Religious Science

Religious Science, also known as Science of Mind, was founded in 1926 by Ernest Holmes (1887-1960) and is a religious movement within the New Thought Movement. (In general, the term "Science of Mind" applies to the teachings, while the term "Religious Science" applies to the organizations. However, adherents often tend to use the terms interchangeably.)

History

Upon publication of his seminal book in 1927, The Science of Mind, Holmes established the Institute for Religious Science in Los Angeles.

In 1953 the organization split into two organizations, known today as the United Church of Religious Science, or UCRS, and Religious Science International, or RSI. RSI cites the cause of the split as "differences in approach to corporate structure and church administration." UCRS is based in Burbank, California and currently led by Rev. Kathy Hearn. RSI is based in Spokane, Washington and currently led by Rev. Candice Becket. RSI is more decentralized. Global Religious Science Ministries, or GRSM, was founded by former RSI ministers who envisioned an expanded definition of ministry. GRSM is based in Silver Spring, Maryland and currently led by Rev. Douglas Kinney. In addition, there are some smaller branches, as well as independent Religious Science churches. The teachings are generally the same.

Teachings

The Science of Mind (SOM) teaches that all beings in the universe are expressions of an Infinite Intelligence, or God, also known as Spirit, or the One mind. SOM also teaches that people can open themselves to spiritual guidance and learn to love themselves, have more satisfying lives, and reach their potential. It teaches that thought is creative, and people can learn to more consciously create their own experience. People can begin to be motivated to achieve more fulfilling lives through a process called spiritual mind treatment, or affirmative prayer. Spiritual mind treatment is a stepwise process, in which one states what the outcome should be as if it is already known that it will happen or has happened. Several processes exist. The most widely used treatment process includes the following five steps:

1) Recognition - There is one Spirit. Spirit is all there is. (God is).

2) Unification - Spirit and I are one. I live, move, and have my being in God. (I am).

3) Realization - A series of statements affirming/declaring the outcome desired. (I accept).

4) Thankgiving - Being thankful that we have received the desired outcome, or something even better. (I am thankful).

5) Release - Giving it over to the Law and letting the Law do its work (Let go and let God). (And so it is).

Someone who is certified to conduct treatments during church services or to assist people through treatment is called a practitioner. A professional Practitioner is available for spiritual counseling by appointment and performs some ecclesiastical functions in association with the minister.

The Science of Mind also states 7 main attributes of Infinite Intelligence, or God; love, light, life, power, peace, beauty, and joy.

Although some of the teachings are similar, Religious Science is not to be confused with Christian Science, founded by Mary Baker Eddy. Religious Science is based on and has teachings which come from older world religions. However, Christian Science is one of many roots of New Thought, including Religious Science, through the work of Emma Curtis Hopkins. Additionally, Holmes was very much influenced by the writings of Judge Thomas Troward.

Particularly in RSI and GRSM, the approach to the teachings may vary from church to church. While some churches have ministers which bring a more Christian influence, others focus on influences from other religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, or Taoism.

External links

• Religious Science International (http://www.rsintl.org/)
• United Church of Religious Science (http://www.religiousscience.org/)
• Global Religious Science Ministries (http://www.grsm.org/)
• Centre for Positive Living in BC Canada (http://www.i-cpl.com/)
• Religion and science (http://www.religiousbook.net/Lectures/Sciense_and_religion.html) - Scientific Method in Religious Practice
• Scientific-Spiritual Ecological Center "Swami" (http://swami-center.org)