Phineas Quimby (
February 16,
1802 -
January 16,
1866) pioneered the theological ideas that led to the development of both
Christian Science and the
New Thought Movement. Quimby developed certain ideas about the ability for people to heal their diseases through the work of the mind. This belief in healing derived from a theology of a loving
God and a deeper spiritual reality that was more real than that of the natural world. He began teaching others of his views; among his students was
Mary Baker Eddy, who later founded the Christian Science church, as well as others who eventually inspired the New Thought Movement.