Social Justice

New Thought has always reflected the questions raised by the larger society.

As a non-traditional religious approach, New Thought was well ahead of the curve with women ministers and gay ministers, while also being behind the curve on representation for people of color and concern for the economically disadvantaged. As early as the late 19th century, New Thought pioneers included advocates for women and workers’ rights. To cite a few brief examples, Black rights pioneer Marcus Garvey’s ideas included much from New Thought and Wallace Wattles, whose work inspired The Secret, was a socialist candidate for the US congress.

New Thought both shapes and reflects society and its historical context. In the 20th century, New Thought’s emphasis on physical healing and social justice shifted to a focus on attaining individual success and wealth. Currently, New Thought is seeking to reconnect with its earlier, radical roots of freedom and equality for all. “A world that works for everyone” is the slogan of one such organization.

These efforts are not without controversy. Are questions about fundamental human rights politics? Should politics be part of church service? Can human rights, racism, homophobia, and ecological crisis be ignored by a faith tradition with an ethic of Oneness, the idea that what harms any part of creation, human or nonhuman harms us all? Can Oneness be misinterpreted in a way that doesn’t allow for diversity or recognition of white privilege? What does social justice mean in a 21st century New Thought context? The essays on this page explore these questions.