The New Thought Movement — What is it?

TL;DR:

The New Thought movement promotes the idea that humans can create their own reality through positive thinking, a belief that contradicts biblical teachings about God’s sovereignty and humanity’s dependence on Him for transformation and healing.

what does the bible say?

The New Thought movement began in the 19th century. It is based on Phineas Quimby's belief that physical troubles originate in the mind. Quimby was a self-professed healer who also followed the hypnotist Mesmer. He thought that if the mind would focus on right thinking, what Quimby called the "Truth," then the body would be cured. The founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, was one of Quimby's patients, and some of his beliefs can be found in her theology. Quimby also came up with the law of attraction, the belief that thought can create reality. For example, if a person thinks she can be talented, then she will become talented. One of the foundational beliefs of the New Thought movement is that a human can become divine. This is akin to Satan's lie to Adam and Eve that through the knowledge of good and evil, they could be like God (Genesis 3:5). Scripture emphasizes that sickness and death are consequences of the fall (Genesis 2:17; 3:17–19) and that redemption and newness of life are only possible through Christ (Romans 5:12; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Rather than attempting to think reality into existence, Christians are called to trust in God, be renewed by His Spirit, and live for His glory (Romans 12:1–2).

from the old testament

Genesis 3:5 highlights Satan’s original deception, mirrored in the New Thought belief that humans can attain divinity.
In Genesis 2:17 and 3:17–19, it says, "for you are dust, and to dust you shall return," which explains the consequences of sin, including death and decay—realities that cannot be overcome by positive thinking.
Psalm 16:5–11 reveals that true healing, joy, and security are found in God, not in human effort or thought.

from the new testament

Romans 5:12 tells us that "sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin." The fall introduced death and suffering, which will persist until the ultimate redemption of creation through Christ.
Transformation comes not from self-directed thought, but from aligning our minds with God’s will. Romans 12:1–2 tells us to "be transformed by the renewal of your mind." We do this by allowing God’s Word and Spirit to retrain our hearts and minds and to reorder our desires.
Second Corinthians 5:17 emphasizes that true renewal and transformation come through a relationship with Christ, not self-generated mental practices.
Our ultimate perfection and transformation are the work of God, completed in eternity. First John 3:2 tells us that in heaven, "we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is." We cannot attain divinity either here or in eternity, meaning we cannot construct our own reality or self-transformation. We are not that powerful.

implications for today

The New Thought movement’s emphasis on positive thinking as a means of self-transformation conflicts with biblical truth. While maintaining a hopeful and faith-filled mindset is beneficial, true healing, purpose, and transformation come from trusting in God, not in self-focused thought. The Bible teaches that humans need God's intervention to become more like Him, but we will never become Him. We cannot think reality into existence. Also, sickness and death are the result of the fall (Genesis 2:17; 3:17–19; Romans 5:12; 8:19–22). Our world is decaying. No one can escape this curse; we are all susceptible to diseases, hormonal malfunctions, genetic mutations, deformities, injuries, and death because we are all part of the created order. Certainly, God is able to heal our physical problems in this lifetime if He chooses. But much more than that, He has provided a means of redemption through Jesus Christ (Psalm 16:5–11; Romans 5:2; Colossians 1:27). In Him, we have forgiveness of sin, newness of life, and the promise of eternity in heaven. Rather than try to think ourselves into a pleasant reality, we are transformed through Christ, attempt to live our lives for His glory, and will one day be brought into perfection (Romans 12:1–2; 2 Corinthians 5:17–21; 1 John 3:2). Christians are called to depend on God’s power for renewal and to live for His glory, knowing that ultimate restoration will come in eternity through Jesus Christ.

understand

New Thought teaches that positive thinking can create reality and heal physical conditions.
New Thought claims that humans can become divine, echoing Satan's lie in Genesis 3:5.
The Bible teaches that true healing and transformation only come from God.

reflect

How does the idea of transforming reality through positive thinking compare to God transforming our minds?
Where in your life do you find yourself trying to control outcomes, rather than trusting in God’s sovereignty and allowing Him to transform you in the process?
How can you maintain a hopeful or positive mindset while recognizing that the truth of this reality must come from God?

engage

What are the implications of the New Thought movement’s belief that humans can become divine, or act as a divine being, in trying to make one’s own reality?
How can we help others understand the difference between positive thinking as a tool for hope and the biblical truth of God transforming believers’ minds and hearts?
How does the Bible’s teaching on the fall of humanity and its consequences challenge beliefs of New Thought?