Emma Curtis Hopkins was a pioneering figure in the New Thought movement, a spiritual philosophy that emerged in the late 19th century in the United States. She was a prolific writer, teacher, and healer who is often referred to as the “Teacher of Teachers” due to her influence on many prominent New Thought leaders.
Born in 1849 in Killingly, Connecticut, Hopkins was raised in a strict Calvinist household. However, she experienced a spiritual awakening in her early 30s and began exploring various metaphysical and spiritual teachings. She studied the works of influential thinkers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Thomas Troward, and Mary Baker Eddy, and eventually became a student of Christian Science founder, Eddy.
Hopkins later broke away from Christian Science and developed her own unique interpretation of spiritual principles, which she called “Scientific Christian Mental Practice.” She believed in the power of the mind to create one’s reality and emphasized the importance of positive thinking, meditation, and prayer in achieving spiritual growth and healing.
In the late 1880s, Hopkins moved to Chicago and began teaching classes on her spiritual philosophy. She quickly gained a following and established the Christian Science Theological Seminary, where she trained hundreds of students in her teachings. Her students went on to become prominent New Thought leaders, including Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, founders of Unity Church, and Ernest Holmes, founder of Religious Science.
Hopkins’ teachings were revolutionary for their emphasis on self-empowerment, spiritual independence, and the unlimited potential of the individual. She believed that anyone could tap into the divine power within them to heal themselves, achieve their goals, and live a fulfilling life.
Hopkins’ influence on the New Thought movement was profound, and her legacy continues to resonate today. Her teachings have inspired countless individuals to take control of their lives, cultivate a positive mindset, and awaken to their spiritual potential.
Emma Curtis Hopkins passed away in 1925, but her impact on New Thought philosophy endures. She remains a revered figure in the spiritual community and is remembered as a pioneering woman who revolutionized the way we think about spirituality and personal growth.