Phineas Quimby
Phineas Quimby (
February 16,
1802 -
January 16,
1866) pioneered the theological ideas that led to the development of the
New Thought Movement and according to some, though disavowed by its adherents,
Christian Science. Quimby developed certain ideas about the ability for people to heal their diseases through the mind and mental transference. This belief in healing derived from a theology of a loving
God and a deeper spiritual reality that was more real than that of the natural world. He began teaching others of his views;
Mary Baker Eddy, who later founded
Christian Science, associated with him for a time, as well as others who eventually inspired the New Thought Movement.