"The Secret" Ray found guilty of causing three deaths

James A. Ray, an inspirational speaker featured in the 2006 DVD "The Secret" which swept the country by instilling the power of wishes coming true, has been convicted of negligent homicide.

It was reported earlier that instead of Ray trying to help or show compassion to victims at his Arizona "sweat lodge" seminar in 2009 when the deaths occurred, he sped away from the scene in a golf cart.

In 2007, Ray was the guest speaker at Unity North Atlanta Church on Sandy Plains Rd. in Marietta, Ga. where attendees who paid $25 participated in the event by listening and then were invited to other events across the country. After watching "The Secret" DVD and learning of Ray's scheduled appearance from the church billboard, I decided to attend his seminar while I was unemployed and desirous of spiritual motivation.

As an attendee, I noticed that Ray appeared very positive and worked the crowd, continuously taking breaks to pose, smile, and drink what he described as a chlorophyll-enriched, green magma looking drink. One memorable story concerning enthusiasm leading to success was told by Ray, about an airport shoeshine man he generously tipped because of his attitude.

Fortunately, I was not impressed enough by Ray to venture to any other performances. The three people died while attending one of Ray's events for which he has been held liable for unsafe conditions.

Ray's sentencing is pending.

©2011 Tomi Johnson. All rights reserved.