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

In 1926, 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 Religious Science International, or RSI, and the United Church of Religious Science, or UCRS. RSI cites the cause of the split as "differences in approach to corporate structure and church administration." RSI is based in Spokane, Washington and currently led by Rev. Candice Becket. UCRS is based in Burbank, California and currently led by Rev. Kathy Hearn. In addition, there are some smaller branches, as well as independent Religious Science churches. The teachings are the same. RSI is more decentralized.

Teachings

The Science of Mind teaches that all beings in the universe are expressions of God, also known as Spirit or the One mind. It also teaches that people should learn to love themselves and reach for their desires. It teaches that people create their own experiences through their thought, and that people can begin to be motivated to achieve their desires through a process called spiritual mind treatment, or affirmative prayer, in which someone states what the outcome should be as if it is already known that it will happen or has happened. The five steps of treatment are

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

2) Unification - God and I are one. (I am).

3) Realization - A series of statements affirming the "thing" desired. (I accept).

4) Thankgiving - Being thankful that we have received the "thing" desired. (I give thanks).

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

Someone who is certified to give treatments during church services or to help people with treatments 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 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, 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, particularly Buddhism.

External links

• Religious Science International
• United Church of Religious Science
• Centre for Positive Living in BC Canada