What is Heaven and Hell?
Last updated: February 25, 2026
In New Thought, heaven is a harmonious state of being; hell is a discordant state of being. Both are states of consciousness, not physical locations.
Understanding Heaven and Hell in New Thought
In New Thought, heaven is a harmonious state of being; hell is a discordant state of being. Both are states of consciousness, not physical locations.
In New Thought, the concepts of heaven and hell transcend traditional theological interpretations of physical afterlives, instead representing internal states of consciousness experienced in the present moment. This reinterpretation emerged from a broader philosophical shift in the 19th century, emphasizing the power of individual thought and belief in shaping one's reality. Understanding heaven and hell as subjective experiences, rather than external judgments, is crucial for New Thought practitioners, as it places responsibility for one's well-being directly on the individual's mental and emotional orientation. This perspective empowers individuals to cultivate harmonious states and transcend discordant ones through conscious effort, aligning with the core New Thought principle that 'mind is cause and condition is effect.'
What the Teachers Say
Heaven and Hell vs. Traditional Christian Heaven and Hell
New Thought's understanding of heaven and hell differs fundamentally from traditional Christian doctrine. While orthodox Christianity generally views these as literal, eternal destinations determined by belief and moral conduct, New Thought interprets them as immediate states of consciousness that can be changed through spiritual understanding.
| Aspect | Heaven and Hell | Traditional Christian Heaven and Hell |
|---|---|---|
| Location | States of consciousness experienced in the present moment | Literal places in the afterlife where souls reside eternally |
| Duration | Temporary conditions that can be transformed through right thinking | Eternal destinations with permanent consequences |
| Causation | Created by one's thoughts, beliefs, and mental alignment | Determined by faith in Christ and moral behavior during earthly life |
| Purpose | Natural consequences of consciousness that teach spiritual lessons | Divine judgment resulting in eternal reward or punishment |
| Accessibility | Available to all through spiritual understanding and practice | Accessed through specific religious beliefs and divine grace |
Etymology
The word 'heaven' originates from the Old English 'heofon,' meaning 'sky, firmament,' and is related to the Old High German 'himil.' 'Hell' derives from the Old English 'hell,' meaning 'concealed place, underworld,' stemming from Proto-Germanic 'haljo.' While their traditional meanings refer to distinct post-mortem realms, New Thought recontextualizes these terms, shifting their locus from external locations to internal psychological states, reflecting a broader esoteric tradition of interpreting spiritual concepts metaphorically.
How to Practice This
Practitioners apply the New Thought understanding of heaven and hell by consciously monitoring their thoughts and emotions, recognizing that these internal states directly influence their lived experience. Techniques like affirmation and visualization are employed to cultivate 'heavenly' states, focusing on gratitude, abundance, and peace to manifest positive outcomes. Conversely, 'hellish' states of fear, lack, or anger are addressed through practices such as mindfulness, self-inquiry, and reframing negative thought patterns, aiming to shift perception and emotional resonance towards more harmonious frequencies. The goal is to consistently choose thoughts and beliefs that align with desired states of well-being and success.
Connection to Manifestation
The New Thought understanding of heaven and hell directly relates to manifestation principles, as both states reflect what we create through our dominant thoughts and beliefs. When we maintain heavenly consciousness through positive thinking, gratitude, and spiritual alignment, we naturally manifest harmonious experiences and conditions. Conversely, hell-states of fear, resentment, and separation from divine principles manifest as discord, limitation, and suffering in our external circumstances. This connection emphasizes that we are constantly creating our reality through our choice of mental states, making conscious selection of heavenly consciousness essential for successful manifestation.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, New Thought teaches that heaven and hell are states of consciousness, not physical locations. They represent psychological and spiritual conditions we experience based on our thoughts, beliefs, and alignment with spiritual principles.
Yes, New Thought emphasizes that both heaven and hell are present realities experienced in daily life. We create heavenly states through harmonious thinking and hellish states through discordant mental patterns, regardless of our physical circumstances.
New Thought rejects the concept of eternal punishment, teaching instead that hell-states are temporary conditions created by error thinking. These can be transformed through spiritual understanding and the cultivation of divine consciousness at any time.
Heaven and hell states are created by our thoughts, beliefs, and level of spiritual awareness. Heavenly consciousness arises from thoughts of love, peace, and unity with divine mind, while hellish states result from fear, separation, and negative thinking patterns.
Yes, New Thought practices like affirmation, meditation, and spiritual study are specifically designed to transform hell-states into heavenly consciousness. The philosophy teaches that anyone can change their mental state through persistent application of spiritual principles.