New Thought - Timeline Movement
Founder
Phineas Quimby
Time Period
1859
Description
The New Thought movement began in the mid-19th century as people began extolling a new way of thinking about the combined power of the mind and God to influence everything from healing to personal success. Phineas Quimby was one of the earliest and notable proponents of the movement.
The first national convention of New Thought groups was held in 1894. Gatherings continued over the years under various names. Then, in 1914, the International New Thought Alliance was formed in a major attempt at unifying these independent communities.
New Thought teaches that health and prosperity can be harnessed through God and "the creative power of constructive thinking." It embraces all spiritual paths, and believes that thoughts and attitudes shape the world. There are an estimated 160,000 adherents.
In addition to independent communities, the New Thought movement also helped give birth to the Unity Church, Religious Science and Christian Science.
The first national convention of New Thought groups was held in 1894. Gatherings continued over the years under various names. Then, in 1914, the International New Thought Alliance was formed in a major attempt at unifying these independent communities.
New Thought teaches that health and prosperity can be harnessed through God and "the creative power of constructive thinking." It embraces all spiritual paths, and believes that thoughts and attitudes shape the world. There are an estimated 160,000 adherents.
In addition to independent communities, the New Thought movement also helped give birth to the Unity Church, Religious Science and Christian Science.
Interactive Timeline(s)
Browse Related Timeline Entries
Biographies
Eddy, Mary BakerRelated Dictionary Terms
Adherent, God/GoddessPhotographs
Phineas Quimby portrait- Internet Archive- from The Life of Mary Baker G. Eddy by Georgine Milmine
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Unity School of Christianity in Unity Village, MO- Wikimedia Commons- photo by Newthoughtdocumentary (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Emma Curtis Hopkins portrait- Wikimedia Commons
A History of the New Thought Movement, title page- Internet Archive
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Charles Brodie Patterson portrait- Internet Archive- from The American Monthly Review of Reviews, vol 25 (1902)
Book/Journal Source(s)
Lippy, Charles, and Peter Williams, 2010. Encyclopedia of Religion in America Washington, D.C.: CQ Press.Benedict, Gerald, 2008. The Watkins Dictionary of Religions and Secular Faiths London: Watkins Publishing.
Web Source(s)
https://web.archive.org/web/20150518140415/https://www.religionfacts.com/new-thought(Link updated [7.28.2023] to archived copy, original is no longer online.)
Web Page Contributor
Sandi DolbeeAffliated with: Former Religion and Ethics Editor, The San Diego Union-Tribune
