‘Positive Thinking’ Author Honored

Norman Vincent Peale, who presided at the Marble Collegiate Church for more than half a century, was honored there on the centennial of his birth. It was the ever-optimistic preacher’s own words that evinced his teachings.

“People are wonderful, people are great, people are incredible,” Peale exhorted in a videotaped sermon played for about 2,000 worshipers who gathered to remember the man known for his joyous brand of Christianity and his best-selling book, “The Power of Positive Thinking.”

After the service, Ruth Stafford Peale unveiled a statue of her husband, who died in 1993 at the age of 95.

Peale reached millions of Americans with his message of self-confidence and faith. He believed that by embracing the teachings of the Bible and believing in themselves, followers could live productive, fulfilling and happy lives.

He counseled several presidents and spread his message through a weekly national radio broadcast, several magazines and 46 books. His 1952 book “The Power of Positive Thinking” was the model for scores of subsequent self-help books. It has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide.

“Think big, pray big, believe big, act big,” he exhorted in another videotaped sermon replayed on the anniversary. “If you’re not getting where you want to get in your business or your goals . . . have courage and don’t be dismayed and don’t be frightened by difficulties.”