In this final chapter of Theosophy and New Thought, the author takes this opportunity to offer criticism on the subject as a whole.

If you found this book interesting feel free to check out others at Lutheranlibrary.org and I'd like to just say thanks for listening. I started this to share the Historicist Interpretation of Bible Prophecy with others who may have never heard of it and upon that I have branched out onto a few different topics since then, of which I discovered through the Lutheranlibrary.org. Feel free to comment in the comment section or answer some polls I have put out.

finally you can reach out through email at his.story.of.lies@gmail.his.story.of.lies@gmail.com

In this episode, we examine New Thought’s “therapeutic scheme,” the belief that illness originates in the mind and can be cured through right thinking and spiritual affirmation. Sheldon exposes how this system elevates mental power above divine dependence, minimizes physical reality, and subtly places blame on the suffering. What is presented as healing, he argues, ultimately replaces biblical faith with self-assertion and a mechanized view of spirituality.

In this episode, we explore Part II, Chapter 3 of Henry Clay Sheldon’s Theosophy and New Thought, where he examines how New Thought thinkers redefine the nature of God and humanity’s relationship to the divine. Sheldon highlights the movement’s shift away from a personal, biblical God toward a more impersonal idea of “Universal Life,” “Infinite Intelligence,” or an all-pervading spiritual essence

He also unpacks New Thought’s belief that humans are not separate creatures before a Creator, but expressions or extensions of the same universal mind. This chapter reveals how these ideas lean toward pantheism and blur the line between God and man—raising profound questions about individuality, worship, and the meaning of spiritual dependence.

This chapter examines how Theosophy and New Thought understand the nature, origin, and destiny of human beings. It highlights how these systems differ sharply from the biblical and historic Christian doctrine of man.

general overview of the new thought movement

In this episode, we explore Chapter 9 of Theosophy and New Thought by Henry Clay Sheldon — a sharp, theological look at the Theosophical Society and what made its teachings so influential in the modern spiritual movement. Sheldon examines its core ideas: the claim of a universal “Wisdom-Religion” behind all faiths, the promise of human spiritual evolution, the rejection of traditional authority in favor of inner revelation, and the call to a universal brotherhood.

But while Theosophy paints an inspiring vision of unity and higher consciousness, Sheldon challenges its speculative cosmology, its loose treatment of truth and revelation, and its subtle drift away from historic Christianity.

Join us as we unpack what Theosophy stood for, why it appealed to so many seekers, and how Sheldon’s Christian critique still speaks to today’s spiritual landscape — where ancient mysticism, modern psychology, and self-divinization continue to blur the line between enlightenment and deception.

Chapter 8: The Means of Spiritual Growth

Chapter 8: The Theosophic Principle of Authority Tested

In this episode, we scrutinize how Sheldon challenges Theosophy’s claims to authority—especially its reliance on Madame Blavatsky, the Mahatmas, and hidden masters. He investigates alleged falsifications in her history, accusations of trickery, and the idea that Theosophical teachings were often drawn from modern sources, not occult sources. He further presses: if the “masters” are silent or invisible, where’s the proof that their guidance has real merit? Join us as we probe whether Theosophy’s spiritual authority stands up under critical inquiry.

Chapter 7: Conceptions of Man and His Destiny

In this episode, we explore how Sheldon analyzes the Theosophical view of human nature and destiny—and how it compares with New Thought. Sheldon lays out the Theosophical belief that man is a multi-layered being, enmeshed in cycles of reincarnation, bound by karma, yet on a path toward self-realization and spiritual evolution. He then contrasts this with New Thought’s more psychological, individualistic view: that man has power through thought, consciousness, and inner belief to shape his own destiny. The chapter raises profound questions: how much of us is fixed by metaphysical law, and how much is our own making? What is the role of freedom, responsibility, and inner growth in spiritual life?