The United Church of Religious Science: Evolution and Expansion After Ernest Holmes

Introduction

The United Church of Religious Science, now known as the Centers for Spiritual Living (CSL), represents one of the most enduring institutional expressions of the New Thought movement. Founded by Ernest Holmes in 1926 with the publication of The Science of Mind, the movement grew from a metaphysical philosophy into a global network of congregations. Yet its history after Holmes’s death in 1960 is a story of division, adaptation, and eventual reunification. This article traces the evolution of the United Church of Religious Science and its sister organization, Religious Science International, from their common origin through their separate paths to the 2011 merger that created the modern Centers for Spiritual Living. By examining the organizational changes, key figures, and institutional decisions, we gain insight into how a spiritual movement negotiates continuity and change in the decades following its founder’s passing.

Historical Context

The New Thought movement emerged in the mid-19th century against a backdrop of American religious ferment and intellectual experimentation. Its roots lie in Transcendentalism, particularly the writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson, who emphasized the immanence of the divine and the power of individual intuition. The movement also drew from mesmerism and the healing practices of Phineas Quimby, who developed a system of mental healing that he called the “Science of Health.” Quimby’s ideas influenced Mary Baker Eddy, who founded Christian Science in 1879, and Emma Curtis Hopkins, a former Christian Science practitioner who became a key teacher in her own right. Hopkins trained many future leaders of New Thought, including Charles and Myrtle Fillmore (co-founders of Unity) and Ernest Holmes’s brother Fenwicke. The intellectual climate of the late 19th century, with its optimism about science and progress, encouraged the belief that spiritual laws could be discovered and applied systematically. Holmes, exposed to these currents in Boston and later in Los Angeles, synthesized them into a cohesive philosophy that he called Religious Science.

Main Narrative

Origins and Early Years (1926–1960)

Ernest Holmes and his brother Fenwicke studied New Thought in Boston, where they encountered the teachings of Mary Baker Eddy and the broader metaphysical milieu. They were particularly drawn to the idea that the power of the mind could be harnessed for healing and personal fulfillment. In 1926, Holmes published his major work, The Science of Mind, which laid out the philosophical foundations of Religious Science. He described it as “a correlation of laws of science, opinions of philosophy, and revelations of religion applied to human needs and the aspirations of man.” The book quickly attracted a following, and Holmes began lecturing in Los Angeles. In 1927, the first Religious Science organization was formally established, and by the 1940s the movement had grown into a network of churches and study groups. Holmes served as the movement’s spiritual leader and primary teacher, and his weekly lectures and writings, including the Science of Mind magazine, became central to the community.

Post-Holmes Division: Two Organizations (1960–2011)

Ernest Holmes died in 1960, leaving a movement that had grown but lacked a clear succession plan. Over the following years, tensions emerged over governance, theology, and the role of centralized authority. By the mid-1960s, the movement had split into two main bodies: the United Church of Religious Science (UCRS), which emphasized a more structured church model, and Religious Science International (RSI), which favored a looser federation of independent centers. The UCRS retained Holmes’s original teachings and established a ministerial training program, while RSI allowed for more diverse interpretations and practices. Both organizations continued to grow, but they operated separately for nearly half a century. During this period, the movement expanded internationally, with centers in Canada, Australia, and other countries. The two groups maintained communication but remained distinct in their administrative structures and cultural emphases.

Merger and the Formation of Centers for Spiritual Living (2011–2012)

In the early 2000s, leaders from both organizations began exploring reunification, driven by a shared commitment to Holmes’s vision and a desire to strengthen the movement’s impact. After years of negotiations, the United Centers for Spiritual Living (the renamed UCRS) and the International Centers for Spiritual Living (the renamed RSI) voted to merge. The merger was finalized in 2011, and the combined organization adopted the name Centers for Spiritual Living (CSL). Some sources date the official completion to 2012, reflecting the final legal consolidation. Today, CSL reports approximately 400 congregations worldwide and continues to promote Religious Science as a spiritual philosophy. The merger allowed the movement to pool resources, streamline leadership, and present a unified voice while preserving the diverse expressions that had developed during the years of separation.

Beliefs and Institutions

Religious Science, as taught by Holmes and continued by CSL, emphasizes the presence of a universal intelligence or God that is responsive to human thought. Practitioners use affirmative prayer and visualization to align with this divine principle, believing that the mind can influence material conditions. The movement is considered a Christian-inspired new religious movement, but it is open to insights from all traditions. Institutions include local centers, ministerial training programs, and the Science of Mind magazine, which continues as a monthly publication. CSL also operates a bookstore and publishes books on Religious Science teachings. The movement’s governance combines congregational autonomy with a central administrative body, reflecting the compromises made during the merger.

Why It Matters in New Thought History

The evolution of the United Church of Religious Science after Ernest Holmes illustrates a recurring challenge in religious movements: how to preserve a founder’s vision while adapting to new generations and contexts. The split and subsequent merger show both the fragility and resilience of New Thought institutions. The eventual reunification strengthened the movement’s presence and allowed it to continue Holmes’s legacy in a more unified form. For students of New Thought history, this story highlights the importance of organizational dynamics in shaping spiritual communities. It also demonstrates that New Thought is not a static set of ideas but a living tradition that evolves through institutional decisions and human relationships. The Centers for Spiritual Living today remains a significant voice within the broader New Thought movement, alongside Unity, Divine Science, and other groups.

Primary Sources

• The Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes (1926). The foundational text of Religious Science, outlining the core teachings and philosophy.
• Chronicles of Religious Science, Volume II: 1960–2012 by Marilyn Leo (2012). A detailed history of the movement after Holmes, based on interviews, meeting minutes, and commentary.
• Science of Mind magazine (ongoing). The movement’s primary periodical, featuring articles, lectures, and spiritual practices.
• Centers for Spiritual Living official website (centersforspiritualliving.org). Provides current information on the organization, its beliefs, and its congregations.
• International New Thought Alliance records (archival). Documents the broader New Thought network and its relationship with Religious Science.