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Background of New Thought SEE Syllabus

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SEE Syllabus

The material in this book should satisfy the SEE Course Syllabus for HI-604 Background of New Thought as taught in the curriculum of Unity Institute

Course Objectives:

  • Offer a definition of New Thought, what it is and what it is not.
  • Identify some of the key figures in the development of the New Thought movement and briefly describe their contributions to New Thought.
  • Identify some of the key similarities and differences among New Thought, Unity, and Christian Science.
  • Identify the major New Thought religions and their most significant teachings.
  • Discuss some of the recent developments in New Thought.

Course Required Books:

  • Spirits in Rebellion by Charles S. Braden
  • Friends in High Places by Thomas Shepherd -- published by Unity

Course Topics:

  • The basic principles of New Thought
  • Differences between New Thought and Christian Science
  • Contributions of antecedents of New Thought, including Plato, Origen, Eckhart, Mesmer, Swedenborg, Emerson, Hegel
  • Quimby's healing philosophy
  • Contributions of New Thought pioneers Evans, Hopkins, Julius, Annetta Seabury, and Horatio Dresser, Ella Wheeler Wilcox
  • Works of Thomas Troward and Emmet Fox
  • Founders of the major non-Unity New Thought movements:
    • Cramer and Brooks – Divine Science
    • Holmes – Religious Science
    • Colemon – UFBL
    • King – Hillside Chapel and Truth Center
  • INTA and AGNT
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