Religious Science and the History of Science of Mind

Religious Science, also known as the Science of Mind, is a spiritual and philosophical movement that emerged in the United States during the early 20th century as part of the broader New Thought tradition. Founded by Ernest Holmes, the movement presents a synthesis of metaphysical principles, religious insights, and scientific language aimed at personal transformation and healing. Since the publication of Holmes’s seminal work The Science of Mind in 1926, the movement has grown from a single teaching institute in Los Angeles into a worldwide network of centers, churches, and study groups. While its name includes the word “science,” Religious Science is not a scientific discipline; rather, it is a spiritual philosophy that uses the language of natural law to describe the workings of consciousness. This article traces the historical development of Religious Science, examines its core teachings, and distinguishes its metaphysical claims from empirical science and medicine.

Origins and Founder: Ernest Holmes

Ernest Shurtleff Holmes was born on January 21, 1887, in Lincoln, Maine, and grew up in a modest, religious household. As a young man, he became deeply interested in the relationship between spirituality and mental healing, reading works by Phineas P. Quimby, the father of the New Thought movement, as well as the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, Emma Curtis Hopkins, and Judge Thomas Troward. Holmes was particularly influenced by Emma Curtis Hopkins’s “Scientific Christian Mental Practice,” which directly inspired his later development of “Spiritual Mind Treatment.” He also drew on the transcendentalist philosophy of Ralph Waldo Emerson, whose emphasis on the divine within the individual resonated with Holmes’s emerging worldview.

Holmes studied Divine Science, another New Thought teaching, and was ordained as a Divine Science minister. However, he felt called to create a more inclusive and practical system that would combine the insights of philosophy, science, and religion. In 1926, he published his major work, The Science of Mind, which laid out the principles that would become the foundation of Religious Science. The book synthesized biblical teachings, Eastern philosophy, and metaphysical concepts into a coherent framework for understanding the mind’s creative power.

Publication of The Science of Mind (1926)

The publication of The Science of Mind in 1926 marked the formal beginning of the Religious Science movement. In this book, Holmes articulated his central thesis: “Religious Science is a correlation of laws of science, opinions of philosophy, and revelations of religion applied to human needs and the aspirations of man.” The work presented a systematic approach to spiritual practice, emphasizing the idea that human beings are “open at the top” to a limitless divine intelligence. Holmes proposed that by aligning one’s thoughts with universal principles, individuals could experience healing, prosperity, and fulfillment.

The book was not intended to be a dogmatic scripture but rather a guide for personal exploration. Holmes drew on teachings from the Bible, the Buddha, and other wisdom traditions, presenting a universalist perspective that transcended any single religious affiliation. The Science of Mind became the foundational text for the movement, and its principles continue to be studied and applied by practitioners worldwide.

Establishment of the Institute and Early Development

In 1927, Holmes established the Institute of Religious Science and Philosophy in Los Angeles, California, to teach his principles to a growing audience. The institute offered classes, lectures, and correspondence courses, spreading the Science of Mind teachings across the United States. Holmes initially conceived of the organization not as a church but as an educational institution. He believed that the teachings should be freely available to all, regardless of religious background. As a result, early gatherings were often referred to as “centers” rather than churches, a practice that continues in many parts of the movement today.

Despite Holmes’s reluctance to create a formal denomination, graduates of the institute began establishing their own churches and centers based on his teachings. By 1949, the movement had grown sufficiently large that Holmes agreed to the creation of a Religious Science denomination. This led to the formation of the Church of Religious Science, later known as the United Church of Religious Science, which became the largest organizational body within the movement.

Core Teachings and Philosophy

At the heart of Religious Science is the belief in a universal, intelligent Presence that is responsive to human thought. This concept, often referred to as “Mind” or “Spirit,” is seen as the creative force behind all of existence. Human beings, being expressions of this Mind, possess the ability to consciously direct their thoughts to shape their experiences. This principle is operationalized through a practice called Spiritual Mind Treatment, a form of affirmative prayer that involves recognizing one’s unity with the divine and declaring desired outcomes as already accomplished.

The Science of Mind teachings emphasize practical application. Followers are encouraged to examine their beliefs, release limiting thoughts, and cultivate a consciousness of wholeness and abundance. The movement teaches that healing—whether physical, emotional, or financial—occurs when the individual aligns their mental state with the perfection of the divine. However, Religious Science does not claim to replace medical treatment; rather, it views itself as a complement to conventional care, addressing the spiritual and mental dimensions of well-being.

Relationship to New Thought and Divine Science

Religious Science is a branch of the New Thought movement, a broader spiritual tradition that emerged in the 19th century with roots in the teachings of Phineas P. Quimby. New Thought emphasizes the power of the mind to influence material conditions and promotes a positive, optimistic worldview. Other New Thought denominations include Divine Science, Unity, and the Church of Christ, Scientist. Holmes was deeply influenced by Divine Science, having been ordained in that tradition before developing his own synthesis. He incorporated many of its ideas, such as the immanence of God and the healing power of right thinking, but he expanded the framework to include a wider range of philosophical and religious insights.

The relationship between Religious Science and other New Thought groups has generally been cooperative. Many organizations, including Religious Science International and the United Centers for Spiritual Living, participate in interfaith and New Thought alliances, such as the International New Thought Alliance. While each group retains its unique emphasis, they share a common commitment to the transformative power of spiritual practice.

Organizational History and Branches

Following the establishment of the Institute in 1927, the movement experienced steady growth. In 1949, the Church of Religious Science was formally organized, and Holmes served as its leader until his death in 1960. After Holmes’s passing, the movement underwent several organizational changes. The original church later became the United Church of Religious Science, which eventually merged with other groups to form Centers for Spiritual Living in 2005. Another branch, Religious Science International, also emerged, and in 2011, the two major organizations reunited under the banner of Centers for Spiritual Living, consolidating the movement’s global presence.

Today, Religious Science is represented by hundreds of centers and churches worldwide, with approximately 400 congregations listed in official directories. These communities offer Sunday services, classes, and meditation groups, and they continue to promote Holmes’s teachings through publications, online courses, and retreats. The movement remains decentralized, with local centers enjoying considerable autonomy while adhering to the core principles of Science of Mind.

Key Texts and Periodicals

In addition to The Science of Mind, Holmes authored numerous other books, including Creative Mind, This Thing Called You, and Discover a Richer Life. These works explore various aspects of the philosophy and provide practical guidance for applying its principles. The movement also publishes Science of Mind magazine, which has been in continuous publication since 1927. The magazine features articles, essays, and affirmations from teachers and practitioners, serving as a primary resource for the global community.

Other influential texts within the movement include works by Fenwicke Holmes, Ernest’s brother, and later teachers such as Ernest Holmes’s protégés and contemporary authors. These writings have helped to adapt the teachings to modern contexts while preserving the core message of mental and spiritual empowerment.

Influence on Self-Help and Popular Culture

Religious Science has had a profound impact on the self-help and personal development industries. Many of its concepts—such as the law of attraction, positive thinking, and the power of intention—have permeated mainstream culture through books, seminars, and films. Authors like Norman Vincent Peale, Louise Hay, and Rhonda Byrne have drawn on ideas similar to those taught by Holmes, often without direct acknowledgment. The movement’s emphasis on personal responsibility and the creative power of thought has resonated with audiences seeking practical spirituality outside traditional religious institutions.

Holmes’s influence extends beyond the New Thought community. His writings have inspired leaders in the human potential movement and have been cited by figures in psychology, business, and politics. The Science of Mind philosophy continues to be studied in courses on metaphysics and consciousness, and its principles are integrated into many coaching and motivational programs.

Distinction from Scientific and Medical Claims

Despite its name, Religious Science is not a scientific discipline. It does not employ empirical methods, nor does it make testable predictions in the manner of natural science. Instead, the movement uses the term “science” metaphorically to suggest a systematic and reliable approach to spiritual practice. The teachings are based on metaphysical premises about the nature of consciousness and reality, which are matters of faith and personal experience rather than empirical verification.

Similarly, Religious Science does not claim to provide medical treatment. While many practitioners report improvements in health and well-being, the movement explicitly acknowledges that spiritual healing is not a substitute for professional medical care. Holmes and his successors have consistently advised followers to seek appropriate medical attention when needed, viewing spiritual practice as a complement to, not a replacement for, conventional medicine. This position distinguishes Religious Science from some other groups that reject medical intervention, and it reflects the movement’s practical and inclusive approach.

Contemporary Presence and Legacy

Today, Religious Science continues to evolve, embracing diversity and inclusivity. Centers for Spiritual Living, the primary international organization, promotes a message of love, compassion, and conscious evolution. The movement has adapted to modern communication technologies, offering online services and virtual communities, which have expanded its reach beyond physical locations. It remains an active participant in interfaith dialogues and social justice initiatives, applying its principles to global challenges such as environmental sustainability and racial equality.

The legacy of Religious Science lies in its contribution to the broader New Thought movement and its enduring influence on contemporary spirituality. Ernest Holmes’s vision of a practical, universal philosophy has inspired generations of seekers to explore the power of their own consciousness. While the movement’s membership is relatively small compared to mainstream religions, its ideas have permeated popular culture and continue to shape the way many people understand the relationship between mind, spirit, and reality.