How New Thought Has Crept into Our Culture—and Why I Had to Speak Up
For a long time, I didn’t realize just how much New Thought teachings had woven their way into our culture, our churches, and even the way we approach success. It wasn’t until I started questioning the messages I was hearing—about manifesting my reality, speaking things into existence, and striving for self-made success—that I began to see the deeper roots of these ideas. And to be honest, what I found shook me.
New Thought isn’t just a trend; it’s a movement with deep historical roots that subtly shifts our focus away from God’s sovereignty and onto our own power. I knew I had to dig in, research, and share what I learned because these ideas aren’t just in the self-help section of bookstores—they’re everywhere. They’re in sermons, business strategies, and even the way we define faith.
What is New Thought, and Why Does It Matter?
New Thought is a belief system that emerged in the 19th century, emphasizing the power of the mind to shape reality. It teaches that your thoughts create your circumstances, and by harnessing the right mindset, you can manifest health, wealth, and happiness. While this might sound harmless—or even biblical at times—at its core, it shifts our trust from God’s will to our own ability to control outcomes.
This thinking has bled into churches and Christian circles under different names: the Prosperity Gospel, Word of Faith, and even some personal development teachings. Instead of surrendering to God’s plan, we’re encouraged to declare our desires into existence, as if faith is a formula rather than a relationship with a sovereign God.
How This Ties into My Latest Series
As I peeled back the layers of New Thought’s influence, I felt an urgency to share what I was learning. That’s why I created my video series “The Truth Behind Prosperity Gospel, New Thought & Hustle Culture.” In this series, I break down how these teachings have shaped modern thinking, why they conflict with biblical truth, and how we can discern what’s truly from God.
One of the books that helped me on this journey is “Happy Lies” by Melissa Dougherty—a powerful resource that unpacks New Thought’s origins and how it has crept into modern Christian teachings. If you’ve ever wondered why so many faith-based success messages sound like self-help slogans, this book will open your eyes.
What the Bible Says
Scripture warns us against relying on our own understanding and instead calls us to trust in the Lord’s wisdom. One verse that speaks directly to this is Colossians 2:8:
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
God calls us to be discerning. Not everything that sounds good is actually biblical.
Let’s Talk About It
I’d love for you to check out my series and dig into this topic with me. It’s time we recognize the subtle ways these teachings have influenced our thinking and get back to the foundation of our faith—trusting in God, not in ourselves.
And if you’re looking for a deep dive into New Thought’s influence, I highly recommend Happy Lies by Melissa Dougherty. It’s a must-read for anyone wanting to understand how these ideas have shaped our world.
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
