Not the same old New Thought

I was drawn to New Thought philosophy by Daily Word video in the 1970's and introduction to Emmet Fox in the 1980's..  Regardless of Merriam- Websters definition (which is limited to historical understanding of the New Thought movement (or should that be movements?).  New Thought is more than it's origins and in a sense defies easy definition.  Like Taoism,  can be pretty tough to discuss. There are those whose thoughts tend to resonate with what I believe.  I defer to their skill in bring forth the words. Abel Allen's work sums contemporary New Thought up nicely.

NEW THOUGHT is not, as many believe, a name or expression employed to define any fixed system of thought, philosophy, or religion, but is a term used to convey the idea of growing or developing thought. In considering this subject, the word "New" should be duly and freely emphasized, because the expression "New Thought" relates only to what is new and progressive.
It would be a misuse of terms to apply the expression "New Thought" to a system of thought, because when thought is molded and formed into a system, it ceases to be new. When a system of thought has reached maturity and ceases to grow, expand, and develop, it can no longer be defined by the word "New." It follows, therefore, as a necessary conclusion, that no system of new thought, or no system of thought defined by that expression, now exists or ever can exist. "New Thought" is the result or creation of perpetually advancing mind. The growing mind is not content with the past or its achievements. It is not satisfied with systems of philosophy or religion originating in other ages and handed down through succeeding generations. They do not satisfy the wants of the mind. Systems do not grow, mind develops. It wants something larger and better; it wants improvement, growth, and development. It is merely the logical and natural effort of the mind in its struggle for advancement; it is following its basic and inherent law. - Abel L. Allen

              Complete essay here:  New Thought defined by Abel L. Allen

                                          New Thought at Wikipedia

I also recommend reflecting upon the Collected Essays of Ralph Waldo Emerson. It can be tough going, and applying his philosophy to the Modern world can be challenging.  I've found it worth it, though. Free at Archive.org here.

I actually find Newton Dillaway's Gospel of Emerson the most useful when considering Emerson's work as a whole. 

It can be found at Amazon here . 

It's also free online in several places. 

   I read the following essay in 1985 during a period of intense soul searching-
                            Raymond Smullyan's classic Is God a Taoist?

Overall, however, when discussing belief systems in any public forum, and especially on Social Media, I prefer discussions consider an Agnostic view. The benefits and relative merits of belief are best represented by the comportment and personal conduct of the believers.