The controversial minister Norman Vincent Peale founded the
modern inspirational movement. He wrote the book, The Power of Positive Thinking, and initiated a movement across the
World. He combined psychology and religion to help people overcome their fears
and achieve success.
A controversial minister because some Evangelical Christians
do not find his teachings Christian, but instead consider him a heretic and a
cult leader. Several psychologists also have spoke out against his teachings
and consider them dangerous. The Wikipedia post for Norman Vincent Peale came
across as extremely biased, and the entire post was dedicated to refuting
Peale’s teachings.
However more people accept and embrace his positive thinking
than ridicule it. He has his detractors, but don’t let them stop you from
reading his words of wisdom. In the media today and among our friends and
family, negative thoughts abound. Turning these thoughts around, and having a
positive outlook on life would fix a lot of the World’s perceived problems.
That is not to say one should bury his head in the sand like an ostrich, and
ignore real problems, but things are often not as bad as they seem.
The Power of Positive
Thinking published in 1956 has sold over 5 million copies. Throughout the
text Peale uses bible verses and psychology to assist readers in obtaining a
positive viewpoint on life and give them strength. In doing so, he seeks to
minimize a person’s fears, worries and stress so the individual can pursue
positive actions and outcomes. It is difficult to find a solution when you see
the problem as insurmountable.
Peale wants people to live a vigorous and vital life. He
wants people to pursue their dreams energetically with hope rather than wallow
in fear. Hope motivates people while fear saps a person’s strength and desire.
Norman Vincent Peale also started Guideposts magazine to
help people find comfort and hope. It is still a thriving entity fully
accessible on social media. It offers prayers and inspirational messages throughout
the day to help with daily difficulties.
He was born May 31, 1898 so on what would have been his 117th
birthday enjoy life, explore and be energized.
No comments:
Post a Comment