so be it. Just so I get my pies. Lots of them.
Mmmmmmm……. pie.
Oh, but I do feel sorry for you an unbeliever. Burning in Hell is a very painful exhistance and such a wast of a created being. God loves you and created you just as He did me and the others. The only difference is that I am forgiven and will spend eturnity with Him. Prayer changes things, if we surrender to His will. If we do not then it does not change it. It is that simple, God so Loved the world that He gave His only son, that none should perish! Not even you!
I’m willing to bet that you have not struggled with your weight for any significant part of your life. Anderson’s solution to weightloss is not unique. He takes the perspective of Overeaters Anon that people can be addicted to food and that they are powerless to end the addiction on their own – ie. like recovering alcoholics, recovering drug addicts, or sex addicts, their recovery starts with the admission that they have a problem and being willing to get help. If logic was sufficient to control weight then the statistics about over 80% of people who lose weight put it back on would not apply. There is a spiritual process to discovering the nature/source of the addiction and dealing with it, and staying at home praying and working through your issues is no different from paying a shrink to listen – the point is that you are looking inwardly to solve the problem and not to a shelf at a pharmacy or supermarket (or to a jesus hating guru – jack of all trades christian and master of nothing). The need to identify the issues, deal with them and let them go is not rocket science – but when you have made it a lifelong journey to “breakdown the spiritual stranglehold of religion on humanity” or some such lofty goal you will just criticise. I wonder who’s the one not THINKING. In order for people to be “thinking” they must be agreeing with you right? What arrogance.
Whats the first thing that happens when you get into an accident? You pray… Right? I’m reading this booka nd know that what it says is true.. Who better to turn to… Your Maker Right? If you are offended then you must be part of the problem… In the begining God…
I will turn to God in prayer for all my needs…
Feel free to do so. I, however, prefer being procative rather than passive. I don’t think that God is going to magically flip a switch and make your body suddenly burn those 3,275 calories you just ate at McDonalds…
P. S. I like pie to!
Theresa,
You’re speaking from personal experience, right? Or you personally know someone who has endured such torture?
Yeah, didn’t think so…
How dare you blaspheme the Flying Spaghetti Monster that created you!!!
HAHHAHAHAHAHHAHHAA!!! That’s the best thing I’ve heard all day!
Wait: God sacrificed himself to himself to exempt humanity from a punishment he made himself for breaking rules he created himself.
Tell me: what exactly is an omnipotent being’s sacrifice?
On a side note, I enjoy both Pi and Pie.
Theresa,
You know what changes things? Not prayer, but getting off your duff and DOING something! Go to a soup kitchen and feed the people who need food. Work at the homeless shelter and fold blankets for people who need them. Volunteer at a battered women’s shelter and take care of their children so they can take care of themselves. I have done all of these things, and I think that, instead of giving these people your pity prayers you should give them your blood, sweat and tears. THAT is what we are here for. To make life better for others. So, go and tell all of those other people praying around you to get off their knees and DO something. THAT will get you brownie points for your idea of heaven any day!
In the Bible its says God looks at the heart and you bashing people is not the love of God in you SHAME on you “sister”
Theresa,
On a side note, I went to a private Catholic college where I had the fortune of doing all of those things. It is because of my experiences that I feel the way that I do now.
Hey rival & recovering. When did Christ exit your life?.
Hi Tony!
Why does everyone ask that question? How about this? Hey Tony? How many blankets did you fold today? Some people will tell you, Tony, that Christ has never left, it is I who has left, and that is fine as well. Whatever. I personally don’t feel as though he/she was ever there in the first place so nothing exited. I am sorry if I am coming across as a b word here, Tony. I don’t mean to be. On the contrary, really. I don’t want you to think that I am someone who gets all defensive all of a sudden. I just don’t like it when people talk about all of the heaven things but do nothing to help the people here on earth. Just my personal gripe.
Jesus never prayed for people, he commanded what he wanted. He did things physically. Christians need to start actually doing stuff instead of praying. Today on the “news” a group of people were actually praying over gas prices. WTF. People control gas, not God. If anything He knows we are wasting it and that it should go up. Dumb fuckers.
Theresa I am in complete agreement with you burning in hell is the worst unimaginable existence and no one can’t know this from experience but in is written in the Bible which God and Jesus told the prophets and apostles. Prayer, which so many unfortunate people don’t understand, is the most powerful thing in the world. Prayer which again is stated in the Bible can change lives. Prayer fights the devil awy but sometimes he wins that is why you need to pray more and with others like form prayer groups and I know from experience in my life and in my parish that prayer has this great power. As a Catholic Im open to other religions and I personally love watching Joel Osteen, you need to pray and read the Bible but not do these as tasks but really embrace them and feel them and stop being so negative you will get no where in life. and recovering catholic yes getting out there and helping the people in need is a wonderful thing but you are only helping the outside problem you need to get deeper like why are there so many poor people and the answer is corruption the devil at work and you need to pray that God will win over these horrible times. you should all visit http://www.medjugorje.org
Um, okay…
So, let me get this straight. Prayer is the most powerful thing in the world. But sometimes the devil wins… Catholicism, gotta love it. The largest sect of the Christian faith world wide with the most contradictions that are readily swallowed by its adherents. The simple fact that you could utter two sentences back to back that are so diametrically opposed is a strong clue as to why enrollment in the church has been on the decline for some time.
Why not come right out and say it, “I believe in so and so…just not to the point of total commitment. I want to leave my options open, ya know, just in case…”
Why? Can’t he do it without our ego boosting prayers? It has been “the end times” for thousands of years. People have been praying about it for thousands of years. So glad to see that thousands of years worth of prayer from billions of people are paying off. The hard work of one accomplishes more than the prayers of a thousand.