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 the desired outcome as if it is already known that it will happen or has happened. The goal is to gain clarity in thinking that guides action to be consistent with the desired outcome. One of the most popular treatment processes 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 (or Seven Verities) 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 Church of Christ, ScientistChristian 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, and developed in a different direction. Former Christian Scientist Emma Curtis Hopkins developed her own method of "Scientific Christian Mental Practice," which she taught to Holmes and founders of several other New Thought denominations and later published as a book. Holmes also was very much influenced by the writings of Judge Thomas Troward and Ralph Waldo Emerson.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 focuson influences from other religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, or Taoism.

External links -

rsintl.org - Religious Science International

religiousscience.org - United Church of Religious Science

grsm.org - Global Religious Science Ministries

i-cpl.com - Centre for Positive Living in BC Canada

swami-center.org - Scientific-Spiritual Ecological Center "Swami"

!religioussciencebaltimore.org< /a> - Religious Science Baltimore

!religioussciencesantafe.org - Santa Fe Religious Science CenterCategory:New religious movementsCategory: New Thought movement

United Church of Religious Science
Practitioner directory, Science of Mind Studies, special events and interviews.
http://www.religiousscience.org/

Pacific Church of Religious Science
About the church and its beliefs, services, prayers and activities. Located in San Diego, California.
http://www.pcrs.org/

Celebration Center of Religious Science
New Thought Spiritual Community affiliated with the United Church of Religious Science. Information, links, prayer requests, photos. Located in Falls Church, Virginia.
http://www.ccrs.org/