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The History of New Thought & Unity HST 140. Share a little about yourself. a time of prayer. Agenda Session 1. Administrative odds & ends Overview of the course Discussion: What is New Thought? Review syllabus Assignments for this week Plan for next week Closing prayer.
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The History of New Thought & Unity HST 140
a time of prayer
AgendaSession 1 • Administrative odds & ends • Overview of the course • Discussion: What is New Thought? • Review syllabus • Assignments for this week • Plan for next week • Closing prayer
Administrative odds & endsplease … • If you have a question, raise the hand • Be courteous & kind when expressing opinions, especially if countering another’s point of view
Websites you might appreciate.If you find them useful,please support them with a love offering. • NewThoughtHistory.com • lineage of New Thought interactive map • newthoughthistory.org/page1/index.html • TruthUnity.net • Antecedents of New Thought by Eric Butterworth • truthunity.net/audio/eric-butterworth/ • antecedents-of-new-thought
New Thought Family Tree newthoughthistory.org/ page1/index.html
What is New Thought?Metaphysical Club of Boston, 1895 • “To promote interest in and • the practice of a true philosophy of • life and happiness; • to show that through right thinking, • one’s loftiest ideals • may be brought into present realization; • and to advance intelligent and systematic treatment • of disease by spiritual and mental methods.”
What is New Thought? • “… seeing the relation of things • in a New Order.” • Thomas Troward • (1847-1916) • early teacher of “Mental Science”
What is New Thought? • “quiet revolution” • “sign of spiritual growth” • “ask questions and • challenge traditional values” • William Warch • The New Thought Christian
What is New Thought? • “true proponents of original Christianity” • Martin Larson • New Thought Religion
What is New Thought? • “New Thought • can never … be a finished product • and if it remains truly New Thought, • it will never be completed enough • to creedalize it…” • Charles S. Braden • Spirits in Rebellion
Origins of New Thought Beliefs
Origins ofNew Thought Beliefs • “The origins of New Thought • may be traced to a dissatisfaction • on the part of many persons with • scientific empiricism and • their reaction to the religious skepticism • of the 17th and 18th centuries.” • Encyclopedia Britannica
Origins of New Thought Beliefs • Christian mysticism – demonstrated by Jesus • – awareness of our divine nature • - based on intuition, not doctrine • Ancient Greek philosophy – metaphysics of Plato • - focus on reason & intellect • - realm of ideas is more real than matter • Spiritual teachings of Eastern religions (esp. Hinduism) • - Oneness
Origins of New Thought Beliefs • Emanuel Swedenborg • - material realm results from spiritual causes • Mind-Cure of Franz Mesmer & P.P. Quimby • - the mind impacts the physical • Transcendentalism (a form of Idealism) • - especially Ralph Waldo Emerson
God, Spirit, Divine • The Divine is in all things • Spirit is more real and more powerful than matter • God is immanent
Humanity • Our natural essence is divine • We are One “with” God • We are spiritual citizens of a divine universe • God’s qualities are within & can be used by us • Human disorders result from incorrect thinking
The Mind • The mind is much more real and powerful than matter • The mind has the power to heal the body • The remedy for all disorder is metaphysical
Truth • Truth is viewed as a matter of continuing revelation • No single person or institution can declare with finality what is the nature of truth
Session 1 Assignment • How does New Thought differ • from the religion or spiritual movement • you experienced in childhood? • You are to provide a response: due ______ • Substantive post - 20 points • Moderate post - 10 points
Week 1 Assignments: Test Based on the reading, explain, in your own words, one belief that can be found in New Thought. Identify a question you would like answered or an idea you would like to be explored by the end of the course. due: _______
reading for next week19 july Wholeness – The Beginning of Unity • Neal Vahle, The Unity Movement: Its Evolution and Spiritual Teachings • • Intro [xiii-xviii] • • Intro of part 1 [1-4] • • Chap 1: 5-14 & 25-32 • • Chap 2: 33-47 & 67-70
a time of prayer