Introduction
Understanding New Thought
New Thought is presented in its setting of origin — United States, 19th century — without reducing it to a single formula. Its central orientation can be summarized as the power attributed to thought, affirmative prayer and a spiritual reading of health and prosperity.
New Thought includes schools, lineages, communities or interpretations that may differ. This entry separates historical evidence, insiders’ claims and research findings.
To be retained
Four essential principles
- Central orientation: the power attributed to thought, affirmative prayer and a spiritual reading of health and prosperity.
- Its documented history is rooted in United States, around 19th century.
- Practices notably include Prayer.
- Internal diversity and cultural context should be respected.
Small timeline
A tradition shaped by history
Origins and formation
The documented formation of New Thought is associated with United States, around 19th century. The founding figure or attribution used here is: Phineas Parkhurst Quimby and plusieurs organisateurs du XIXe century. Early dates remain approximate when sources are late or fragmentary.
Historical developments
Major historical reference points include United States, XIXe century, Emma Curtis Hopkins, and Unity and Religious Science au XXe century. They mark stages of transmission rather than a uniform or complete history.
Ritual life and transmission
Commonly reported forms of practice include Prayer, Affirmations and affirmative prayer, Study of texts and commentaries, Community life, and Self-examination. Their meaning, frequency and conditions of access vary by community.
Contemporary diversity
New Thought includes schools, lineages, communities or interpretations that may differ. This entry separates historical evidence, insiders’ claims and research findings.
History and development
The documented formation of New Thought is associated with United States, around 19th century. The founding figure or attribution used here is: Phineas Parkhurst Quimby and plusieurs organisateurs du XIXe century. Early dates remain approximate when sources are late or fragmentary.
Major historical reference points include United States, XIXe century, Emma Curtis Hopkins, and Unity and Religious Science au XXe century. They mark stages of transmission rather than a uniform or complete history.
Worldview, beliefs and practices
Sources and practitioners commonly describe the heart of New Thought as the power attributed to thought, affirmative prayer and a spiritual reading of health and prosperity. This wording reports a shared orientation without deciding the metaphysical truth of its beliefs.
Commonly reported forms of practice include Prayer, Affirmations and affirmative prayer, Study of texts and commentaries, Community life, and Self-examination. Their meaning, frequency and conditions of access vary by community.
Texts, symbols and transmission
Major supports for transmission include écrits de P. P. Quimby, Scientific Christian Mental Practice, and Science of Mind. Commonly associated symbols include pensée, lumière, and logos institutionnels variables. Their interpretation depends on place, period and lineage.
Historical and scientific perspective
Evidence for health or well-being varies greatly with the method and study quality. These practices do not replace diagnosis, treatment or qualified psychological care.
Cultural cautions
Avoid healing promises or intensive unsupervised practice, especially with respiratory, cardiovascular or mental-health conditions.
What research can and cannot say
Evidence for health or well-being varies greatly with the method and study quality. These practices do not replace diagnosis, treatment or qualified psychological care.
References