What is Science of Mind?
New Thought Movement
Once called the “religion of healthy-mindedness” by the philosopher William James, the New Thought movement was born almost 150 years ago as a revolt against the negative dogmas so prevalent in the churches of that day.
It was the ideas and writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson that caused the New Thought movement to be born, coupled with the prolific metaphysical healings of Phineas Parkhurst Quimby, the writings of Judge Thomas Troward added much, as well as the lessons and healings of Emma Curtis Hopkins.
All were strong influences on Ernest Holmes.The early New Thought Movement was driven by the discovery that physical healing was possible through the power of mind and spiritual awareness. As that initial idea unfolded into successful application, New Thought students began to see that the power of an uplifted consciousness could also bring healing to negative circumstances and conditions in one’s personal life.
As it evolves today, 21st century New Thought is driven by a far broader intention. Planetary healing through self-realization is emerging as the new promise of these teachings.
“The Science of Mind is the study of Life and the nature of the laws of thought; the conception that we live in a spiritual Universe; that God is in, through, around and for us.”
— Ernest Holmes
What We Believe
- We believe there is a Power for Good in the universe and we can use it to make our lives better.
- We believe we are never separate from our Good/our God unless we believe we are.
- We believe we can change our lives by simply changing our minds.
- We believe everything in life is either an expression of Love or a call for Love no exceptions.
- We believe we are each whole, perfect, and complete just as we are. There may be some thought and/or behaviors we want to let go of, but we don’t need to add anything.
- We believe in the power of community, prayer, support and fun. We are here for God to express greater is us as us.
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of Spiritual
Community are You?
If you like Oprah Winfrey, Walt Whitman, Wayne Dyer, Eckhart Tolle, or the movie, The Secret, you’ll love Foothill CSL! We are a New Thought Community with Transcendental relatives such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Whitman. People of all religions attend and are welcome to become members or not.
We are a community which supports acceptance and respect for all people no matter what their gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
What is Centers for Spiritual Living?
Centers for Spiritual Living is an organization of nearly 400 spiritual communities around the globe that provide spiritual tools to transform personal lives and help make the world a better place. At Centers for Spiritual Living, our spiritual communities teach powerful principles for personal growth and global transformation, honoring all paths to God.
Who founded the Centers for Spiritual Living?
Dr. Ernest Holmes founded the spiritual movement that started Centers for Spiritual Living. Born in 1887 on a small Maine farm, Dr. Holmes spent his teenage years outdoors, asking himself “What is God? Who am I? Why am I here?” This questioning led to his 1926 book, The Science of Mind, which outlined the foundational viewpoints of modern New Thought.
What is Science of Mind®?
Science of Mind® (also referred to as Religious Science) is the core teaching of Centers for Spiritual Living. Science of Mind is a philosophy that integrates spiritual truths with science and physics. Simply put, Science of Mind teaches the unity of all life. Intentions and ideas flow through a field of consciousness, which actually affects and creates the world around us. This idea is common to most major religions and is supported by the teachings of psychology and quantum physics. In Science of Mind, we believe that the secret to living a successful life is to consciously choose positive and productive thoughts. Put another way, “As you think, so you become.”
Are Science of Mind and Religious Science the same?
Religious Science is the name of the church that Dr. Ernest Holmes started, which was the precursor to Centers for Spiritual Living. Dr. Holmes’ comprehensive book of teachings is entitled The Science of Mind. Members of Centers for Spiritual Living often use the phrases Science of Mind and Religious Science interchangeably.
Is Science of Mind a real science?
In Science of Mind, we believe that the fields of religion and science are complementary, and that science will prove what the mystics have said for thousands of years about the nature of God, human beings, and the Universe. These beliefs are being proven even now by many quantum physicists who have found that the universe is made up of energy that cannot be destroyed and is infinitely intelligent. Science of Mind is also scientific in that is uses laws of nature to prove spiritual principles. Any person can experiment with the principles and measure the results.
Is Centers for Spiritual Living related to or connected with Scientology?
No. Religious Science and Centers for Spiritual Living are in no way related to Scientology.
Is Centers for Spiritual Living associated with Christian Science?
No. Centers for Spiritual Living is a unique and separate entity from Christian Science.
Do people who practice Science of Mind go to doctors?
Absolutely. In Science of Mind, we believe that healing comes in many forms. God is expressed through doctors and medicine just as it is expressed through all of the physical universe. In short, we believe in both prayer and modern medicine.
Is Centers for Spiritual Living a “New Age” organization?
Science of Mind is a New Thought philosophy that incorporates spiritual tools of affirmative prayer, healing and creative visualization to transform lives and make the world more peaceful, harmonious, and prosperous. Centers for Spiritual Living does not consider its teachings to be New Age, but rather incorporates the ancient wisdom of all the spiritual traditions through the ages. People of all spiritual paths — Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Islam, New Age and others — are all welcome in our communities.
Are Centers for Spiritual Living communities a place for healing?
Yes. Centers for Spiritual Living spiritual communities are places where amazing healings and life transformations take place.
What is the role of prayer within Centers for Spiritual Living?
Centers for Spiritual Living honors all forms of prayer. In addition, we teach a unique and scientific form of prayer called Spiritual Mind Treatment. This powerful, affirmative method of prayer was developed by Dr. Ernest Holmes. Spiritual Mind Treatment involves a five-step process that harnesses the creative process of consciousness. This type of powerful, scientific prayer allows new levels of health, wealth, love, and wholeness to become a reality in our lives.
Is Centers for Spiritual Living a cult?
No. At the Centers for Spiritual Living we teach that each individual has influence over, and responsibility for, his or her own life. We support personal responsibility and strongly discourage the “following of” any one person, including founder Ernest Holmes. The philosophy taught by Centers for Spiritual Living challenges people to think for themselves and only believe what feels true to them.