A presentation about the New Thought spiritual movement, its philosophy and the different New Thought denominations. This video discusses the founding of the new thought movement as well as the basic teachings and beliefs of the Centre for Inspired Living (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada), a branch of new though formerly known as Religious Science.
New Thought is a spiritual movement that was fully developed in the 19th Century. It has its roots in American Christianity and Metaphysical beliefs. "Meta" simply means "beyond"--not taking everythingl literally but looking for a greater and deeper meaning; looking beyond the current physical meaning of something.
There are three major denominations associated with the New Thought Movement: Religious Science, founded by Ernest Holmes in the 1950's, Unity, which is the largest of the 3 denominations, and the smaller branch of New Thought which is the Church of Divine Science. The Religious Science has recently changed their name to the Center for Inspired Living, due to its common confusion with Scientololgy, (New Thought has no connections with Scientology.)
The basic premise of New Thought is that God is Good. It is also based on the principles of universal law as demonstrated and taught by histrical figures such as Jesus, Buddha, Muhammad and Lao Tzu. New Thought is inclusive. It draws on the wisdom of all traditions that teach the truth of our unity and not of being separated from, or living in fear of God, and that the omnipresence of God is Good; God is, Love. The Centre for Inspired Living believes in a Loving and Forgiving God, A God that is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, and omniative.
Out of all this philosophy emerged the foundation of the Centre for Inspired Living. Their vision, mission and purpose is to:
'To Be an Environment that inspires each individual in the awakening, realization, and acceptance that we are divine expressions of God's Holy Love.'
'To serve as a gathering and meeting place of the heart, where we come to experience the Divine Life Force of Spirit/God as it breathes into our soul, causing our thoughts and feelings to be awakened, thus empowering us to live life fully.'
The Center for Inspired Living believes in equality and inclusiveness, that all people of all races, color, creed, gender, and sexual identity are created in the image and likeness of God. They believe that God's Love is the most powerful and spiritual force on earth and that it heals humnity's hurt, pain, and suffering; that the power of prayer can heal all false beliefs that prevent us from recognizing our true spiritual inheritance; and also, that selfless-service is a blessing of uor awakened Oneness with all beings and that serving others without desiring anything in return is the blessing of self-less service.
We are not to forget that each of us our blessed with each and every moment that we walk, and breathe, and think and be an expression of Love; acceptance that we are a Divine Expression of God and accept this as our truth. God's Holy Love in the purest form is innate within each of us, and we can awaken it within ourselves--within our hearts. This is who we are. In all its glory, this is new thought.
The Centre For Inspired Living The Center For Inspired Living (CIL) website and community. The Centre For Inspired Living Centers For Spiritual Living (founded in 1927 by Dr. Ernest Holmes)