Emmet Fox was a prominent figure in the New Thought movement, a spiritual movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States. He was known for his large Divine Science church services held in New York City during the Great Depression, and for his books and pamphlets that spread his teachings around the world. He influenced many people with his positive and practical approach to spirituality, and his interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount as a guide for living.
Early Life and Career
Emmet Fox was born on July 30, 1886, in Cobh, County Cork, Ireland. His father, Joseph Francis Fox, was a physician and a Member of Parliament, who died when Emmet was still in his teens. Emmet attended St Ignatius’ College, a Jesuit secondary school near Stamford Hill. He became an electrical engineer and worked for several companies in England and Ireland. He also studied New Thought from the time of his late teens, and discovered his healing powers early. He came to know the prominent New Thought writer Thomas Troward, who became his mentor.
In 1914, Fox attended the London meeting at which the International New Thought Alliance was organized. He became a member of the Alliance and started to give lectures and write articles on New Thought topics. He also became involved with the Divine Science movement, a branch of New Thought that emphasized the unity of God and man. He moved to the United States in 1931, where he established himself as a popular speaker and writer. He held large church services at various venues in New York City, such as Carnegie Hall, the Manhattan Opera House, and the Hippodrome Theatre. He also founded the First Church of Divine Science in New York City, which later became known as the Church of the Healing Christ.
Teachings and Works
Emmet Fox’s teachings were based on the idea that thoughts are creative and that by changing one’s thoughts, one can change one’s life. He taught that God is omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient, and that man is made in God’s image and likeness. He also taught that man has free will and can choose to align himself with God’s will or not. He emphasized the importance of prayer, meditation, affirmation, and visualization as tools for spiritual growth and healing. He also stressed the practical application of spiritual principles in daily life.
One of Emmet Fox’s most famous works is The Sermon on the Mount: The Key to Success in Life, published in 1934. In this book, he interpreted the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount as a blueprint for living a successful and happy life. He explained the meaning of the Beatitudes, the Lord’s Prayer, and other key passages in a simple and inspiring way. He also introduced his concept of the Golden Key, which is to turn away from problems and focus on God instead.
Another well-known work by Emmet Fox is The Seven Day Mental Diet: How to Change Your Life in a Week, published in 1935. In this pamphlet, he challenged his readers to go for seven days without thinking any negative thoughts. He claimed that by doing so, they would experience a remarkable transformation in their health, happiness, and circumstances. He also provided some guidelines and tips on how to achieve this mental discipline.
Some of Emmet Fox’s other works include Power Through Constructive Thinking (1932), Around the Year with Emmet Fox: A Book of Daily Readings (1950), Find and Use Your Inner Power (1941), Alter Your Life (1931), Make Your Life Worthwhile (1946), The Mental Equivalent (1932), Stake Your Claim (1940), Diagrams for Living: The Bible Unveiled (1948), The Ten Commandments: The Master Key to Life (1955), and Sparks of Truth: Sidelights on Demonstration (1951).
Death and Legacy
Emmet Fox died of cancer on August 13, 1951, at the age of 65. He was visiting Paris at the time of his death. His body was cremated and his ashes were scattered over the English Channel.
Emmet Fox left behind a rich legacy of spiritual wisdom and inspiration. His books and pamphlets have been translated into many languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. His teachings have influenced many other spiritual teachers and movements, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Unity School of Christianity, Science of Mind, Agape International Spiritual Center, A Course in Miracles, The Secret ,and many others.
Emmet Fox is remembered as one of the most influential figures in the history of New Thought. His message of hope, faith, love, and joy continues to touch many hearts and minds today.
