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Norman Vincent PealeWriter and priest
Date of Birth: 31.05.1898
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Norman Vincent Peale
- Pastoral Work
- Positive Thinking Theory
- Media Career
- Political Involvement
- Relationship with Presidents
- Achievements and Legacy
Biography of Norman Vincent Peale
IntroductionNorman Vincent Peale was a writer and a minister, known as one of the founders of the concept of "positive thinking." He was born in Bowersville, Ohio and received his higher education at Ohio Wesleyan University and Boston University School of Theology. Raised in the Methodist Church, Peale became a minister himself in 1922.
Pastoral Work
In 1932, Peale joined the Reformed Church, and for the next 52 years, he served as a pastor in a church in Manhattan. He was an exceptionally gifted preacher, and under his leadership, the congregation grew from 600 to over 5,000 people. Peale's reputation for his sermons spread throughout the city.
Positive Thinking Theory
Peale developed the theory of positive thinking with the help of psychoanalyst Smiley Blanton. Together, they worked at their own religious-psychiatric clinic near the church and regularly wrote books, such as "Faith Is the Answer: A Psychiatrist and a Pastor Discuss Your Problems." In 1951, the clinic was transformed into the American Foundation of Religion and Psychiatry, with Peale serving as its president and Blanton as the executive director. However, their collaboration did not last long. In 1952, Peale published his book "The Power of Positive Thinking," which was harshly criticized by the psychiatric community, leading Blanton to distance himself from Peale.
Media Career
In 1935, Peale launched the radio program "The Art of Living," which successfully aired for 54 years. With the help of the National Council of Churches, Peale transitioned to television. He also served on the editorial committee of the magazine "Guideposts" and continued writing new books. During the Great Depression, Peale was part of the first council of the organization "40Plus," which helped unemployed managers, alongside James Cash Penney, Arthur Godfrey, and Thomas J. Watson.
Political Involvement
In 1960, Peale represented 150 Protestant ministers and spoke out against John F. Kennedy's presidency. He argued that electing a Catholic would undermine the country's culture. Peale and his colleagues claimed that Kennedy would prioritize the interests of Catholics over the interests of the country as a whole. It is worth noting that Peale's views did not represent all Protestants, as some of his fellow believers believed he was driven by blind prejudice.
Relationship with Presidents
Peale had a close relationship with President Richard Nixon and his family, both personally and politically. In 1968, Peale was invited to the wedding of Julie Nixon and David Eisenhower. Interestingly, Peale remained friends with Nixon even during the Watergate crisis when Nixon's popularity declined significantly.
Achievements and Legacy
Peale was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, for his contribution to theology by President Ronald Reagan. Norman Vincent Peale passed away on December 24, 1993, in Pawling, New York, at the age of 95.
