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There are two opposing theories about success and health.

This article is under construction and is not yet completed

Theory One: Everything that happens to us is a result of our thoughts. If we are sick it is because we are allowing it to happen. If we have an accident we somehow thought it and created it in our mind then allowed it to happen. If we are poor it is because of our stinking thinking. If we are rich it is because of our positive thinking. Our mind can create and give us anything we desire if we desire it enough. Theory one abolishes the existence of God and puts man in total control of his destiny.

Theory Two: We are subjects of external circumstances and have little or no control in our lives and our destiny. If we are sick or depressed it is because of chemical or external circumstances and our thoughts and free will has nothing to do with it. Theory two puts man at the mercy of God and the world without any control.

Obviously there are many variables within these two theories causing lots of middle ground. Some believe in each theory at different times. Theory one is the prominent philosophy in the "Think and Grow Rich" concepts taught by success authors and seminars. Some Christian philosophers use a variable of theory one with faith in God and teach we can obtain anything we desire. Those who believe in theory one often look down on poor and sick people judging them as losers and failures.

This article will explorer these two concepts in a Christian and Biblical as well as collecting scientific research. To begin this evaluation I refer to the parable of the Rich Man - Poor Man or sometimes referred to as Lazarus and the Rich Man as recorded in Luke chapter 16 starting at verse 19.

Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

It would seem that this parable supports theory two and discounts theory one. That would be a simplistic statement. It certainly shows that the poor man received greater heavenly treasures than the rich man, yet there are numerous stories of good rich men in the Bible.

This article will discuss the problems with positive thinking based on the concept "What ever the mind of man can believe he can achieve and he would not have the thought if it were not meant for him to accomplish it." Puts our experiences in this life more important than the next life. Denies that God may have a reason for your trial or hardship and your positive thinking would not only disrupt it but worse would eliminate what you might otherwise learn that would be more beneficial in the next life. Puts the devil in charge of our life. Lifts us up in false pride, telling God what is best in our life. Can cause compulsion or control over the free will of others. In other words getting what one wants at the expense or free will of others. Makes those who have trials or problems feel they are to blame for their issues. This attitude denies that life is a life of thorns and thistles with circumstances beyond our control.