The New Thought movement refers to a set of religious beliefs and practices that emerged in the 19th century United States. The central tenet of New Thought is that our thoughts and beliefs have power – that through positive thinking, affirmations, meditation, prayer, and other mind-body practices, we can change our circumstances and create the lives we desire.
Some of the key principles of New Thought include:
- The power of the mind – Our thoughts and beliefs shape our reality. By changing our thought patterns, we can improve our lives.
- The law of attraction – Like attracts like. We attract into our lives whatever we focus our thoughts on, whether positive or negative.
- Affirmations – Repeating positive statements of belief allows us to reprogram our subconscious minds and attract what we affirm.
- Visualization – Imagining and feeling our desired outcomes as if they have already happened helps attract them into reality.
- Meditation and prayer – Quieting the mind and connecting with God/Universe allows inspiration and guidance to flow through.
- Healing – Thoughts and beliefs affect the body; positive thinking improves health.
- Prosperity – Believing in and focusing on abundance attracts wealth.
- Spiritual development – Controlling thoughts is key to unlocking our higher spiritual nature.
New Thought emerged in part as a reaction against the rigid determinism and scientific materialism of the 19th century. The movement’s pioneers were influenced by Transcendentalism and other mystical traditions. Some of the early founders and key figures included:
- Phineas Quimby (1802-1866) – Mesmerist and healer, often called the father of New Thought. Developed ideas about the power of the mind over illness.
- Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910) – Founded Christian Science, which holds that sickness is an illusion that can be corrected by prayer.
- Emma Curtis Hopkins (1853-1925) – Known as the “teacher of teachers” who mentored many prominent New Thought leaders.
- Charles and Myrtle Fillmore – Co-founded the Unity School of Christianity in 1889 which teaches that God is within each person.
- Ernest Holmes (1887-1960) – Founder of the Religious Science movement (also called Science of Mind) in 1927.
- Napoleon Hill (1883-1970) – Influential author of self-help and success literature like Think and Grow Rich.
New Thought principles found expression through a variety of churches, groups, authors, and leaders. Some of the major denominations today include Unity, Religious Science, Divine Science, and the Church of Divine Science. Groups have historically differed on issues like Christology and the Bible, but all share a metaphysical worldview and emphasis on the transformative power of thought.
While New Thought has evolved over time, key teachings as related to the Bible include:
- Oneness – All people are spiritual beings created by and connected to God, though this may be conceived of in different ways (John 17:11, Acts 17:28).
- Divine Nature – The essential nature of humans is divine, made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Sin represents ignorance of our true nature.
- Christ Within – Christ represents the divine potential in all people that can be realized through spiritual growth (Colossians 1:27).
- Human Perfectibility – We can transcend limits and evolve toward our divine destiny through spiritual practice and realization of our oneness with God (Matthew 5:48).
- Salvation Now – Salvation is a process of awakening more fully to the reality of God’s presence within us that transforms our lives in the here-and-now (Luke 17:21).
- Heaven on Earth – By applying spiritual principles, we create heaven on earth and usher in the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:10).
New Thought has faced criticism over the years from mainstream Christians and others who see its metaphysical ideas as unbiblical:
- Pantheistic views of God as an impersonal force contradict God’s personal nature and status as Creator of the universe (Genesis 1:1, John 1:1-3).
- The divinization of humans is at odds with the Bible’s teaching that there is distinction between Creator and created (Romans 1:25).
- Salvation by realizing one’s own divinity differs from salvation by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- Positive confession teachings can lead believers to falsely think they can claim whatever they want from God.
- Overemphasis on material wealth and physical health fails to account for suffering that God can use for good purposes (James 1:2-4).
- New Thought teachers often have unbiblical views of Jesus, minimize sin, and reject core doctrines.
In conclusion, while New Thought contains some elements in alignment with biblical principles like the power of belief and recognition of God’s activity in the world, ultimately it strays from orthodox Christian theology in crucial ways. The Bible warns against false teachings that equate humans with God and empty philosophies that rely on human wisdom over Christ (Colossians 2:8). Discernment is needed to distinguish affirming biblical truths from unbiblical assertions in various New Thought beliefs and practices.