The Shadow Side of New Thought

When Ego Hijacks Principle

A Conversation That Sparked This Exploration

The other day, I found myself in a conversation with a group of people, and we began exploring the role and activity of the ego in our lives—especially through the lens of New Thought. As we shared experiences, insights, and challenges, it became clear that the ego can either serve our spiritual growth or subtly distort the very principles we hold dear. That conversation stuck with me, and I knew I had to write something to support this exploration—to dive deeper into how an unchecked ego can misuse spiritual truths and what we can do about it.

New Thought teaches us that we are powerful co-creators of our reality. We affirm that our thoughts shape our experience, that the Universe responds to our beliefs, and that we are divine expressions of an infinite Presence. These are empowering principles, transformative truths that have uplifted countless souls. And yet, like all profound spiritual wisdom, they can be misused—especially when the ego takes the driver’s seat.

So….What is the Ego?

In New Thought, the ego is often understood as the aspect of consciousness that is tied to individual identity, personal narratives, and the illusion of separation. It is not inherently bad, but when left unchecked, it can distort spiritual principles to serve its own needs—seeking validation, control, and superiority.

From a New Thought perspective, the ego is the voice that clings to limitation, fear, and a sense of lack. It is the part of us that identifies with external conditions rather than the infinite potential of the Divine Presence within. When in balance, the ego can serve as a tool for navigating human experience, but when it dominates, it can misuse spiritual principles to justify privilege, avoid self-examination, or dismiss others' struggles.

True spiritual growth in New Thought involves transcending the ego—not by erasing it, but by aligning it with a higher awareness of oneness, love, and divine intelligence. This requires humility, deep self-inquiry, and a commitment to using spiritual principles in service of collective well-being, rather than personal aggrandizement.

When the Ego Distorts Principle

In its highest expression, New Thought invites us into deep spiritual awakening and radical responsibility. It calls us to recognize our divine nature and to live in alignment with the highest good for all. But when the ego—the small self obsessed with separation, validation, and control—seizes these principles, it twists them into tools for self-aggrandizement and even oppression.

This distortion can take many forms:

• Spiritual Materialism – The belief that manifesting personal wealth is the highest expression of spiritual mastery, rather than a byproduct of true alignment with the Divine.

• Blame and Shame Culture – The misuse of metaphysical principles to suggest that those who suffer oppression, poverty, or illness simply have ‘bad consciousness’ or ‘low vibrations.’

• Spiritual Bypass – Using affirmations and positive thinking as a way to avoid engaging with systemic injustices, painful emotions, or the deep work of healing.

• Spiritual Gas-lighting – Dismissing people's struggles or emotions by telling them their reality is merely a reflection of their thoughts, thereby invalidating genuine pain and systemic challenges.

• Guru Ego Syndrome – When spiritual teachers position themselves as enlightened authorities, demanding unquestioning loyalty while subtly reinforcing hierarchy and exclusion.

When these distortions occur, New Thought loses its liberatory potential. Instead of empowering all beings, it becomes a tool of privilege, reinforcing the very systems of oppression it was meant to transcend.

The Harm to Marginalized Communities

The misuse of New Thought principles can be particularly harmful to marginalized communities. When we tell someone experiencing systemic racism or generational poverty that they just need to ‘change their thinking,’ we ignore the structural realities shaping their lives. When we insist that everyone has equal access to prosperity, we dismiss the historical and economic forces at play. And when we prioritize individual success over collective well-being, we perpetuate inequality rather than dissolving it.

New Thought at its best is about empowerment—but not at the cost of ignoring injustice. It is about spiritual liberation—not just for the privileged few who have already climbed the economic ladder, but for all beings seeking freedom.

What We Can Do About It

As practitioners of New Thought, we have a responsibility to keep our philosophy aligned with its highest truth. Here’s some ofthe ways we can ensure that we don’t let the ego distort our principles:

1. Cultivate Humility – Recognize that we are always growing. Stay open to learning, especially from those who have experiences different from our own.

2. Embrace Both/And Thinking – We can believe in the power of thought while also acknowledging the impact of systemic issues. Social change and consciousness work are not mutually exclusive.

3. Engage in Deep Inquiry – Ask ourselves tough questions: Am I using these teachings to uplift others, or just to justify my own point of view? Am I avoiding discomfort by dismissing others’ struggles as ‘their own consciousness issue’?

4. Practice Collective Care – Move from individual manifestation to collective transformation. New Thought is not just about what I can manifest—it’s about what we can create together.

5. Call In, Not Out – When we see these distortions happening in our communities, let’s engage in conversations with love and clarity. Let’s help each other remember the true purpose of our philosophy.

New Thought is a revolutionary teaching. It is meant to free us—from limitation, from false beliefs, and from the illusion of separateness. But we must remain vigilant. If we allow ego to hijack the principles, we risk turning our spiritual movement into just another justification for the status quo.

Let us be the ones who keep the flame of truth burning. Let us be the ones who ensure that New Thought remains a philosophy of liberation—for all people, in all circumstances, at all times.

Oh Yeah….and….One more quick thing.

I want to say Thank You to the people that are subscribing to this sub-stack, and give an extra shout out to the two folks that are financially supporting this work.

Rev Dr David Alexander and Charles Betterton….Thank you for demonstrating your belief in my work through your financial contributions.

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Peace and Blessings

Robert