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.
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).
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.