Denials and Affirmations for Challenging Times
Inspired by the work of Emma Curtis Hopkins
by James Masters
Prayer and affirmations are foundational practices within the New Thought movement. In Unity and related traditions, denials and affirmations are not about ignoring reality — they are tools for reclaiming spiritual truth when fear, misinformation, and injustice attempt to dominate consciousness.
A denial is not a rejection of lived experience. It is a refusal to give ultimate authority to beliefs that contradict divine truth. Denials help loosen the grip of fear, shame, and false narratives.
An affirmation follows by establishing what is true — about God, about life, and about who we are.
This practice was taught powerfully by Emma Curtis Hopkins, whose work emphasized spiritual clarity during times of social and moral upheaval.
About Emma Curtis Hopkins
Emma Curtis Hopkins (1849–1925) was one of the most influential—and radical—figures in the New Thought movement. Often called the “Teacher of Teachers,” she mentored many of the leaders who would go on to found Unity, Divine Science, Church of Religious Science (Centers for Spiritual Living), Science of Mind, and Religious Science. In a period when women were largely excluded from theological authority, Hopkins claimed spiritual leadership without apology. She taught metaphysics publicly, founded churches and schools, published extensively, and articulated a theology in which divine authority was not mediated by gender, hierarchy, or institutional permission. Quite simply, the New Thought movement as we know it would not exist without her.
Hopkins was also deeply transgressive of 19th-century gender roles. She rejected the idea that women were spiritually subordinate, intellectually limited, or divinely confined to domestic life. She embodied authority, independence, and theological originality at a time when such traits in women were treated as scandalous. While we cannot impose modern identity labels onto historical figures, Hopkins’ leadership, refusal to conform, and reimagining of power itself can rightly be understood as queer in the fullest sense of the word: she lived and taught outside the sanctioned norms of gender, religion, and social order.
For many LGBTQ+ people today, her life stands as a spiritual precedent—proof that holiness has never belonged to conformity, and that divine truth has always moved through those bold enough to live beyond the lines.
What follows are denials and affirmations inspired by the work of Emma Curtis Hopkins, with special care for LGBTQ+ people and all who are navigating fear, grief, or uncertainty in this moment.
Affirmations
God is Life
- Denial: I deny that any system, policy, or fear has power over the sacredness of life.
Affirmation: Life expresses itself fully, courageously, and uniquely through every person. - Denial: I deny that violence or threat defines what life is or how it unfolds.
Affirmation: Life sustains itself with resilience, continuity, and creative strength. - Denial: I deny the belief that some lives are more valuable than others.
Affirmation: One Life moves through all beings with equal dignity and worth. - Denial: I deny that fear has any authority to govern my sense of safety or belonging.
Affirmation: Life supports my right to exist, thrive, and take up space. - Denial: I deny that life can be erased by lies, intimidation, or force.
Affirmation: Life is ongoing, expressive, and present as me and as all.
God is Truth
- Denial: I deny false narratives the power to define people or distort reality.
Affirmation: Truth is present, steady, and revealing itself with clarity. - Denial: I deny misinformation and gaslighting any authority over my spirit.
Affirmation: I am grounded in Truth that cannot be manipulated or undone. - Denial: I deny the belief that silence is required for safety or survival.
Affirmation: Truth honors lived experience and makes space for honest voices. - Denial: I deny confusion as a permanent state of mind.
Affirmation: Truth brings discernment, coherence, and inner steadiness. - Denial: I deny fear-based stories the power to shape my worldview.
Affirmation: Truth aligns me with integrity, reality, and freedom.
God is Love
- Denial: I deny hatred, contempt, or dehumanization any spiritual authority.
Affirmation: Love recognizes and affirms every person as inherently worthy. - Denial: I deny falsehoods that state love requires self-erasure or conformity.
Affirmation: Love supports authenticity, wholeness, and self-acceptance. - Denial: I deny shame as a tool of control or belonging.
Affirmation: Love holds me without condition, exception, or demand. - Denial: I deny the idea that love is passive in the face of harm.
Affirmation: Love acts through protection, solidarity, and care. - Denial: I deny isolation as a spiritual truth.
Affirmation: Love connects me with others committed to justice, healing, and compassion.
God is Intelligence
- Denial: I deny that chaos has power to dominate my thinking.
Affirmation: Divine Intelligence guides me with wisdom and calm clarity. - Denial: I deny fear-based manipulation access to my decision-making.
Affirmation: I trust my discernment and inner knowing. - Denial: I deny the belief that I am powerless or uninformed.
Affirmation: Intelligence within me responds wisely to each moment. - Denial: I deny despair as a final conclusion.
Affirmation: Intelligence reveals creative possibilities, even in difficult times. - Denial: I deny the idea that understanding is out of reach.
Affirmation: Divine Intelligence unfolds insight, strategy, and right action through me.
Rather than trying to “fix” faith or define one spiritual path, Folx with Faith focuses on connection. We support queer-led spiritual groups that create space for conversations, shared meaning-making, and belonging. Without pressure, correction, or expectation. These groups are not about arriving at the same beliefs, but about having a place to land while people explore their own.
Whether someone is reconnecting with spirituality, seeking companionship on a spiritual path, or simply looking for others who understand their journey, Folx with Faith exists to support you.
We also do our best to help educate centers and communities on how to be more competent when they engage with the queer community.
If you’d like to continue this conversation in community, we invite you to join our upcoming Folx with Faith gathering with AJ Stutzer, a reflective, discussion-based space exploring the spiritual and emotional bonds we share with our animal companions. You can learn more and register below.
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You can help us fulfill our mission by donating to Folx with Faith or starting a local group. It is our mission to create safe spaces to explore and experience spiritual wholeness. Folx with Faith supports the queer community, fostering a celebration of our authentic beings and empowering us to make a difference in the world. If you would like to contribute to this mission or would like to start a local chapter, please let us know. You can contact us or use the links below.
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- About the Author
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James Masters (he/they) is a member of Unity Church of Overland Park, where they actively teach classes and participate in community events. They are a Licensed Unity Teacher (LUT) in the Unity movement and have been deeply engaged in spiritual study since 1999, and the New Thought/Metaphysics movements in 2005.
James is a contributing author for the bestselling anthologies The Courageous Heart, Enduring Wisdom, and The Grateful Soul. They are a artist and personal coach specializing in spiritual and relational development, guiding others toward deeper self-awareness and empowerment.
Beyond their work in spiritual education, James has a strong commitment to social justice and community service. They helped establish an all-genders shelter and regularly volunteer to support those experiencing housing and food insecurity. Their knowledge of technology and unwavering compassion for others make them a valuable force for positive change in their community.
