What is Resurrection?

In New Thought, resurrection is understood not as a singular, historical event of bodily reanimation, but as an ongoing, transformative process of spiritual awakening and renewal. It represents the awakening of the individual consciousness to its true, divine nature, moving beyond the limitations of material perception and identification with the physical body or external circumstances. This 'resurrection' is primarily a resurrection of the mind and spirit, wherein one recognizes and activates the indwelling Christ consciousness or divine principle within. Authors like Neville Goddard emphasize that the resurrection is a personal, mystical experience, a rising from the 'tomb' of limited belief and human conditioning into the realization of one's identity as God. It is the awakening to the 'wish fulfilled,' the realization that all desired states already exist within the imaginal realm and can be made manifest through conscious awareness and faith. Thomas Troward, in his Edinburgh Lectures, speaks to the principle of life eternally renewing itself, implying a continuous process of resurrection from lower to higher forms of expression. This spiritual resurrection leads to a new way of living, characterized by peace, power, and the ability to consciously create one's reality from the spiritual plane. It is a shift from identifying with the mortal, temporal self to identifying with the immortal, eternal self, which is one with the Universal Mind.

The concept of resurrection in New Thought diverges significantly from traditional theological interpretations. It is not confined to a future event or a historical miracle but is an ever-present potential and an ongoing experience available to every individual. This spiritual resurrection involves a radical shift in perception, moving from a worldview dominated by lack, limitation, and external circumstances to one centered on abundance, infinite possibility, and internal divine power. It is the 'death' of the old, limited self and the 'birth' of a new, enlightened consciousness. This transformation is achieved through conscious application of spiritual principles, such as affirmation, visualization, and the cultivation of an unwavering faith in one's connection to the Divine. The resurrected individual lives from a place of inner authority and creative mastery, demonstrating the power of thought to shape reality.

The term 'resurrection' comes from the Latin 'resurrectio,' meaning 'a rising again,' derived from 'resurgere,' 'to rise again.'

Practically, resurrection in New Thought is applied through a daily commitment to spiritual practices that elevate consciousness. This includes consistent meditation to connect with the divine self, affirmative prayer to declare desired states as already accomplished, and visualization to impress the subconscious mind with images of the 'wish fulfilled.' It involves consciously denying limiting beliefs and affirming one's inherent power and perfection. By repeatedly turning attention away from external problems and towards the inner spiritual truth, individuals 'resurrect' themselves from conditions of lack or illness into states of health, prosperity, and joy.

A common misconception is that New Thought resurrection refers to the physical reanimation of a deceased body, similar to traditional Christian interpretations. However, New Thought views it metaphorically as a spiritual and mental rebirth, a transformation of consciousness while still in the physical body. Another misconception is that it is a one-time event; instead, it is understood as a continuous process of awakening and self-realization, a perpetual rising to higher states of awareness and expression.