Positive Thinking and the Cure of the Souls

Abstract

This chapter examines how Norman Vincent Peale’s gospel of positive thinking catapulted him to fame, mainly through his 1952 book, “The Power of Positive Thinking,” and contributed to the revival of American religion at the time. It first considers how the overwhelming reception accorded “The Power of Positive Thinking” made Peale a “minister to millions” and how his popularity coincided with the religious revitalization effort before discussing Peale’s interpretation of New Thought. It then looks at the criticisms hurled against “The Power of Positive Thinking,” including the accusation that Pealeism represented the worst aspects of the revival of populist religion, and the role played by Peale in the religious revival of the 1950s. Finally, it describes how the Foundation for Christian Living emerged as the nerve center of Peale’s independent ministry during the decade of the 1950s.