Also known as Higher Thought, the New Thought movement originated in the 19th century United States and was probably derived from the writings of Phineas Quimby, and American spiritualist.
Although the New Thought movement exists today in loosely affiliated denominations and associations, its membership is difficult to determine because of the variety of belief and practices represented among New Thought groups. Some New Thought groups consider themselves to be Christians.
At its core, New Thought is a mind-healing movement based on various religious and metaphysical presuppositions.
Quimby was the son of a blacksmith in Maine. He received little formal education as a child, which was customary for his family's social status and income levels in the early 1800s. He also suffered from tuberculosis in his youth, and the medication he was given for his illness caused serious problems with his teeth so that he experienced frequent severe toothaches.
Although it is unclear what it was, he is said to have developed his own cure, not only for the toothaches but for tuberculosis as well.
As a young man, he became an apprentice to Charles Poyen, a French mesmerist who was touring New England, becoming proficient at hypnotism.
After touring as a hypnotist for a time, Quimby began claiming to be able to cure people of sicknesses that doctors were unable to cure, teaching that disease was the result of false beliefs.
Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, was a patient of Quimby's, and his influence can be seen in the beliefs and practices of Christian Science, although Eddy later refused to acknowledge any dependence on him.
Adherents of New Thought do not follow Mary Baker Eddy's teachings, and New Thought teachings are not in opposition to medical science, as are those of Christian Science.
His teachings also influenced various aspects of the New Age movement.
Although it is unlikely that Quimby studied Plato, there are elements of Platonism in New Thought, particularly its stance that the realm of ideas is more real than that of matter. A more likely influence on the beliefs of Phineas Quimby is Emanuel Swedenborg, the theologian, and mystic who inspired Swedenborgianism. Hegelianism and Transcendentalism may have also had an influence.
The principles of New Thought stress the everlasting omnipresence of God, but also that humanity is divine. New Thought also teaches that sin and disease are matters of incorrect thinking and that human can live in oneness with God in love, truth, peace, health, and prosperity. Some New Thought groups recognize Jesus as teacher and healer, and that Christ's kingdom is within a person. However, references to Jesus and Christ were omitted in the principles of the International New Thought Alliance when it was revised in 1954. In recent years, New Thought leaders have increasingly stressed prosperity as a result of New Thought.
There are implications of monism in New Thought, with its views on the oneness of the world, but there are also tones of Gnosticism. While New Thought is held to be available to everyone, spiritual healings and strength of mind and body are only available to those who have developed the insights, and who have been initiated into the movement.
A practice that is common to several New Thought bodies include a form of breathing exercise known as Breath Vibration, a type of rhythmic breathing taken from Eastern religions.
Some followers of New Thought renounce all allegiance to form and symbol, holding that they act as barriers to the development of the soul, but others argue that they are necessary.
Many followers of New Thought believe in telepathy, thought-transference, clairvoyance, and other such phenomena.
There are no strictly established patterns of worship, services generally involve New Thought teachings, testimony of healings, prayer for the sick, and music.
Today, the largest New Thought denomination is Seicho-no-le, a Japanese denomination. Others include Jewish Science, Religious Science, Divine Science, Centers for Spiritual Living, the Universal Foundation for Better Living, and Unity. Three main organizations include the United Centers for Spiritual Living, the Affiliated New Thought Network, and Global Religious Science Ministries.
Unity regards its philosophies as being Christian New Thought and uses the Bible as one of its main texts, although not interpreted literally.
The Arnulf Seminary of Theology and its sponsor, the American Christian Universal Life Church, are strongly influenced by New Thought ideology.
Obviously, the focus of topics found in this category should be on the New Thought movement. Denominations, schools, and associations affiliated with New Thought are appropriate for this category.
Categories
Divine ScienceReligious Science | Unity Church |
Recommended Resources
International New Thought Alliance
The INTA is a parent organization for branches, organizations, and individuals in the New Thought movement. New Thought philosophy and spirituality, its history, and organizational structure are described here, including its membership policies, a calendar of events, administrative contacts, and announcements. New Thought Magazine, its official publication, may be subscribed to through the site, and subscribers may view the publication online.
https://newthoughtalliance.org/
International New Thought Alliance Archives
An arm of the International New Thought Alliance, the INTAA was organized in the 1950s and moved into a permanent home in 1991. Its purpose is to identify, collect, organize, describe, preserve, and provide access to the historical and contemporary records of the INTA and its affiliates. Its site features historical photos from the movement, and an overview of its purpose and services, a blog, and volunteer opportunities.
https://intaarchives.org/
International New Thought Learning Center
Supporting the various religious groups within the New Thought movement, the IN-TLC offers information and resources on various topics related to the movement, including its religious, scientific, and personal development schools. A free mini-course on the movement is available through the site, along with a library of downloadable books and video. Articles on topics related to the movement and links to additional resources are also featured.
http://www.new-thought-center.com/
New Thought Center for Spiritual Living
Originally founded in 2004 as the independent New Thought Ministries of Oregon, the Center became an affiliated member of the United Centers for Spiritual Living in 2007 and merged with the Whole Life Center for Spiritual Living in 2010. Its history, membership policies, organizational structure, and ministries are outlined, and a calendar of events, employment opportunities, and an online bookstore are included.
http://www.newthoughtcsl.org/
The non-profit spiritual ministry features a digital archive of books and other publications which may be downloaded, including some that are available in formats that can be read on smartphones, tablets, or computers. Specializing in New Thought history and teachings, available books are listed on the site, with a synopsis of each, and may also be found by author, which includes author introductions.
http://www.newthoughtlibrary.com/
The nature-based preschool and kindergarten in Lake Forest, California utilizes a Montessori style of teaching and adheres to New Thought religious philosophy, both of which are summarized here, along with its admissions policies, tuition and fees, payment policies, registration documents, daily schedules, and an annual calendar of events. A photo gallery is included, and interested parents may schedule a tour of the facilities through the site.
https://www.newthoughtmontessori.com/
Society of Jewish Science / Center for Applied Judaism
Jewish Science is a spiritual movement within Judaism that is similar to the New Thought movement, and interpretation of Jewish philosophy conceived by Rabbi Alfred G. Moses in response to the growing influence of the New Thought and Christian Science movements. A history and profile of the Center are set forth, along with a calendar of programs and events, prayer requests, informational essays, and an online shopping area.
http://thecenterforappliedjudaism.org/
Created by the New Thought Library, the site is largely concerned with defining the history, philosophy, and structure of the New Thought movement, offering a historical record of the movement and its earlier influences, as well as New Thought beliefs and practices, holidays, and educational programs. Informational texts are set forth, various forms are available for download, and links to additional resources are included.
https://newthought.net/
