The Science of Mind, also known as Religious Science, is a religion based on the theories of Ernest Holmes. It emphasizes positive thinking and the power of the mind, but does not reject traditional medicine. The belief structure includes the idea that God is infinite, personal, and loving, and that people can be healed through prayer and positive thinking. There are two branches of the Science of Mind: the United Church of Religious Science and the United Centers for Spiritual Living.
The science of mind, also called religious science, is a religion formed by Ernest Holmes in the early 20th century. Most adherents of this church call their principles and philosophy Science of Mind and refer to themselves as Religious Scientists. The belief structure of this religion is based on the theories of the Science of Mind explained by Holmes in several books and in the church meetings that he began to hold in various theaters in the Los Angeles area.
Religious science is not Christian science, and while religious scientists believe that some can be healed or helped by prayer, they do not reject traditional medicine. They see medical care from doctors as the work of God, as things designed to heal are part of God’s plan. If prayer helps, that’s fine, but if it doesn’t, then medical care doesn’t show a lack of faith in the divine.
One of the core principles of Science of the Mind is that the way you think specifically affects your life. Your attitude towards life should be one of gratitude, positive energy, faith in a supreme and loving God, and gratitude for the gifts God has given you. People who become indoctrinated in the Science of Mind are said to undergo the Spiritual Mind Treatment.
It sounds a little scary and maybe cultistic, but it really isn’t. Spiritual mind treatment is aimed at helping people accept the God within and without themselves, accept the beauty of life and understand that the Supreme Being has assigned a natural order to the world, that if we follow it, he will grant us peace and happiness. Most of the mental treatment is done in the manner of church services with ministers and spiritual advisers.
It can be difficult to understand the belief structure of any religion, but the following roughly outlines some of the main beliefs of the Science of Mind:
1. The Universe if ordained by God and came into being through God.
2. God is infinite, personal, and loving.
3. How we act and think determines how our life will be conducted (cause and effect). Therefore, believing in positive things will change our reality.
4. God is manifest in all people and all things.
5. There is no hell, and living people are already immortal, because they contain in themselves the spirit, which is part of God.
6. Healing can sometimes be accomplished through the power of the mind.
7. Prayer is heard and received by God.
The extent to which “God” in the sense of Religious Science is based on the Christian view of God really depends on church to church. Some churches are of rather Christian origin, seeing Christ as the son of God and the one in whom God is most manifested. Other churches explore different world religions, recognizing that most have very similar basic principles. Religious science does not claim to be the only religious way but sees good and purpose in all religions as they are manifestations of God.
There are two branches of the Science of Mind, also called the Science of Mind after Holmes’ first book: the United Church of Religious Science and the United Centers for Spiritual Living. The church split into these two sects in the 1950s due to some organizational differences. Both have churches in many major cities across the United States and work together at joint events. Religious scientists in general tend to have active churches, with large youth groups and many community outreach programs.
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