Uncovering the Significance of E. W. Kenyon's "New Thought Christianity"

E. W. Kenyon was an American evangelist, preacher, and teacher of "New Thought Christianity," a 20th-century reformation of some of the original Christian principles. Kenyon was born in 1861 and lived in the United States until his death in 1948.

He was best known for teaching that faith, healing, and victory over sin are achievable through the power of the Holy Spirit working in a believer's life. Kenyon started out as a Methodist minister but eventually developed what became known as the "Kenyon Thought."

Kenyon’s emphasis was on the power of God in every aspect of life, and he believed that faith was the key to unlocking this power. His teaching focused on understanding one’s identity through faith in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He taught that individuals could understand their spiritual identity through the incorporation of God’s Word into their lives through biblical study and prayer.

His teachings were largely critical of mainstream Christianity and its emphasis on religious systems, rites, and ordinances. He criticized these practices as impediments to spiritual growth and emphasized instead the importance of trusting faith in the living God.

Kenyon’s beliefs are most clearly expressed in his book "The Two Kinds of Faith: A Study of the Nature and Effects of Living Faith and Dead Faith," which was first published in 1917. In this book, Kenyon outlines what he considers the basic tenets of New Thought Christianity.

He taught that faith was a living force and the only means by which we could come to know God. According to Kenyon, sincere faith could move mountains, and the power of God could be accessed through prayer and an intimate relationship with Him. At the core of Kenyon's teachings was the belief that faith was the central element in a life in which the believer was energized by the presence of God.

He believed that faith could move mountains, heal the sick, and even raise the dead. This was in complete contrast to the traditional Christian teaching of a rigid, orthodox system of belief and practice. Kenyon called people to a deeper faith, one that was supported and empowered by a living relationship with God.

Kenyon’s ministry was highly effective, and he became an influential evangelist in the years prior to his death in 1948. His teachings led to an outpouring of support for those in need, as he encouraged and enabled those less fortunate to live with dignity and purpose.

He was also a major contributor to the underground of vibrant Pentecostal churches that sprung up throughout the United States in the mid-20th century. Though Kenyon passed away in 1948, his legacy remains strong. A wide range of churches and movements, particularly those in the Charismatic movement, have embraced his "Kenyon Thought." 

His teachings have also made their way into mainstream Christian circles, as they have been adapted and refined to fit into more traditional church doctrines. As a result, his influence can still be seen today, as his teachings remain widely accepted among believers of various faith traditions.

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