Liberation Theology and New Thought

A Movement That Won’t Be Stopped

Let’s get real—New Thought has never been about standing still. It’s about evolution, growth, and stepping into greater expressions of Truth. And right now, we are witnessing a powerful wave of transformation. I believe we are being called to go beyond outdated denominational divides and into a more expansive understanding of what spiritual liberation means.

Liberation theology isn’t some abstract concept—it’s a natural evolution of New Thought principles. It’s about freeing ourselves from the illusions that separate us, both personally and collectively. And here’s the kicker: there is not only one way to get there. Religious Science, Unity, Divine Science—they’ve all contributed to the growth of this movement. The question isn’t whether New Thought will evolve. It will. The real question is, will we embrace it, or will we cling to old models that no longer serve?

The Roots of New Thought: A Movement, Not a Monolith

New Thought wasn’t born in a vacuum. It’s the result of centuries of spiritual seeking, of people waking up to the idea that God isn’t some far-off being judging us from above, but an ever-present reality within us. Phineas Parker Quimby, Emma Curtis Hopkins, Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, Ernest Holmes—they were all pioneers, but they weren’t gatekeepers. They weren’t trying to create rigid structures. They were sharing a revelation: that our thoughts shape our reality, that divine love is the foundation of everything, and that we have the power to create lives of meaning and purpose.

Religious Science, Unity, and Divine Science each took these foundational truths and ran with them in their own ways. Some emphasized healing, some focused on prosperity, and others on practical spirituality. But at the core, they were all about one thing: awakening to our divine nature. And just like any movement, they have continued to evolve.

Science of Mind and the Liberation Conversation

Ernest Holmes was a genius, no doubt about it. But even he knew that the teaching wasn’t static. I have often envisioned Holmes standing before us, reminding us that he never wanted blind followers, but rather individuals deeply committed to their own inner wisdom. I imagine him saying, 'Don't follow me—follow your own soul.' That’s the whole game right there. Science of Mind was never meant to be a fixed dogma; it’s a living philosophy, one that must grow and shift as consciousness expands.

Rev. Dr. David Alexander has been at the forefront of integrating Science of Mind with liberation theology, challenging us to move beyond personal empowerment and into collective awakening. Liberation theology isn’t just about individual freedom; it’s about breaking down systems of oppression, about recognizing that spirituality and social justice are two sides of the same coin. This isn’t about politics; it’s about Truth. If our teaching doesn’t help heal the collective wounds of humanity, then we’re missing the point.

A Modern-Day Prophet for New Thought

If you want to see what the future of New Thought looks like, look no further than Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith. His book Spiritual Liberation lays it out: we are here to wake up, to grow up, and to show up. I don't see Dr. Michael getting caught up in denominational debates—he’s too busy building bridges. The Agape International Spiritual Center is a testament to what’s possible when we move beyond labels and into a shared vision of spiritual awakening.

Beckwith’s work reminds us that New Thought isn’t about individual gain—it’s about collective transformation. We are not here just to manifest a better parking spot or a bigger bank account. We are here to be a force for good, to uplift humanity, and to break free from anything that keeps us small. And that includes the illusion of separation between different New Thought organizations.

Why Evolution is Inevitable

Let’s be clear—any attempt to stall or stunt the evolution of New Thought is doomed to fail. Why? Because New Thought is built on the very principle of transformation. The moment we try to turn it into a rigid institution, we lose the essence of what makes it powerful.

We’ve seen it before. Every major spiritual tradition that has ever existed has gone through periods of stagnation and rebirth. New Thought is no different. The only difference is, we actually teach this stuff! We know that life is always moving forward, that Spirit is always creating anew. So why would we think that our movement should be any different?

The old denominational divides—Religious Science vs. Unity vs. Divine Science—are relics of another time. They served a purpose, but that time is over. The future of New Thought isn’t about what organization you belong to; it’s about how fully you are living the principles. Are you embodying love? Are you standing for justice? Are you committed to your own spiritual growth and to the upliftment of the world? That’s what matters.

Walking the Talk

If we’re serious about the evolution of New Thought, we have to move beyond talk and into action. That means embracing change, even when it’s uncomfortable. It means supporting leaders who are pushing the boundaries, rather than clinging to what feels familiar. And it means recognizing that our work is far from done.

We can’t afford to stay in our own bubbles. The world needs what we have to offer. The principles of New Thought—oneness, love, infinite possibility—aren’t just nice ideas; they are the key to the kind of world we all want to live in. But they only work if we use them.

We are being called to a higher level of engagement. Whether that looks like getting involved in social justice work, creating inclusive spiritual communities, or simply being more conscious in how we show up in the world, the invitation is clear: evolve or be left behind.

We need more than just theory. We need practice. Imagine if every New Thought community actively worked toward dismantling the illusions of separation—racial, economic, religious. Imagine if we all committed to teaching not just personal empowerment, but collective responsibility. This is the next step in our evolution.

Let’s get into the real questions: How do we live these principles in our relationships? How do we bring them into our workplaces? How do we ensure that the next generation inherits a New Thought movement that is vibrant, inclusive, and relevant?

A Call to Unity

So here’s the bottom line: New Thought is evolving, with or without us. The only question is, are we willing to evolve with it? Are we willing to let go of outdated structures and step into a greater expression of who we are called to be?

This is not a time for division. It’s a time for unity. Not unity in the sense of uniformity, but unity in purpose. We don’t all have to look the same, sound the same, or even agree on everything. But we do have to recognize that we are all part of the same unfolding story.

David Alexander, Michael Beckwith, and so many others are leading the way. They are showing us what’s possible when we let go of smallness and step into greatness. It’s up to us to follow that lead.

New Thought will always make itself new. The only question is, will you?

As we move forward, let us remain open to divine revelation, to new expressions of Truth, and to the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. The journey is ongoing, and the next chapter is ours to write.