I have been pondering what is mine to do concerning our country’s volatile issues. Since I have always considered myself a pacifist, what is my role? Are New Thought and social activism compatible?
While pondering, I discovered an excellent article by Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins, president of the Divine Science Federation board of directors and Senior Minister for Sunshine Cathedral in Florida. Here are some excerpts from his article:
Is New Thought Compatible with Social Activism?
by Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins (Divine Science Federation)
Nineteenth century Metaphysical practitioners began as healers who would “treat” people affordably (and provide income for women who weren’t offered a lot of professional opportunities at the time). New Thought offered “universal healthcare” from the start! In those days, medicine wasn’t nearly as advanced as it is now, and treatment through mental prayer often proved as effective or more so (and less dangerous) than the medicine of the day. Safe, affordable healthcare available to all, often offered by women…that is a New Thought legacy.
New Thought pioneers were models for women’s rights. Some women in early New Thought worked for women’s voting rights. …
Today, there are prominent New Thought leaders who find that our belief in Oneness (God is the Source and Substance of all life so we are all part of God and connected to all that is) will cause us to care for those who are being treated unfairly. New Thought, then, has become a voice of social justice (as it was when New Thought feminists were working for universal suffrage). New Thought historian Mitch Horowitz tells us that Wallace Wattles (a major influence in self-help circles and is featured in The Secret) was a socialist. …
So, yes we pray, visualize, and encourage, but we also lend a hand, and we support organized efforts to relieve suffering in the world. As our Religious Science friends have said, we must “treat and move our feet.”
Inspiring words from a modern-day New Thought activist. If you struggle with this issue like me, I would encourage you to read the entire article.