2023/01/06

홀로그램 우주 - 위키백과, The Holographic Brain

홀로그램 우주 - 위키백과, The Holographic Brain

Holonomic brain theory

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Holonomic brain theory, also known as The Holographic Brain, 

is a branch of neuroscience investigating the idea that human consciousness is formed by quantum effects in or between brain cells. 

Holonomic refers to representations in a Hilbert phase space defined by both spectral and space-time coordinates.[1] The Holonomic Brain Theory is opposed by traditional neuroscience, which investigates the brain's behavior by looking at patterns of neurons and the surrounding chemistry. 

The entire field of quantum consciousness is often criticized as pseudoscience.[citation needed]

This specific theory of quantum consciousness was developed by neuroscientist Karl Pribram initially in collaboration with physicist David Bohm building on the initial theories of holograms originally formulated by Dennis Gabor. It describes human cognition by modeling the brain as a holographic storage network.[2][3] Pribram suggests these processes involve electric oscillations in the brain's fine-fibered dendritic webs, which are different from the more commonly known action potentials involving axons and synapses.[4][5][6] These oscillations are waves and create wave interference patterns in which memory is encoded naturally, and the wave function may be analyzed by a Fourier transform.[4][5][6][7][8] Gabor, Pribram and others noted the similarities between these brain processes and the storage of information in a hologram, which can also be analyzed with a Fourier transform.[2][9] In a hologram, any part of the hologram with sufficient size contains the whole of the stored information. In this theory, a piece of a long-term memory is similarly distributed over a dendritic arbor so that each part of the dendritic network contains all the information stored over the entire network.[2][9][10] This model allows for important aspects of human consciousness, including the fast associative memory that allows for connections between different pieces of stored information and the non-locality of memory storage (a specific memory is not stored in a specific location, i.e. a certain cluster of neurons).[2][11][12]

Origins and development[edit]

In 1946 Dennis Gabor invented the hologram mathematically, describing a system where an image can be reconstructed through information that is stored throughout the hologram.[4] He demonstrated that the information pattern of a three-dimensional object can be encoded in a beam of light, which is more-or-less two-dimensional. Gabor also developed a mathematical model for demonstrating a holographic associative memory.[13] One of Gabor's colleagues, Pieter Jacobus Van Heerden, also developed a related holographic mathematical memory model in 1963.[14][15][16] This model contained the key aspect of non-locality, which became important years later when, in 1967, experiments by both Braitenberg and Kirschfield showed that exact localization of memory in the brain was false.[10]

Karl Pribram had worked with psychologist Karl Lashley on Lashley's engram experiments, which used lesions to determine the exact location of specific memories in primate brains.[2] Lashley made small lesions in the brains and found that these had little effect on memory. On the other hand, Pribram removed large areas of cortex, leading to multiple serious deficits in memory and cognitive function. Memories were not stored in a single neuron or exact location, but were spread over the entirety of a neural network. Lashley suggested that brain interference patterns could play a role in perception, but was unsure how such patterns might be generated in the brain or how they would lead to brain function.[17]

Several years later an article by neurophysiologist John Eccles described how a wave could be generated at the branching ends of pre-synaptic axons. Multiple of these waves could create interference patterns. Soon after, Emmett Leith was successful in storing visual images through the interference patterns of laser beams, inspired by Gabor's previous use of Fourier transformations to store information within a hologram.[18] After studying the work of Eccles and that of Leith,[17] Pribram put forward the hypothesis that memory might take the form of interference patterns that resemble laser-produced holograms.[19] Physicist David Bohm presented his ideas of holomovement and implicate and explicate order.[citation needed] Pribram became aware of Bohm's work in 1975[20] and realized that, since a hologram could store information within patterns of interference and then recreate that information when activated, it could serve as a strong metaphor for brain function.[17] Pribram was further encouraged in this line of speculation by the fact that neurophysiologists Russell and Karen DeValois[21] together established "the spatial frequency encoding displayed by cells of the visual cortex was best described as a Fourier transform of the input pattern."[22]

Theory overview[edit]

The hologram and holonomy[edit]

Diagram of one possible hologram setup.

A main characteristic of a hologram is that every part of the stored information is distributed over the entire hologram.[3] Both processes of storage and retrieval are carried out in a way described by Fourier transformation equations.[23] As long as a part of the hologram is large enough to contain the interference pattern, that part can recreate the entirety of the stored image, but the image may have unwanted changes, called noise.[9]

An analogy to this is the broadcasting region of a radio antenna. In each smaller individual location within the entire area it is possible to access every channel, similar to how the entirety of the information of a hologram is contained within a part.[4] Another analogy of a hologram is the way sunlight illuminates objects in the visual field of an observer. It doesn't matter how narrow the beam of sunlight is. The beam always contains all the information of the object, and when conjugated by a lens of a camera or the eyeball, produces the same full three-dimensional image. The Fourier transform formula converts spatial forms to spatial wave frequencies and vice versa, as all objects are in essence vibratory structures. Different types of lenses, acting similarly to optic lenses, can alter the frequency nature of information that is transferred.

This non-locality of information storage within the hologram is crucial, because even if most parts are damaged, the entirety will be contained within even a single remaining part of sufficient size. Pribram and others noted the similarities between an optical hologram and memory storage in the human brain. According to the holonomic brain theory, memories are stored within certain general regions, but stored non-locally within those regions.[24] This allows the brain to maintain function and memory even when it is damaged.[3][23][25] It is only when there exist no parts big enough to contain the whole that the memory is lost.[4] This can also explain why some children retain normal intelligence when large portions of their brain—in some cases, half—are removed. It can also explain why memory is not lost when the brain is sliced in different cross-sections.[5]

A single hologram can store 3D information in a 2D way. Such properties may explain some of the brain's abilities, including the ability to recognize objects at different angles and sizes than in the original stored memory.

Pribram proposed that neural holograms were formed by the diffraction patterns of oscillating electric waves within the cortex.[25] Representation occurs as a dynamical transformation in a distributed network of dendritic microprocesses.[26] It is important to note the difference between the idea of a holonomic brain and a holographic one. Pribram does not suggest that the brain functions as a single hologram. Rather, the waves within smaller neural networks create localized holograms within the larger workings of the brain.[6] This patch holography is called holonomy or windowed Fourier transformations.

A holographic model can also account for other features of memory that more traditional models cannot. The Hopfield memory model has an early memory saturation point before which memory retrieval drastically slows and becomes unreliable.[23] On the other hand, holographic memory models have much larger theoretical storage capacities. Holographic models can also demonstrate associative memory, store complex connections between different concepts, and resemble forgetting through "lossy storage".[13]

The synaptodendritic web[edit]

A Few of the Various Types of Synapses

In classic brain theory the summation of electrical inputs to the dendrites and soma (cell body) of a neuron either inhibit the neuron or excite it and set off an action potential down the axon to where it synapses with the next neuron. However, this fails to account for different varieties of synapses beyond the traditional axodendritic (axon to dendrite). There is evidence for the existence of other kinds of synapses, including serial synapses and those between dendrites and soma and between different dendrites.[5] Many synaptic locations are functionally bipolar, meaning they can both send and receive impulses from each neuron, distributing input and output over the entire group of dendrites.[5]

Processes in this dendritic arbor, the network of teledendrons and dendrites, occur due to the oscillations of polarizations in the membrane of the fine-fibered dendrites, not due to the propagated nerve impulses associated with action potentials.[4] Pribram posits that the length of the delay of an input signal in the dendritic arbor before it travels down the axon is related to mental awareness.[5][27] The shorter the delay the more unconscious the action, while a longer delay indicates a longer period of awareness. A study by David Alkon showed that after unconscious Pavlovian conditioning there was a proportionally greater reduction in the volume of the dendritic arbor, akin to synaptic elimination when experience increases the automaticity of an action.[5] Pribram and others theorize that, while unconscious behavior is mediated by impulses through nerve circuits, conscious behavior arises from microprocesses in the dendritic arbor.[4]

At the same time, the dendritic network is extremely complex, able to receive 100,000 to 200,000 inputs in a single tree, due to the large amount of branching and the many dendritic spines protruding from the branches.[5] Furthermore, synaptic hyperpolarization and depolarization remains somewhat isolated due to the resistance from the narrow dendritic spine stalk, allowing a polarization to spread without much interruption to the other spines. This spread is further aided intracellularly by the microtubules and extracellularly by glial cells. These polarizations act as waves in the synaptodendritic network, and the existence of multiple waves at once gives rise to interference patterns.[5]

Deep and surface structure of memory[edit]

Pribram suggests that there are two layers of cortical processing: a surface structure of separated and localized neural circuits and a deep structure of the dendritic arborization that binds the surface structure together. The deep structure contains distributed memory, while the surface structure acts as the retrieval mechanism.[4] Binding occurs through the temporal synchronization of the oscillating polarizations in the synaptodendritic web. It had been thought that binding only occurred when there was no phase lead or lag present, but a study by Saul and Humphrey found that cells in the lateral geniculate nucleus do in fact produce these.[5] Here phase lead and lag act to enhance sensory discrimination, acting as a frame to capture important features.[5] These filters are also similar to the lenses necessary for holographic functioning.

Pribram notes that holographic memories show large capacities, parallel processing and content addressability for rapid recognition, associative storage for perceptual completion and for associative recall.[28][29] In systems endowed with memory storage, these interactions therefore lead to progressively more self-determination.[26]

Recent studies[edit]

While Pribram originally developed the holonomic brain theory as an analogy for certain brain processes, several papers (including some more recent ones by Pribram himself) have proposed that the similarity between hologram and certain brain functions is more than just metaphorical, but actually structural.[11][27] Others still maintain that the relationship is only analogical.[30] Several studies have shown that the same series of operations used in holographic memory models are performed in certain processes concerning temporal memory and optomotor responses. This indicates at least the possibility of the existence of neurological structures with certain holonomic properties.[10] Other studies have demonstrated the possibility that biophoton emission (biological electrical signals that are converted to weak electromagnetic waves in the visible range) may be a necessary condition for the electric activity in the brain to store holographic images.[11] These may play a role in cell communication and certain brain processes including sleep, but further studies are needed to strengthen current ones.[27] Other studies have shown the correlation between more advanced cognitive function and homeothermy. Taking holographic brain models into account, this temperature regulation would reduce distortion of the signal waves, an important condition for holographic systems.[11] See: Computation approach in terms of holographic codes and processing.[31]

Criticism and alternative models[edit]

Pribram's holonomic model of brain function did not receive widespread attention at the time, but other quantum models have been developed since, including brain dynamics by Jibu & Yasue and Vitiello's dissipative quantum brain dynamics. Though not directly related to the holonomic model, they continue to move beyond approaches based solely in classic brain theory.[3][11]

Correlograph[edit]

In 1969 scientists D. Wilshaw, O. P. Buneman and H. Longuet-Higgins proposed an alternative, non-holographic model that fulfilled many of the same requirements as Gabor's original holographic model. The Gabor model did not explain how the brain could use Fourier analysis on incoming signals or how it would deal with the low signal-noise ratio in reconstructed memories. Longuet-Higgin's correlograph model built on the idea that any system could perform the same functions as a Fourier holograph if it could correlate pairs of patterns. It uses minute pinholes that do not produce diffraction patterns to create a similar reconstruction as that in Fourier holography.[3] Like a hologram, a discrete correlograph can recognize displaced patterns and store information in a parallel and non-local way so it usually will not be destroyed by localized damage.[32] They then expanded the model beyond the correlograph to an associative net where the points become parallel lines arranged in a grid. Horizontal lines represent axons of input neurons while vertical lines represent output neurons. Each intersection represents a modifiable synapse. Though this cannot recognize displaced patterns, it has a greater potential storage capacity. This was not necessarily meant to show how the brain is organized, but instead to show the possibility of improving on Gabor's original model.[32] One property of the associative net that makes it attractive as a neural model is that good retrieval can be obtained even when some of the storage elements are damaged or when some of the components of the address are incorrect.[33] P. Van Heerden countered this model by demonstrating mathematically that the signal-noise ratio of a hologram could reach 50% of ideal. He also used a model with a 2D neural hologram network for fast searching imposed upon a 3D network for large storage capacity. A key quality of this model was its flexibility to change the orientation and fix distortions of stored information, which is important for our ability to recognize an object as the same entity from different angles and positions, something the correlograph and association network models lack.[16]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Pribram, Karl. Brain and Perception: Holonomy and Structure in Figural Processing. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. ISBN 0-89859-995-4.
  2. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e Forsdyke D. R. (2009). "Samuel Butler and human long term memory: Is the cupboard bare?". Journal of Theoretical Biology. 258 (1): 156–164. Bibcode:2009JThBi.258..156F. doi:10.1016/j.jtbi.2009.01.028. PMID 19490862.
  3. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e Andrew A. M. (1997). "The decade of the brain - further thoughts". Kybernetes. 26 (3): 255–264. doi:10.1108/03684929710163155.
  4. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e f g h Pribram K. H., Meade S. D. (1999). "Conscious awareness: Processing in the synaptodendritic web". New Ideas in Psychology. 17 (3): 205–214. doi:10.1016/S0732-118X(99)00024-0.
  5. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e f g h i j Pribram K. H. (1999). "Quantum holography: Is it relevant to brain function?". Information Sciences. 115 (1–4): 97–102. doi:10.1016/S0020-0255(98)10082-8.
  6. ^ Jump up to:a b c Vandervert L. R. (1995). "Chaos theory and the evolution of consciousness and mind: A thermodynamic-holographic resolution to the mind-body problem". New Ideas in Psychology. 13 (2): 107–127. doi:10.1016/0732-118X(94)00047-7.
  7. ^ Berger D.H., Pribram K.H. (1992). "The Relationship between the Gabor elementary function and a stochastic model of the inter-spike interval distribution in the responses of the visual cortex neurons". Biological Cybernetics. 67 (2): 191–194. doi:10.1007/bf00201026. PMID 1320946. S2CID 11123748.
  8. ^ Pribram K.H. (2004). "Consciousness Reassessed". Mind and Matter. 2: 7–35.
  9. ^ Jump up to:a b c Gabor D (1972). "Holography, 1948–1971". Science. 177 (4046): 299–313. Bibcode:1972Sci...177..299G. doi:10.1126/science.177.4046.299. PMID 4556285.
  10. ^ Jump up to:a b c Borsellino A., Poggio T. (1972). "Holographic aspects of temporal memory and optomotor responses". Kybernetik. 10 (1): 58–60. doi:10.1007/bf00288785. PMID 4338085. S2CID 10084612.
  11. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e Bókkon István (2005). "Dreams and neuroholography: An interdisciplinary interpretation of development of homeotherm state in evolution". Sleep and Hypnosis. 7 (2): 47–62.
  12. ^ Gabor D (1968). "Holographic Model of Temporal Recall". Nature. 217 (5128): 584. Bibcode:1968Natur.217..584G. doi:10.1038/217584a0. PMID 5641120. S2CID 4147927.
  13. ^ Jump up to:a b Kelly M. A.; Blostein D.; Mewhort D. J. K. (2013). "Encoding structure in holographic reduced representations". Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology. 67 (2): 79–93. doi:10.1037/a0030301. PMID 23205508.
  14. ^ Van Heerden P. J. (1963). "A New Optical Method of Storing and Retrieving Information". Applied Optics. 2 (4): 387–392. Bibcode:1963ApOpt...2..387V. doi:10.1364/AO.2.000387.
  15. ^ Van Heerden P. J. (1963). "Theory of Optical Information Storage in Solids". Applied Optics. 2 (4): 393–400. Bibcode:1963ApOpt...2..393V. doi:10.1364/AO.2.000393.
  16. ^ Jump up to:a b Van Heerden P. J. (1970). "Models for the brain". Nature. 225 (5228): 177–178. Bibcode:1970Natur.225..177V. doi:10.1038/225177a0. PMID 5409963. S2CID 4224802.
  17. ^ Jump up to:a b c Pribram H.H. (2011). "Recollections". NeuroQuantology. 9 (3): 370–374. doi:10.14704/nq.2011.9.3.447.
  18. ^ Emmett N. Leith and Juris Upatnieks (1965). Photography by Laser. Scientific American Volume 212, Issue 6, June 1, 1965
  19. ^ K. Pribram (1969). The Neurophysiology of Remembering. American Volume 220, Issue 1, January 1, 1969
  20. ^ The implicate brain by Karl H. Pribram, karlhpribram.com
  21. ^ DeValois and DeValois, 1980
  22. ^ "Pribram, 1987"
  23. ^ Jump up to:a b c Srivastava V., Edwards S. F. (2004). "A mathematical model of capacious and efficient memory that survives trauma". Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and Its Applications. 333 (1–4): 465–477. Bibcode:2004PhyA..333..465S. doi:10.1016/j.physa.2003.10.008.
  24. ^ Longuet-Higgins H. C. (1968). "Holographic model of temporal recall [50]". Nature. 217 (5123): 104. doi:10.1038/217104a0. PMID 5635629. S2CID 4281144.
  25. ^ Jump up to:a b Baev K.V. (2012). "Solution of the Problem of Central Pattern Generators and a New Concept of Brain Functions". Neurophysiology. 4 (5): 414–432. doi:10.1007/s11062-012-9313-x. S2CID 17264908.
  26. ^ Jump up to:a b Pribram, Karl (1991). Brain and Perception: Holonomy and Structure in Figural Processing. Laurence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. ISBN 0-89859-995-4.
  27. ^ Jump up to:a b c Persinger M.A., Lavallee C. (2012). "The Σn=n Concept and the Quantitative Support for the Cerebral-Holographic and Electromagnetic Configuration of Consciousness". Journal of Consciousness Studies. 19: 128–253.
  28. ^ Unterseher, Fred (1996). Holography Handbook: Making Holograms The Easy Way (Second ed.). Ross Books. pp. 354–359. ISBN 0-89496-016-4.
  29. ^ Pribram, Karl (1990). Prolegomenon for a Holonomic Brain Theory (PDF).
  30. ^ Velmans M (2003). "Is the world in the brain, or the brain in the world?". Behavioral and Brain Sciences. 26 (4): 427–429. doi:10.1017/s0140525x03420098. S2CID 142563034.
  31. ^ Shlomi Dolev; Ariel, Hanemann (2014). "Holographic "Brain" Memory and Computation". Latin America Optics and Photonics: 16–21. doi:10.1364/LAOP.2014.LM2A.3. ISBN 978-1-55752-825-4.
  32. ^ Jump up to:a b Willshaw D. J.; Buneman O. P.; Longuet-Higgins H. C. (1969). "Non-holographic associative memory". Nature. 222 (5197): 960–962. Bibcode:1969Natur.222..960W. doi:10.1038/222960a0. PMID 5789326. S2CID 27768997.
  33. ^ Hinton, Geoffrey; Anderson, James (1989). Parallel Models Of Associative Memory. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. pp. 115–116. ISBN 0-8058-0270-3.

Bibliography[edit]

  1. Karl Pribram, Brain and Perception: Holonomy and Structure in Figural Processing (Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1991).
  2. Karl Pribram, Rethinking Neural Networks: Quantum Fields And Biological Data (Lawrence Erlbaum Associates and INNS Press, 1993).
  3. Ervin Laszlo, “In Defense of Intuition: Exploring the Physical Foundations of Spontaneous Apprehension,” Journal of Scientific Exploration, 2009, Volume 23[unreliable source?]
  4. Steven Platek et al., “Boldly going where no brain has gone: Futures of evolutionary cognitive neuroscience,” Futures, October 2011, Volume 43, Issue 8, 771–776.
  5. Diedrick Aerts et al., Quantum Interaction Approach in Cognition, Artificial Intelligence, and Robots, Brussels University Press, April 2011.
  6. Mitja Perus & Chu Kiong Loo, Biological And Quantum Computing For Human Vision: Holonomic Models And Applications (Medical Information Sciences Reference, 2011).
  7. Michael Talbot, The Holographic Universe (HarperCollins, 2011).
  8. Karl Pribram, The Form Within (Prospecta Press, 2013).

External links[edit]





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홀로그램 우주

위키백과, 우리 모두의 백과사전.

홀로그램 우주(Holographic space)란 미국 태생의 영국인 물리학자인 데이비드 봄이 처음 주장한 가설로, 우주와 경험적 현상 세계는 전체의 일부분일 뿐이며, 우리가 보는 부분의 모습은 홀로그램의 간섭 무늬처럼 질서가 결여된 모습이고, 실제 의미를 가진 전체는 더 깊고 본질적인 차원의 현실에 존재한다는 이론이다.[1] 레너드 서스킨드를 비롯한 일부 끈이론학자들은 홀로그래피 원리를 주장하기도 했다.

가설의 탄생[편집]

데이비드 봄의 기존 양자역학에 대한 불만[편집]

홀로그램 우주 가설은 미국 태생의 물리학자인 데이비드 봄이 처음으로 주장한 가설인데, 그 자체는 양자역학에 대한 의문점에서 출발했다. 그는 EPR 역설에서 양자역학의 측정 결과를 빛의 속도보다 빨라야만 측정할 수 있다고 알베르트 아인슈타인이 의문을 제기한 것에 대해서, 그것이 전자가 상호연결되어있기 때문에 가능한 것이라고 주장했다. 봄은 버클리 방사선연구소에서의 실험을 통해 플라스마 속에 전자들이 들어왔을 때 전자들이 개별로 활동하는 것이 아니라 서로 연결되어 있는 전체의 일부처럼 조직적인 활동을 한다는 것을 알아냈고, 이것을 플라스몬이라고 명명했다.

데이비드 봄의 양자장과 비국소성[편집]

봄은 전자와 같은 입자가 관찰자가 없으면 파동으로 존재한다는 의견에 반대하여 관찰자들이 없어도 실제로 존재한다는 입장에서 자신의 이론을 펼쳤다. 그는 중력장처럼 공간 속에 편재해 있는 양자장이 있다는 이론을 내세웠으며, 이 양자장의 힘은 중력장이나 전자기장과는 달리 거리가 멀어져도 약해지지 않으며 어느 곳에서나 똑같은 힘으로 작용한다는 해석을 발표했다. 이것은 우주의 전체성이라는 중요한 개념을 시사하는데, 플라스마 안의 전자들이 전체의 일부처럼 활동하는 것이 바로 양자장이 주장하는 전체성의 개념이다. 우리가 보는 것들은 전체의 일부로, 우리가 생각하는 것과는 달리 조직화된 행동을 한다는 것이 그것이다. 이 양자장이 작용하는 차원에서는 모든 것이 하나로 연결되어 있고, 전체의 일부로서, 위치가 더 이상 존재하지 않으며, 공간 속의 모든 지점들은 동일하다. 이러한 성질을 비국소성(non-locality)이라고 부른다. 이 이론으로 봄은 EPR 역설의 아인슈타인의 의문 제기를 두 입자가 서로 연결되어 있는 전체의 일부이기 때문이라고 해명한다.

데이비드 봄의 홀로그램 우주[편집]

미국 시민권을 박탈당한 뒤, 영국으로 망명한 봄은 BBC의 한 TV 프로그램에서 특수하게 고안된 장치를 보고, 자신의 생각을 더욱 발전시키는 계기를 갖게 된다. 문제의 장치는 원통 모양으로 되어 있었는데, 그 안에는 커다란 회전 실린더가 들어 있었고, 통과 실린더 사이의 공간에는 글리세린이, 그 글리세린 속에는 잉크 한 방울이 떠 있었다. 회전 실린더를 돌리면 한 방울의 잉크가 글리세린 속으로 퍼지는데, 실린더를 반대 방향으로 돌리면 그 퍼진 잉크가 다시 한 방울이 되었다. 이것을 보고 봄은 홀로그래피가 우주의 현상을 설명해내는데 큰 기여를 한다는 것을 깨닫는다. 마치 퍼진 잉크방울처럼 홀로그램 필름에 기록된 간섭무늬는 알아볼 수 없는, 무질서한 모습이지만, 실린더를 반대 방향으로 돌리면 퍼진 잉크방울이 다시 한 방울이 되는 것처럼 홀로그램의 이미지가 제대로 보일 때에는 그것의 질서가 갖춰진 것이다. 이처럼 우리가 일상적으로 경험하는 현실 세계는 홀로그램의 간섭무늬처럼 무질서한 환영이고, 더 깊은 차원에 모든 사물과 물리적 세계의 모습을 만들어내는 본질적인 차원의 현실이 존재한다는 것이 데이비드 봄의 홀로그램 우주이다. 하지만 봄은 매순간 살아 숨쉬는 역동적인 우주의 성질을 홀로그램이라는 정지된 이미지를 나타내는 단어가 제대로 나타낼 수 없다고 보고, 우주를 홀로그램보다는 홀로무브먼트(holomovement)로 묘사하기를 더 좋아한다고 한다. 이 홀로무브먼트는 양자역학의 전통적인 해석 (코펜하겐 해석)에 불만인 봄이 만든 여러 신조어 중의 하나이다.

참조[편집]

  1. ↑ ［홀로그램 우주］ 마이클 탤보트 지음, 이균형 옮김. 정신세계사
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2023/01/05

The New Thought Christian: An Introduction to the Life-Changing Concepts of New Thought eBook : Warch, William A.: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store

The New Thought Christian: An Introduction to the Life-Changing Concepts of New Thought eBook : Warch, William A.: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store








The New Thought Christian: An Introduction to the Life-Changing Concepts of New Thought Kindle Edition
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New Thought is a spiritual philosophy with a diversified following of individuals who come from a wide variety of religious backgrounds and now find spiritual nourishment and comfort from organizations such as Unity, Science of Mind, Religious Science, and Divine Science. Regardless of the name on the building or label on the door, what ties them all together is the predominant belief in one God Universal Mind, creative intelligence, omnipresent a principle (not a being), an impersonal force that manifests itself personally, perfectly, and equally within all. For anyone at the doorsteps of New Thought seeking a personal, loving, joyful, spiritual life that resonates truth without judgment, the answers to many of their initial questions are within The New Thought Christian, a brief over-view of the key beliefs and topics that form the basis of New Thought.
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William A. Warch was the founding minister of the Church of Christian Living in Anaheim, CA. He was a memeber of the executive board of the INTA and actively involved in their youth program. He was the host minister fo the nationally known, "Inner Space Odyssey" Seiminars which were designed to present the greatest people of New Thought enlightenment to the public. Rev. Warch drew upon a wide variety of New Thought teachings in presenting his works. --This text refers to the paperback edition.

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ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0078ZU4YW
Publisher ‏ : ‎ DeVorss Publications (20 March 2008)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
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Print length ‏ : ‎ 104 pagesCustomer Reviews:
4.7 out of 5 stars 48 ratings



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Had a wonderful time reading it and will re read it. It's full of insight and inspiration. Loved it. Yes.

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Sherri James
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August 25, 2017
This book is one of our intro texts. It's a great intro for anyone wanting to understand New Thought as a spiritual "denomination." I put that in quotation marks because New Thought does not consider itself a denomination. I think it lays out in very simple terms how New Thought approaches spirituality and sees the universe.

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August 2, 2011
An excellent introduction to New Thought from a Christian perspective. First published in the 1970s, this is still very relevant to anyone seeking a spiritual path. 12 succinct chapters offer definitions and discussion of key concepts, such as God, the Christ, Balance and Affirmations. I read this book with my husband and enjoyed using the ten questions at the end of each chapter to discuss our thoughts and feelings as we went along. A denial and an affirmation were also offered at the end of each chapter, which are good aids to meditation and the chapter about forming your own denials and affirmations was very useful.

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For a while now I had come to the realization that just as all religion is created out of human imagination so all interpretations of spiritual texts are based in this too, combined with social and historical ideologies. Here then is a New Thought spin on a religious text that is at once truer in the sense of resonating with human progress and profound in the sense of gleaning new material. One's interpretive lens is as much about the person than the text.
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Lessons in Truth by H. Emilie Cady | Goodreads

Lessons in Truth by H. Emilie Cady | Goodreads




Lessons in Truth

H. Emilie Cady
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Lessons in Truth Paperback – November 12, 2015
by H. Emilie Cady (Author)
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In entering upon this course of instruction, each of you should, so far as possible, lay aside, for the time being, all previous theories and beliefs. By so doing you will be saved the trouble of trying, all the way through the course, to put "new wine into old wineskins" (Lk. 5:37). If there is anything, as we proceed, which you do not understand or agree with, just let it lie passively in your mind until you have read the entire book, for many statements that would at first arouse antagonism and discussion will be clear and easily accepted a little farther on. After the course is completed, if you wish to return to your old beliefs and ways of living, you are at perfect liberty to do so. But, for the time being, be willing to become as a little child; for, said the Master, in spiritual things, "Except ye . . . become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Mt. 18:3). If at times there seems to be repetition, please remember that these are lessons, not lectures.

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Penelope Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars Lessons in Truth is a inspiring book that is logical and will open your heart ❤️
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Love - Lessons in Truth by Emilie Cady
The woman was light years before her time!!!
Its more fun to bring others into reading a chapter a week and have everyone share their perceptions
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Yogeek
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book!!!
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I watched a clip of Oprah and the late great Maya Angelou. Ms Angelou was sharing her wisdom with us on how she discovered that God loves her and how she came to accept and understand that. Her mentor directed her to read this book many years ago. Those three words coming out of her mouth "God loves me," was so powerful and impactful, I was compelled to search out this book and the author. I'm in search of being my true self and really understand how God truly can bring forth from me good, love, wisdom and power. Lessons in truth by Ms Cady is what I've been seeking my whole life. I will get a hard copy for friends, family and myself. This is a treasure to read and highlight passages for your lifetime! I highly recommend for truth seekers.
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5.0 out of 5 stars This is a must have book!
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When I first bought this book I really did not get it. However, as my understanding has improved and and I have returned to reviewing it I have realized the simple and straight forward truth it presents.
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Sharhonda Kirksey
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
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The book was very insightful, thought provoking, and gave excellent guidance through spirituality. I feel more in tune with spirit.
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Margie A. Schneider
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This book, although written some years ago, is very relevant to today as so many of us are stepping away from established religions in order to locate that deeper spirituality within and around us, in order to discover the deeper truth of our lives. This book certainly helps one to do that, at least it did for me.
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Mary
2.0 out of 5 stars This edition is a revision of the original publication.
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I would give 5 stars to the actual content of the book, but this edition of the book has been revised and does not reflect what the author originally wrote and published. I had originally bought the Martino Publishing 2013 edition of this book. When I bought the Unity Classic Library edition, I was surprised to discover that the order of the chapters had been changed, with Chapter 12 moved to the beginning as Chapter 1. The study questions are also different. I checked online and found that the Martino Publishing edition is true to the original. If you, like me, want to read a book as the author wrote it, I would recommend finding an edition that as not been revised.
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Gary S
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and very much worth your read.
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An awesome book worth reading filled with great wisdom. Highly recommended. Originally published in 1894. But it all holds very true today. Take your time reading it and allow it all to sink in. UPDATE 6/2016: I read this book a second time and it filled me even more. An EXCELLENT read based on Unity Principles and well worth reading carefully and in detail. A lot of insight and practical advice for happy and successful living. Don't pass this one up.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Life changer
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I have discovered the importance of a strong spiritual system is what holds us together as humans. This book is for anyone of any faith to make sense out of a belief system. Going to church or staying away because of some false idea of what spirituality is, is not giving you the answers you have buried deep in yourself. This book will help you understand the power you have in you to bring you joy and open you up to experiences you never realized were within your reach. I bought it on Kindle, but now will order the hard copy so I can really STUDY what it teaches us!
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M. C.
5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing little book, full of faith.
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I love this book. Another version does not have the study guide and the lessons are in a slightly different order, but the message is clear and amazing. With a read of the other version I found that I understood more and more as I read and it resonated with me. God is good and present within everyone of us and wants to know us. Be present, read the lessons and have faith. It may not be believable at first for some, but try it and see for yourself. You have nothing to lose and EVERYTHING to gain. Many blessings.
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5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book with immense truth!
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Truth of man's being revealed through this book..The love of God for his children... God's Presence is with His children all the time..

I'm re- reading this book and wow the truth is explosive! A book on TRUTH ..a book to be studied in depth for revelation revolution!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for Metaphysics students
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Although the language is a bit dated at times, this is a must read for serious metaphysics students. Fully recommend!
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4.37
340 ratings33 reviews
Every book in this series has earned the "classic" status due to its popularity, durability, and uncompromising quality. All books in the Unity Classic Library series feature hardcover binding with gold engraving, colorful endpapers, library nameplate page, author photograph, and biography. The series makes a beautiful display on a library shelf, and each book is a respected addition to any metaphysical collection.Cady simplifies metaphysics and practical Christianity from the perspective of her personal experiences.

GenresSpiritualityReligionSelf HelpNonfictionPhilosophyTheologyMetaphysics
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162 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989
Original title
Lessons in Truth



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Format
162 pages, Hardcover

Published
June 1, 1995 by Unity Books (Unity School of Christianity)


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Edythe Prince
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January 30, 2014
If you are reading this book I recommend you listen to Lessons in Truth series on the Truth Transforms podcast by Rev. Gaylon McDowell. It starts around February 2013 and he discusses a chapter per show and does a great job. Here is a link..
http://www.unity.fm/episode/TruthTran...

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Faythe Swanson
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ReadJuly 28, 2011
This book greatly enhanced my spiritual growth & made me think about things a little deeper. Reading this will make you think about what thoughts you have, the words you speak, & what you believe (& why!). I think the last chapter of this book was the best!

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Toi
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May 30, 2013
I love (and prefer) books that challenge my way of thinking, esp. about matters related to God and spiritually. You may or may not choose to agree with Cady. However, you are forced to AT LEAST think about why you believe what you believe and determine if it's all (or in part) worth reexamining.
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Debra
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ReadDecember 11, 2008
the one book that changed my life.

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Eileen
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January 18, 2013
First published in 1894, this book makes clear many of the important tenets of the New Thought movement of the late 1800s. The author emphasizes the indwelling of the Spirit in each person, that God is All in all, and the hopeful possibilities for the future as people become more & more aware of this reality. She was influenced by other New Thought teachers of her time – Emma Curtis Hopkins, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, Emmet Fox and other great minds of the New Thought movement.
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Mikalito
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March 13, 2017
Very healing. Embrace this book with an open heart and mind. Once you understand some of the truths and ideas, you cannot go back to your old way of thinking. Strengthened my awareness of my oneness with God. One thing; you must be seeking wisdom or fulfillment to understand this book. If you are not ready, don't waste your time. Keep the book on the shelf for when you are ready because you WILL need it someday. Then read it over and over and over. This is a book you keep for a lifetime of reference.

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Barb
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December 28, 2016
Cady presents New Thought philosophy to increase our personal empowerment transforming our thoughts, words, and beliefs. Although first published over 100 years ago the relevance today is clear, dispite the "old language'. She expounds on 12 truth principles to live by. Emilie Cady's premise is of an "indwelling Christ through whom and by whom come life, health, peace, power, all things". Lessons in Truth is a part of the curriculum used at Unity School of Chrisitianity.

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Elena
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June 26, 2009
This book was my introduction to "New Thought" religion and philosophy. Irreplaceable.

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Tim Capps
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February 10, 2019
Half of the Book is Wonderful

I will re-read this book and see if the first half makes any sense in light of second. For now, let me first place this book in the context of the 19th Century New Thought Movement, then look at chapters 7-9, and then 1-6. I hope my unusual approach will prove justified.

Religious or spiritual movements like Christian Science and Unity, (and, for that matter 20th Century best-selling secular self-help books like Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich and Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking) can be traced back to a New England watchmaker named Phineas Quimby (1802-1866). New Thought may be America’s sole original contribution to religion.

The common element in New Thought schools is the supremacy of mind over circumstances. Of course, the more religious sort had their own theology emphasizing the all-ness of God and the unreality of evil (sickness, poverty, death). They became associated with healing, and with Unity, the broader applications presented in Cady’s book of 12 Lessons.

New Thought has survived primarily in the muddy “power of positive thinking” current while Christian Science and Unity are struggling.

The latter half of Cady’s book is a very good practical exploration of what today we would call meditation. While Christian Science focused on healing, Cady had no problems with dismantling resistance to any of God’s good things. This might be dismissed as a precursor to the “prosperity gospel” except Cady—whose Yankee practicality is her most attractive feature—seems to view the material benefits of answered prayer as God’s way of proving the lessons in the book and leading the seeker to more disinterested enlightenment.

Cady gets into the nitty gritty of meditation or “sitting in silence,” giving good advice on what to do with intrusive thoughts, or why aspirations are better than trying to keep one’s mind empty. But the end of all this is what seems to be a touchingly sincere desire for people to find that “their Lord” is within them, and that God is not just the Father of cold divine principles, but a warm and loving personal Mother to whom we can turn in confidence.

I read the second half with great interest. The first half I read with exasperation, as my copious notes reflect.

The first half of the book attempts to outline a theology underlying what I just described. There are “denials,” and “affirmations” and “demonstrations” and who knows what all.

Frankly, it’s a mess.

On its surface, it sounds Christian. However, Cady borders on the unscrupulous in her appropriation of Christian terms, like “Christ” and “God” for concepts far removed from any orthodox understanding. Similarly, she (like Mary Baker Eddy) is addicted to out-of-context proof texting from the Bible to support ideas that could not be further from the text. Sometimes Cady seems to realize the weak intellectual foundations of her teachings and exhorts the reader to just forget about it and see if it works! She is refreshingly endearing at those points. But then she’s back to argument by analogy and other tricks.

Since there doesn’t seem to be any essential link between New Thought and orthodox Christianity, I found myself wondering why people like Cady, and Mary Baker Eddy and Unity’s Charles and Myrtle Fillmore bothered. The historical Jesus does not seem to be God, but rather the greatest Master—a sort of Western Buddha. There doesn’t seem to be sin, just illusion or error. New Thought theology is pretty slippery, though. In the first half of the book, it seems Cady can’t write more than two pages without contradicting herself! Then again, she’s walking a very fine line between both using and disabusing terms like “sin.”

However, America was a solidly Christian nation during the heyday of New Thought. To give some perspective, Cady’s lifetime spanned the Civil War and she did not even have the right to vote when she wrote this book. A blatantly non-Christian religious movement spearheaded by women would have had trouble gaining traction. Moreover, she didn’t have all the intellectual reference points we take for granted today. When viewed in the context of her era, the second half is truly remarkable and the first is more forgivable.

Unity today seems to be spreading its wings beyond Christianity, perhaps in a conscious bid for the buying power of women attracted to a plethora of New Age ideas. Cady’s book is old style Unity, inspired by, if not based on, Christianity.

While the thinking isn’t always clear, the writing is often direct and fresh, and I enjoyed it, giving it a good study in just a few days. Cady comes through as a sincere and appealing personality. Among the New Thought canon, I enjoyed it much more than the disjointed and labored Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. The second half makes a very intriguing and enlightening read. I would recommend this to anyone interested in New Thought, and for admirers of Unity, especially those curious about its roots.


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Lisa Salinas
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August 30, 2020
Some good quotes worth highlighting and saving, but overall did not enjoy. Also did not mesh with my beliefs... the following quote as an example:

"I believe that the veriest heathen that ever lived, he who worships the golden calf as his highest conception of God, worships God. His mind has not yet expanded to a state where he can grasp any idea of God apart from a visible form, something that he can see with human eyes and handle with fleshly hands. But at heart he is seeking something higher than his present conscious self to be his deliverance out of evil."

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Lessons in Truth (Unity Classic Library)
byH. Emilie Cady


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Penelope Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars Lessons in Truth is a inspiring book that is logical and will open your heart ❤️Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 23 April 2022
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Love - Lessons in Truth by Emilie Cady
The woman was light years before her time!!!
Its more fun to bring others into reading a chapter a week and have everyone share their perceptions

One person found this helpfulReport abuse

Yogeek
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book!!!Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 22 February 2016
Verified Purchase
I watched a clip of Oprah and the late great Maya Angelou. Ms Angelou was sharing her wisdom with us on how she discovered that God loves her and how she came to accept and understand that. Her mentor directed her to read this book many years ago. Those three words coming out of her mouth "God loves me," was so powerful and impactful, I was compelled to search out this book and the author. I'm in search of being my true self and really understand how God truly can bring forth from me good, love, wisdom and power. Lessons in truth by Ms Cady is what I've been seeking my whole life. I will get a hard copy for friends, family and myself. This is a treasure to read and highlight passages for your lifetime! I highly recommend for truth seekers.

34 people found this helpfulReport abuse

S. Colson
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a must have book!Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 13 January 2021
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When I first bought this book I really did not get it. However, as my understanding has improved and and I have returned to reviewing it I have realized the simple and straight forward truth it presents.

2 people found this helpfulReport abuse

Sharhonda Kirksey
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 28 June 2021
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The book was very insightful, thought provoking, and gave excellent guidance through spirituality. I feel more in tune with spirit.
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Margie A. Schneider
5.0 out of 5 stars WisdomReviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 28 January 2020
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This book, although written some years ago, is very relevant to today as so many of us are stepping away from established religions in order to locate that deeper spirituality within and around us, in order to discover the deeper truth of our lives. This book certainly helps one to do that, at least it did for me.

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Mary
2.0 out of 5 stars This edition is a revision of the original publication.Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 4 January 2021
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I would give 5 stars to the actual content of the book, but this edition of the book has been revised and does not reflect what the author originally wrote and published. I had originally bought the Martino Publishing 2013 edition of this book. When I bought the Unity Classic Library edition, I was surprised to discover that the order of the chapters had been changed, with Chapter 12 moved to the beginning as Chapter 1. The study questions are also different. I checked online and found that the Martino Publishing edition is true to the original. If you, like me, want to read a book as the author wrote it, I would recommend finding an edition that as not been revised.

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M. C.
5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing little book, full of faith.Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 5 January 2015
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I love this book. Another version does not have the study guide and the lessons are in a slightly different order, but the message is clear and amazing. With a read of the other version I found that I understood more and more as I read and it resonated with me. God is good and present within everyone of us and wants to know us. Be present, read the lessons and have faith. It may not be believable at first for some, but try it and see for yourself. You have nothing to lose and EVERYTHING to gain. Many blessings.

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Gary S
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and very much worth your read.Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 21 November 2015
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An awesome book worth reading filled with great wisdom. Highly recommended. Originally published in 1894. But it all holds very true today. Take your time reading it and allow it all to sink in. UPDATE 6/2016: I read this book a second time and it filled me even more. An EXCELLENT read based on Unity Principles and well worth reading carefully and in detail. A lot of insight and practical advice for happy and successful living. Don't pass this one up.

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thrillseeker
5.0 out of 5 stars Life changerReviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 17 June 2013
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I have discovered the importance of a strong spiritual system is what holds us together as humans. This book is for anyone of any faith to make sense out of a belief system. Going to church or staying away because of some false idea of what spirituality is, is not giving you the answers you have buried deep in yourself. This book will help you understand the power you have in you to bring you joy and open you up to experiences you never realized were within your reach. I bought it on Kindle, but now will order the hard copy so I can really STUDY what it teaches us!

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Laura Washington
5.0 out of 5 stars Lessons In TruthReviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 15 May 2012
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The book was in mint condition upon reciept, even the book jacket was perfect. I had read the original version and handled it to the point where it was falling apart. I was a bit disappointed that there were changes in the revision that changed the context of the some of the writers thoughts, however, since I have the original manuscript I can refer back to it and make my own notes so that nothing is lost.
Overall, I'm a happy camper. this book is a MUST READ for anyone who is a seeker of TRUTH.

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Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel: 9780190876739: Bowler, Kate: Books

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Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel Reprint Edition
by Kate Bowler (Author)
4.4 out of 5 stars 198 ratings
4.0 on Goodreads
780 ratings




How have millions of American Christians come to measure spiritual progress in terms of their financial status and physical well-being? How has the movement variously called Word of Faith, Health and Wealth, Name It and Claim It, or simply prosperity gospel come to dominate much of our contemporary religious landscape?

Kate Bowler's Blessed is the first book to fully explore the origins, unifying themes, and major figures of a burgeoning movement that now claims millions of followers in America. Bowler traces the roots of the prosperity gospel: from the touring mesmerists, metaphysical sages, pentecostal healers, business oracles, and princely prophets of the early 20th century; through mid-century positive thinkers like Norman Vincent Peale and revivalists like Oral Roberts and Kenneth Hagin; to today's hugely successful prosperity preachers. Bowler focuses on such contemporary figures as Creflo Dollar, pastor of Atlanta's 30,000-member World Changers Church International; Joel Osteen, known as "the smiling preacher," with a weekly audience of seven million; T. D. Jakes, named by Time magazine one of America's most influential new religious leaders; Joyce Meyer, evangelist and women's empowerment guru; and many others. At almost any moment, day or night, the American public can tune in to these
preachers-on TV, radio, podcasts, and in their megachurches-to hear the message that God desires to bless them with wealth and health. Bowler offers an interpretive framework for scholars and general readers alike to understand the diverse expressions of Christian abundance as a cohesive movement bound by shared understandings and common goals.



Editorial Reviews

Review

"Blessed is beautifully written and extremely entertaining, yet not at the expense of its subjects. Bowler analyses them with academic rigor and as an insider-outsider-a Christian who does not claim the prosperity gospel-yet she exudes compassion, even for easy targets like disgraced televangelists. Her sources are varied and vast, with two appendices clearly laying out intensive research. Recently re-released in paperback, Blessed a must-read for all students of religion and American culture, from college undergraduates to journalists to academics. Read it now!" -- Brendan J. Payne, North Greenville University


"[A] magnificent study."--Heath W. Carter, Journal of Cultural Economy


"Highly entertaining...and deeply human."--David F. Ruccio, Journal of Cultural Economy


"Very readable and engaging...Blessed is the best history of the development of the prosperity gospel written to date. It is an important addition to the library of pastors or scholars who regularly encounter the prosperity gospel in their ministry."--Southwestern Journal of Theology


"Bowler shows how the prosperity gospel movement has drawn from multiple denominational, racial, ethnic, and even secular subtraditions. She identifies both the dazzling diversity and the common understandings that have given the prosperity gospel coherence"
--Christian Century


"Bowler's respect for her subjects and her ability to locate them in the larger American religious narrative mean that serious scholars dismiss the prosperity gospel at their own peril. Bowler shows us that its deep roots and vibrant future, even after the recent recession, place it solidly in the category of religious movements to watch." --Church History


"Marvelous this is a stunningly empathetic book. By pushing far beyond caricature, Bowler has produced a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the prosperity gospel and how it is, even now, remaking the American religious landscape." --The Christian Century


"An important account of an audacious contemporary religious phenomenon." --Booklist


"[A] riveting historical account." --Publishers Weekly


"The 'prosperity gospel' is as much despised by its detractors as it is embraced by its millions of adherents. Yet until Kate Bowler's Blessed, no one has attempted a balanced, informative, inquisitive survey. Her book is a metaphorical godsend for those with an outsider's curiosity about one of the fastest growing religious movements in contemporary America and a literal one for those inside." -- Mark A. Noll, author of Protestantism: A Very Short Introduction



"Though often maligned and misunderstood, Bowler's comprehensive and exciting examination of the prosperity gospel demonstrates the ways 'health and wealth' has been a staple of American Protestant life since the 19th century. Blessed provides a thorough and nuanced account of the phenomenon, as it skillfully examines varying attitudes toward prosperity which emerged across racial, regional, and denominational lines. This is a grand contribution to the field of American religious history." -- Jonathan L. Walton, Plummer Professor of Christian Morals and Professor of Religion and Society, Harvard University


"This book propels Kate Bowler into the first rank of younger historians of religion in America. The author's keen ear, her perceptive insights, and her command of history make this a remarkable and unforgettable book-and her conclusion that the 'prosperity gospel consecrated America's culture of optimism' rings very true." -- Randall Balmer, author of Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory: A Journey into the Evangelical Subculture in America


"Blessed is worthwhile reading for what it is-a history of the prosperity gospel and not a theology of the prosperity movement. I've benefited from time spent working through it and would recommend it to those seeking to learn about this topic." --The Gospel Coalition


"Blessed is a good history of the rise and flourishing of the gospel." --The Blade


"...[A]n unprecedented historical examination of health and wealth as spiritual subjects in American Christianity by tracing the rise, development, and transformation of the prosperity gospel in the United States." --Religious Studies Review




About the Author

Kate Bowler is Assistant Professor of American Religion at Duke Divinity School.



Product details
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Oxford University Press; Reprint edition (March 1, 2018)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages

Kate Bowler


Kate Bowler, PhD is a New York Times bestselling author, podcast host, and a professor at Duke University. She studies the cultural stories we tell ourselves about success, suffering, and whether (or not) we’re capable of change. In her twenties, she became obsessed with writing the first history of the movement called the “prosperity gospel”—which promises that God will reward you with health and wealth if you have the right kind of faith. She researched and traveled across Canada and the United States interviewing megachurch leaders and televangelists and everyday believers about how they make spiritual meaning out of the good and bad in their lives. The result was the book, Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel, which received widespread media attention and a lot of puns about being #blessed.

At age 35, she was unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage IV cancer, causing her to think in different terms about the research and beliefs she had been studying. She penned the New York Times bestselling memoir, Everything Happens for a Reason (and Other Lies I’ve Loved), which tells the story of her struggle to understand the personal and intellectual dimensions of the American belief that all tragedies are tests of character.

Her third book, The Preacher’s Wife: The Precarious Power of Evangelical Women Celebrities follows the rise of celebrity Christian women in American evangelicalism. Whether they stand alone or beside their husbands, they are leading women who play many parts: faithful wife, spiritual authority, and Hollywood celebrity.

On her popular podcast, Everything Happens, Kate speaks with people like Malcolm Gladwell, Matthew McConaughey, and Anne Lamott about what wisdom and truth they’ve uncovered during difficult circumstances.

Her latest book, No Cure For Being Human (and Other Truths I Need to Hear), grapples with her diagnosis, her ambition, and her faith as she tries to come to terms with limitations in a culture that promises anything is possible.

Kate’s work has received wide-spread media attention from NPR, The Today Show, The New York Times, The Washington Post, the TED Stage, and Fresh Air with Terry Gross. She lives in Durham, North Carolina, with her family, continues to teach do-gooders at Duke Divinity School, and stockpiles anecdotes about the hidden benefits of being from the middle of Canada.

Top reviews from the United States


Gary E. Gilley
5.0 out of 5 stars "... helpful book for understanding the theology, history, and dangers of the prosperity movement."Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2018
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The prosperity gospel has emerged from the roots of the 19th century New Thought movement, coupled with elements of 20th century Pentecostalism and the American “can-do” spirit, to become the dominant force in 21st century Christianity, especially in America but increasingly exported globally (chapter one). Professor Kate Bowler spent years researching for this book, visiting 25 percent of all prosperity megachurches, attending all of the major conferences and participating for 18 months in a small African American prosperity church (p. 261). Her research is thorough, objective and insightful. The book is developed according to a three-fold thesis (p. 7):

• Seeking to show how millions of American Christians came to see money, health, and good fortune as divine.
• Documenting the transformation of Americans who question an ethic of self-denial, and replacing it with a method of reaching into “God’s treasure trove and pulling out a miracle”.
• Explaining how the prosperity gospel is centered on four themes: faith, wealth, health, and victory.

Much of Bowler’s work is that of a historian. She traces the history and development of the prosperity gospel from its New Thought beginnings which led to positive thinking (p. 36), including the influence of Norman Vincent Peale (pp. 55-60). This was followed by the healing revivals of the 1940s and 1950s (pp. 39-55), the charismatic movement of the 1960s and the subsequent Vineyard Movement which opened the door between Pentecostalism and the traditional church. It was through this door that the prosperity gospel entered main-stream Christianity (p. 76). The Full Gospel Business Men’s Association became an important catalyst for the spread of this rising brand of Pentecostalism (pp. 82, 121). Kenneth Hagin, Oral Roberts and the Copelands all played major roles in the early spread of prosperity teachings. The mantle was later picked up by a great number of Word of Faith and prosperity leaders such as Benny Hinn, Jimmy Bakker, Fred Price, David Cho, Paul Crouch, Marilyn Hickey, Creflo Dollar, Joyce Meyer, T.D. Jakes, Randy & Paula White, and Joel Osteen. By 1970 there were 50 prosperity megachurches; by 1990 there were 310 (pp. 100, 181-186). The number has greatly increased since then.

It is interesting that, when questioned, most prosperity teachers deny the title (p. 249) but they can be identified by their common teachings such as (see chart p. 253):

• Positive confession (our words determine our life (pp. 22, 66-68, 187-190, 225)).
• Healing in the atonement (pp. 18, 95, 149).
• Promise of health
• Sowing and reaping.
• Rhema – or Word of Faith Theology
• Seed faith
• Victory in this life as our destiny (p. 179).
• The law of attraction – our words and faith attract good or ill (p. 236).

Some form of the prosperity gospel has now won over the majority of Christians worldwide. Its appeal is well summarized by Bowler:

"The prosperity movement offers a comprehensive approach to the human condition. It sees men and women as creatures fallen, but not broken, and it shares with them a “gospel,” good news that will set them free from a multitude of oppressions…The faith movement sells a compelling bill of goods: God, wealth, and a healthy body to enjoy it…The prosperity gospel’s chief allure is simple optimism" (p. 232).

Blessed is a most helpful book for understanding the theology, history, and dangers of the prosperity movement.

Reviewed by Gary E. Gilley, Pastor-teacher, Southern View Chapel

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Ken Jacobsen
1.0 out of 5 stars Truly Horrifying...Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2022
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Imagine a book about Muslim mullahs who are preaching polytheism but never mentions that the religion of Muhammad strictly opposed polytheism. Imagine a book about a group of Jewish rabbis who preach eating pork without ever mentioning that Moses and two thousand years of Jewish tradition forbid it. Imagine a book about a group of Lutheran pastors who are preaching submission to the pope without any mention of Luther or his opposition to Catholicism.

This is Ms Bowler's book. She is writing about Christian 'prosperity' preachers who relentlessly equate wealth with being 'Blessed' yet, like these preachers, she never once in her long book bothers to mention the fact that Christ himself teaches exactly the opposite.

And it's Christ's words that completely demolish the entire premise of the 'prosperity gospel';

“Blessed are you who are poor,

for yours is the kingdom of God. ..
.
But woe to you who are rich,

for you have already received your comfort."

These are not at all Christ's only words in the subject and his teachings are known throughout the world – that it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a sewing needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God, that his followers should be on guard against every form of greed, that the poor man Lazarus went to heaven and the rich man went straight to hell, yet Bowler finds none of Christ's teachings on the subject worth mentioning. Why on earth not?

Instead Bowler's book is like reading a history of American slavery that's full of gushing praise for the institution of slavery and unabashed admiration for its proponents while it whitewashes the situation of the slaves themselves, who only appear briefly in its final pages. And for anyone who's been involved in one of these churches, like I have, it's slaves that these people are – lied to, manipulated and ruthlessly exploited.

Concluding with a seemingly endless stream of glowing praise for this deliberate deception, Bowler's book declares;

"The prosperity gospel’s emphasis on the individual’s responsibility for his or her own fate resonated strongly with the American tradition of rugged self-reliance."

But these people are not living in 'rugged self reliance' they are living in fear – fear that their financial difficulties are caused by not giving enough money to their 'pastor', fear that their situation will only get worse if they stop 'tithing', fear that if they tell anyone about their difficulties that such 'negative confession' will only make things even worse. It is a prison of lies, worse than any legal prison because freedom will not come until they are convinced to believe otherwise.

Out of the many hundreds of books that have been produced by these 'prosperity preachers', I suspect that none will do more to keep these people trapped in that miserable slavery than this one.

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Top reviews from other countries

Mum of 4
5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating readReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 10, 2018
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I struggled to get into this book when I first started reading it, but once I was past the first few pages I was gripped! I found it fascinating, informative and very helpful. The author writes as an impartial observer, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions. What I read clarified many issues for me and I was really glad that I had read it. I have passed it on to others to read also.

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jshack73
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent surveyReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 10, 2018
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Researched over a decade ago but very helpful. Dry in parts - reflecting the dissertation it was born out of - but full of incite, sense & observation.
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Fran Ugo
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 21, 2018
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An excellent and well-researched book on an important subject. Highly recommended.
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Ken Penner
5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating readReviewed in Canada on June 23, 2013
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Top notch research and wonderful story telling opened up this relatively unfamiliar world to me. The good, the bad and the ugly - all portrayed with an even-handed approach with the author assuming that the 'truth will out'. The best parts of this book for me were the personal stories the author brought to bear on various aspect of 'health and wealth' theology; the most touching - the way in which followers of the prosperity gospel deal with the death of their own; the most enlightening - the way in which this theology dovetails with the American dream.
Good stuff!

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Brad Sumner
5.0 out of 5 stars Hashtag BlessedReviewed in Canada on June 23, 2018
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I have appreciated both of Kate's books as well as her podcast. The mix of scholarship, history and personal narrative in this one is compelling. She is seeking to genuinely understand and also critique misuses and misunderstandings with an eye to being constructive and helping people spot genuine faith in the midst of all the bling.
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The New Thought Roots of the Prosperity Gospel

The New Thought Roots of the Prosperity Gospel




The New Thought Roots of the Prosperity Gospel
THOMAS KIDD | AUGUST 28, 2018


Kate Bowler’s Blessed is the best history of the American prosperity gospel. Here she explains the intellectual and theological roots of the prosperity gospel in the “New Thought” movement.

New Thought represents a cluster of thinkers and metaphysical ideas that emerged in the 1880s as the era’s most powerful vehicle of mind-power. Three aspects of New Thought became foundational to the twentieth century’s views of mind-power. First, it assumed essential unity between God and humanity, declaring that separation from the divine was only a matter of degree. The American religious terrain, plowed deep by the soulful individualism of Ralph Waldo Emerson, was fertile soil for a high anthropology (which is to say, an optimistic theology of human capacity.) As many New Thought authors worked inside a Christian framework, they explored “salvation” not as an act imposed from above by God, but rather an act of drawing out humanity’s potential.

Second, New Thought taught that the world should be reimagined as thought rather than substance. The spiritual world formed absolute reality, while the material world was the mind’s projection. Unlike Christian Science, New Thought never denied the reality of the material world, but saw it as contingent upon the mind. Right standing with the divine required sacred alignment, a mystical connection that won the historian Sydney Ahlstrom’s famous label of “harmonial religion.”

Third, New Thought argued that people shared in God’s power to create by means of thought. People shaped their own worlds by their thinking, just as God had created the world using thought. Positive thoughts yielded positive circumstances, and negative thoughts yielded negative situations. These three features—a high anthropology, the priority of spiritual reality, and the generative power of positive thought—formed the main presuppositions of the developing mind-power.

In its infancy, New Thought was largely preoccupied with healing, the same issue that consumed Christian Science and the wider American culture. Like hydropathy, Grahamism, Adventism, homeopathy, and the burgeoning faith cure movement, New Thought offered a religious alternative to the often harsh regimen of standard medical treatments. Bloodletting, mercury-laced purgatives, and arsenic tonics formed common “cures,” making orthodox medicine a potentially risky treatment. Warren Felt Evans, New Thought’s first author, promulgated the physical benefits of this therapeutic brand of metaphysics with the publication of The Mental Cure in 1869. Evans, as a practicing healer and systematizer of New Thought, sought to explain illness as an imbalance resulting from wrong thinking. William James labeled these buoyant ideas, “the religion of healthy-mindedness.”

These gospels of health stood on one side of a blurry line between Christian metaphysics and metaphysical Christianity. One prioritized the method of mind-power, while the other concentrated on its relationship to Jesus’ death and resurrection.

As with so many types of aberrant theology, the prosperity gospel is dangerous precisely because it takes biblical themes to non-biblical extremes. It is not hard to demonstrate biblically that God wants an “abundant life” for his followers. But when that abundance gets defined in worldly terms, through the lenses of pseudo-Christian therapeutic psychology, we have the makings of a theological disaster.
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