Norman Vincent Peale
Norman Vincent Peale:
"In this book, Self-Love: The Dynamic Force of Success, Bob Schuller seeks to show the wellspring of human endeavor. He believes that self-love is a vital force in human existance and that anyone who lacks love of self can never truly live in harmony with the world and realize his or her dreams and goals or enjoy them after attaining them."
(Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, "Introduction, Self-Love," page 5)
Peale first became suspect when he consistently began endorsing New Age/Occultic writers. The following are several examples. In Dr. Bernie Siegel's book, Love, Medicine, and Miracles, Peale writes, "In these pages is found a precious secret, that of health and well being" (inside cover). In the book Siegel describes how he got his message and insights through guided meditation and an inner spirit guide (p. 18-20).
On March 28, 1980, Dr. Peale was the featured speaker at an 85th birthday dinner honoring Mormon prophet speaker Spencer W. Kimball. The official Mormon newspaper reported that Brigham Young University bestowed an honorary degree on Dr. Peale (Church News, February 9, 1980, p. 11).
Included on the same page was a transcription of a radio address Peale made on April 27, 1975, when Dr. Peale "received a blessing" from Prophet Kimball. In this radio address Peale said that he had been struggling with a difficulty for several weeks. While speaking in Salt Lake City he was invited "to be received by the President of the Church." After lauding the "righteous" Mormon church, Peale said, "I met with these men of God... these three dedicated Christian leaders (Mormon first presidency) I felt he [Kimball] was so spiritual." Peale then related how the three leaders laid hands on him and prayed. Peale stated "Sir, He is here, I feel His presence,"
Peale also endorses the writer Eric Butterworth who is one of the chief leaders and writers for Unity School of Christianity. Butterworth, in his writings, clearly teaches New Age/Occultic world views. Peale writes of Eric Butterworth "Thought-motivating and spiritually rewarding," (Life is for Lovingœ, noted on cover of How to Break the Ten Commandments, Eric Butterworth)
Found on the cover of the book The Game of Life by metaphysician Florence Shinn, is Peale's endorsement, "By studying and practicing the principles laid down in this book, one may find prosperity, solve problems, have better health, achieve good personal relations - in a word win the game of life. The Game of Life is filled with wisdom and creative insights. That its teachings will work I know to be a fact, for I've long used them myself."
Peale is listed in the bibliography of Helping Yourself with Self-Hypnosis by Caprio and Berger, along with a whole spate of New Age and Occultic authors. Peale also wrote the introduction and endorsement of The Stress Strategists by "national psychic and professional numerologist" Kathy Bury. Ms. Bury stated on the telephone that she did Dr. Peale's numerology chart (similar conceptually to astrology) at his request.
"Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy."
"Formulate and stamp indelibly on your mind a mental picture of yourself as succeeding. Hold this picture tenaciously. Never permit it to fade. Your mind will seek to develop the picture...Do not build up obstacles in your imagination."
"Change your thoughts and you change your world."
"It is of practical value to learn to like yourself. Since you must spend so much time with yourself you might as well get some satisfaction out of the relationship."
"The person who sends out positive thoughts activates the world around him positively and draws back to himself positive results."
"You can have peace of mind, improved health and an ever-increasing flow of energy. Life can be full of joy and satisfaction."
"Our happiness depends on the habit of mind we cultivate. So practice happy thinking every day. Cultivate the merry heart, develop the happiness habit, and life will become a continual feast."
"The life of inner peace, being harmonious and without stress, is the easiest type of existence."
"People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success."
"The cyclone derives its powers from a calm center. So does a person."
"Watch your manner of speech if you wish to develop a peaceful state of mind. Start each day by affirming peaceful, contented and happy attitudes and your days will tend to be pleasant and successful."
"Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy."
"Imagination is the true magic carpet."
