Module 2: Foundations of New Thought
How does New Thought differ from the religion or spiritual movement you experienced in childhood?
The religion or spiritual movement I experienced in childhood was varied which included Southern Baptist teachings, Catholic teachings, and exposure to Judaism. But since I was a child and young teen the religious aspects were more regulated at home by my folks. My parents were very attached to their own preferences of religious teachings, rules and regulations. But the effect it had on me personally is that all the religious training I had, seemed to get diluted in so many messages coming at me. So, I disregarded them for most part, didn’t believe them, and didn’t choose to argue with either of them over their obvious biases. Instead, I choose to believe what I wanted and choose how it affected me internally. But one thing I noticed in all three religions was opportunities for girls and woman were limited or nonexistent. Since I was being raised, to believe I could be whatever I wanted to be, it would not have been an ecclesiastical choice for me at that time due to their religion’s restraints no matter what my calling was. As an adolescent I did not object to what my folks said about their religion, but I did not agree and set upon an independent plan for myself to leave after I graduated from high school. I did follow that path and then choose for myself.
This course that was unintentionally set for me by my folks, made me a very independent and critical thinker. So, as a young woman in her thirties, it was a natural spiritual growth to find myself at New Thought church. New Thought opened a world for me to support many beliefs I already had. It supported me in choosing my direction without dogma, that I would not have followed anyways. It opened a vastness of ways to communicate with the indwelling God in me that was not opened to me in all three other religions. New Thought has taught me spiritual practices I can perform for myself. I do not need an interceding person.
I have been blessed to be involved in New Thought for over 32 years.
Although I was unchurched, my parents also fostered "being independent and being a critical thinker." I am very grateful to my parents for that, especially now. It allowed me to eventually find New Thought, in my 30's. I have also been involved for well over 30 yars. Communicating with God directly and experiencing the wonders of tuning into Spirit are such a blessing! It has made me a better and much happier person, and hopefully helped me to do my part to make the world a better place.