People, Ideas, and Movements That Shaped New Thought
From its metaphysical roots in the 1830s to its institutional flowering in the 1890s, the New Thought movement spread through a network of teachers, periodicals, and healing centers, leaving a lasting imprint on American spirituality and self-help culture.
Nona Lovell Brooks (1861–1945) was a leader in the New Thought movement and co-founder of the Church of Divine Science. This article traces her journey from a Presbyterian childhood in Civil War-era West Virginia to her healing experience, her founding of a major metaphysical denomination, and her lasting influence on American religious thought.
Malinda Cramer (1844–1906) was a pioneering figure in the New Thought movement, founder of the Divine Science tradition, and author of influential metaphysical texts. This article traces her life, teachings, organizations, and enduring legacy.