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United Church of Religious Science
In 1912 Ernest Holmes moved to California, where his brother Fenwicke was a Congregational Minister. It was at this time that he became familiar with the work of Thomas Troward, a New Thought practitioner whose revolutionary ideas about the mind were the primary influence of Holmes' beliefs, which were later synthesized into Religious Science. More specifically, Troward interpreted New Thought ideas in a less religious manner, leading to his assertion that "livingness is ultimately to be measured by its intelligence" (Braden: 421). His focus on cosmic intelligence, science, conscious and subconsciousness, and his form of synergy (source:http://www.new-thought.org/trowd.html) are all departures from mainstream New Thought ideas.
Ernest and Fenwicke Holmes were both popular, but not spectacularly successful lecturers. In 1916 the Holmes brothers started a magazine entitled Uplift which was quite critical of New Thought. In time, the two would reconcile their differences with the mainstream of New Thought leaders and realign themselves with the tradition (Braden:290).
Ernest then moved briefly to New York in 1924, where he studied under Emma Curtis Hopkins, a mystic who had a profound influence on the leaders of many New Thought movements (Braden: 143) Especially for Ernest Holmes, her mystic element (relationship with the intangible and supernatural), helped to round out a philosophy based on science and reason,a teaching which was "primarily intellectual in their approach. It contributed a factor which has been important in enhancing the mystical element within that movement. It may indeed be one of its major appeals. Yielding to none in the vigor of its emphasis upon the necessity of using the mind in religion as well as in science, the movement has nevertheless included in the more recent years a wholesome element of mysticism as well" (Braden: 143).
In 1926 Holmes published The Science of Mind, which was to become his monumental work. He also continued to lecture. As he gained followers, there was much pressure on Ernest to organize a group. Ernest was reluctant to do so, since he did not consider himself a prophet of any sort, nor did he believe that reliance on his teachings was the way to salvation. In fact, his teachings emphasized self-healing and self-realization, which he felt were contrary to the idea of organizing a following.
In 1927, with the help of his brother Fenwicke, Holmes reluctantly formed the Institute of Religious Science and School of Philosophy as a means of spreading his teachings to his followers. As his followers increased in number, "churches" (quotations are used because these were not churches in the traditional sense, but more of a self-help group) began to form.
In 1949 the group of churches came together under the name of the International Association of Religious Science Churches. Then, in 1954, it was proposed that the churches adopt a new constitution that would involve increased centralization of power in a national body.
Some of the churches reacted quite negatively to this proposal (Braden: 301). There were several reasons for this reaction, one being the fact that they were not adequately informed of the pending change. Others perferred the looser ogranizational structure that characterized the initial founding. So, continuing the New Thought tradition of reluctance to institutionalize, many of the churches decided to become a part of the more centralized organization. They elected, instead, to essentially keep the old constitution and formed a new alliance under the name Religious Science International. Thus, we have an organizational schism which is not doctrinally based but, rather, pivots on the issue of how to organize.
At this time, 19 churches chose not to adopt the new constitution, while 46 did accept it and went on to become the United Church of Religious Science. Several other churches disaffiliated from both groups and became independent of all organizational control, aside from that of their own church (Braden: 301). It was then, and remains today, a friendly schism. From the onset of this organization fissure, there was little acrimony and the two groups have continued in close fellowship.
After this turbulent period, the organizations have remained relatively unchanged. They both continue to grow in size and members. Also, both have developed extensive education services. A School of Ministry has been founded, both groups have monthly magazines, and television and radio broadcasts have developed (Melton,p.528). Also, the groups have taken advantage of developing technology; now every church has its own individual web page. The group also continues its affiliation with the International New Thought Alliance, of which Ernest Holmes was a central figure. Since his death, the leaders of the UCRS and RSI have continued their affiliation with the INTA (Melton, 1996: 527), thus New Thought ideas and Religious Science ideas continue to grow together.
Influences
Religious Science draws heavily on Ernest Holmes' earlier influences, namely the New Thought tradition. The New Thought tradition is an umbrella concept which encompasses groups whose teachings strive "to promote interest in and the practice of a true philosophy of life and happiness; to show that through right thinking, one's loftiest ideals may be brought into present realization; and to advance intelligent and systematic treatment of disease by spiritual and mental methods" (Braden:9). This emphasis on self-salvation through proper thinking is readily apparent in Religious Science thinking. Ernest Holmes, although he, at the time of Uplift, did not support New Thought, eventually became a long time member and central figure of the International New Thought Alliance. Today this tradition continues, as many members of the United Church of Religious Science, as well as Religious Science International, are also members of the INTA, or at least supporters of the New Thought Movement.Divergence from New Thought
Like New Thought, Religious Science believes in an omnipresent, infinite spirit, the "Intelligence from which everything comes" (Braden:292). Like New Thought, Religious Science believes that by harnessing this intelligence, one can remedy life's ills and come into full realization of the universe. Religious Science diverges from New Thought in their ideas about the nature of this intelligence, and how it is to be harnessed. Religious Science relies more on science than mysticism, leading to more concrete ideas on the mind and specific steps on how to attain realization. There is a shift from abstract notions of oneness and healing, to a more formulaic, scientific concept of the mind, and the steps taken to harness the power of this Mind. (source: http://www.seasidechurch.org/What_is_Religious_Science.html)Religious Science believes in two divisions of the mind: subjective/objective, and conscious/unconscious. The subjective mind is set in motion by the objective, and it is through the subjective that we are able to harness the infinite spirit. This spirit operates by the Law, which is impersonal and universal. Religious Science's method of coming into accordance with this law is Spiritual Mind Treatment.
The goal of Spiritual Mind Treatment is to make one realize oneness. Further, that what we want, we have already attained through this oneness. Most other New Thought groups have affirmative prayer systems, but Religious Science's is distinct in its concrete, 5 Step Process. These steps consist of:
- Recognition: In which we recognize that God is all there is.
- Unification: In which we acknowledge our oneness with God.
- Realization: In which we acknowledge that that which we are seeking is already ours, and we accept it as being part of our experience now.
- Thanksgiving: In which we give thanks that that which we are seeking is already accomplished.
- Release: Since we have given thanks and acknowledged that that which we are seeking is already accomplished, we release it all and give it to God, knowing that it is done." (Source: http://www/websyte.com/scimind/cfplsaskatoon/som.html)
Other Beliefs and Practices
Religious Science beliefs can be summarized in the symbol V inside a circle. "On a Universal level, the top of the V shows the Universal Spirit (God), then the universal subjectivity, which is the medium of all thought, power, and action, then, at the bottom, a particularization of Spirit. The point drawn through the center symbolizes the descent of Spirit into matter, or form. It is necessary that Spirit be manifested in order to express Itself. The descending line shows that all comes from the One (God). Humanity reenacts the whole Universal Life, and the nature of humanity is identical with the Spirit. What is true of the Whole is true of any of its individual undivided parts. Humanity comes to a point of individualization in the Whole and is subject to the Law of the Whole " (Seaside Church's paraphrase from Science of Mind:569, in the Seaside Church web page (see URL below)In addition to Spiritual Mind Treatment, Religious Science also uses less concrete forms of affirmative prayer. They operate a 24 hour prayer hotline to help people in need realize oneness. For examples of these daily affirmations, click here
Relationship with Christianity
Religious Science, as well as New Thought, represent a break from Christianity. While both groups respect Christian ethics, they do not agree on many issues. Religious Scientists believe in an omnipresent God, not a seperate entity who is controlling our lives. Also, New Thought and Religious Science do not believe in the divinity of Jesus. They do revere him as a good person, but they do not believe that he is the only son of God. (source:http://www.websyte.com/scimind/cfplsaskatoon/jesus.html) Religious Scientists believe that we are all creatures dwelling in God, and Jesus was just another one of us. Religious Scientists also do not believe in the existence of evil. All is one (God), and thus what seems like evil is just a misleading, or a lack of the knowledge that allows us to realize oneness.
Relationship with New Age
While the roots of New Age are clearly apparent in New Thought generally, and Religious Science in particular, Religious Science does not consider itself to be New Age. Many of the practices of New Age overlap with the practices of New Thought, and thus Religious Science, but Religious Science does not claim any affiliation with the New Age Movement. One aspect of New Age is a belief in the otherness of God/godlike beings. This belief in the occult, crystals, fairies, etc. directly contradicts Religious Science's belief in Oneness. (source: http:www.newthought.org) Yet many of the practices parallel each other, such as meditation, belief in untraditional healing, and affirmative prayer. New Thought and Religious Science were contributing factors in the formation of the New Age movement, but they do not claim any affiliation.
Science of Mind Magazine
The official monthly publication of the United Church of Religious Science.
This site provides daily affirmations, a declaration of beliefs, as well as
links to other Religious Science sites.
http://www.scienceofmind.com
Seaside Church of Religious Science
A web page for an individual church with a thorough discussion of the history
of Religious Science, as well as extensive links. This page provides insight
into how an individual church functions. One can learn about their reverend,
their education tools, administration, and upcoming activities. This is an
excellent resource for learning more about the everyday practices of Religious
Scientists.
http://seasidechurch.org
Change Your
Thinking, Change Your Life
Responses to questions regarding Religious Science's stance on issues such as
the Bible, material gain, and Christianity. It also provides links to New Thought
groups, as well as other Religious Science pages.
http://www.websyte.com/scimind/cfplsaskatoon/som.html
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about Religious Science beliefs and practices,
such as their stance on evil, relationships with other groups, Jesus, and method of
prayer.
http://www.pcrs.org/faqsom.htm
Religious Science International
Homepage of
Religious Science International
This is the official homepage of Religious Science International. It includes a
declaration of beliefs, as well as information about churches worldwide. This
group has identical beliefs as the United Church of
Religious Science, but a different structure.
http://www.rsintl.org
New Religious
Movement Page on New Thought
This New Religious Movements page on New Thought
was created by David Radloff. The
page explores the history, beliefs, and influences of New Thought, and also provides
extensive links to New Thought pages and other groups that have been influenced by
New Thought.
http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/Newthoug.html
New Age
A conglomeration of New Age topics, including spirit, holistic healing,
environmental issues,and pop culture issues. This sight is a good representation
of the diverse subjects that fall under New Age, not just religion. This page
makes no mention of Religious Science.
http://www.newage.com
Toward and Science of Mind
An explanation of Judge Thomas Troward's philosophy. Holmes was a devoted student
of Troward, and many of the beliefs of Religious Science can be traced directly
back to Troward's philosophy.This site explains in depth Troward's beliefs, as
well as his justificaiton for them and their links to Religious Science.
http://www.new-thought.org/trowd.html
Analysis
of Religious Science
A counter cultist's description of his personal experience at a Religious Science
service. Specifically, the author discusses monism and pantheism, as well as the
vague responses to his questions given by this Religious Science minister.
http://www.usaor.net/dtl/guest-article/religious-science-1.htm
New Religious
Movement Page on Christian Science
This New Religious Movements page on
Christian Science was created by Jennifer Milan. This page provides a fine examination
of the history and beliefs of Christian Scientists. It is especially useful here because
it shows similarities and differences between Christian Science and Religious Science.
http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/chrissci.html
Contact Information:
Religious Science International
United Church of Religious Science
3251 West Sixth Street
Los Angeles, California 90020
(213)388-2181
sciofmind@aol.com
636 West First Avenue
Spokane, Washington 99204
(800)662-1348
homeoffice@rsintl.org
Created by
Elizabeth S. Alley
For Soc 257: New Religious Movements
Fall Term, 1998
University of Virginia
Last modified: 08/27/01