Religious Science: Ernest Holmes and the Science of Mind

Religious Science, also known as Science of Mind, stands as one of the most influential expressions of the New Thought movement, blending metaphysical principles with practical spiritual tools for daily living. Founded by Ernest Holmes in the 1920s, this movement has shaped the lives of countless individuals and has left an enduring imprint on American religious and self-help culture. This article traces the historical roots of Religious Science, the life and work of its founder, the development of its institutions and publications, and its lasting significance within the broader New Thought tradition.

Historical Context

The emergence of Religious Science must be understood within the rich tapestry of nineteenth-century American religious experimentation. The intellectual climate was marked by a reaction against Calvinist orthodoxy and a growing interest in the power of the human mind. Transcendentalism, led by figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, emphasized the indwelling presence of the divine and the inherent goodness of humanity. Concurrently, the popularity of mesmerism and other forms of mental healing introduced the idea that thought could influence physical health. These currents converged in the work of Phineas Quimby, a clockmaker and healer whose techniques of mental suggestion directly influenced Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, and later New Thought pioneers.

By the late nineteenth century, the New Thought movement had crystallized into various schools and organizations. Emma Curtis Hopkins, a former student of Eddy, became a key figure in spreading the idea of spiritual healing and training many future leaders, including Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, founders of Unity, and Malinda Cramer and Nona Brooks, who established Divine Science. These groups shared core principles: the reality of the spiritual realm, the illusory nature of matter, and the power of affirmative prayer and right thinking to bring about healing and prosperity. It was within this fertile environment that Ernest Holmes encountered New Thought teachings and began to synthesize them into his own comprehensive philosophy.

Main Narrative

Early Life and Influences

Ernest Shurtleff Holmes was born on January 21, 1887, in Lincoln, Maine. According to his biography, Holmes was drawn to New Thought teachings and the belief in the power of the mind for healing and fulfillment of life (Britannica). He studied Divine Science and was ordained as a Divine Science minister, but he felt called to create a broader, more inclusive system that would incorporate insights from science, philosophy, and religion (Wikipedia, Ernest Holmes). His brother Fenwicke also shared these interests, and together they explored the works of Thomas Troward, Ralph Waldo Trine, and other metaphysical writers.

The Science of Mind (1926)

In 1926, Holmes published his magnum opus, The Science of Mind. In this book, he 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” (Wikipedia, Religious Science). The work presented a systematic philosophy that posited God as all there is, and the universe as operating by predictable spiritual laws. Holmes argued that by understanding and aligning with these laws, individuals could transform their lives, achieve healing, and experience abundance. The book quickly became a foundational text for the New Thought movement.

Founding of the Institute and Magazine

In 1927, Holmes established the Institute of Religious Science and Philosophy in Los Angeles to teach his principles (Britannica). That same year, he published the first issue of Science of Mind magazine, which has been in continuous publication since then (Wikipedia, Ernest Holmes). The magazine served as a vehicle for disseminating Holmes’s ideas to a wide audience, featuring articles on metaphysics, healing, and practical spirituality. The Institute became the training ground for ministers and practitioners who would carry the message throughout the United States and beyond.

Development of the Movement

Initially, Holmes was reluctant to create a separate denomination, preferring to keep the teachings as a philosophy rather than a church. However, graduates of the Institute began establishing churches based on his teachings, and in 1949 he reluctantly agreed to the formation of a Religious Science denomination (Britannica). This led to the creation of the United Church of Religious Science, which later became the largest branch. A smaller branch, the Religious Science International, also emerged, reflecting the movement’s diversity. Over time, the movement evolved, incorporating new insights and adapting to changing cultural contexts, but always retaining its core emphasis on the power of mind and spirit.

Key Teachings

The Science of Mind philosophy is based on the principle that “God is all there is, and that the Universe works by a system of predictable spiritual laws” (Centers for Spiritual Living). It incorporates the mystical truths of every major religion and offers a simple set of spiritual tools that can be applied to daily life. Central concepts include the idea of a universal Presence, the creative power of thought, the practice of affirmative prayer, and the belief that health, prosperity, and happiness are natural states that can be realized through right thinking. Holmes emphasized the practical application of these principles, making them accessible to people of all backgrounds.

Organizations and Branches

Today, Religious Science is represented by several organizations. The largest is Centers for Spiritual Living, which was formed in 2004 from the merger of the United Church of Religious Science and other groups. There is also Religious Science International, and the Affiliated New Thought Network, along with the International New Thought Alliance, which serves as a broader umbrella for many New Thought organizations (Wikipedia, Religious Science). These institutions provide ministerial training, publish literature, and support local communities. The movement has also influenced the human potential movement and the broader self-help industry, with its principles appearing in countless books and seminars.

Why It Matters in New Thought History

Religious Science holds a pivotal place in New Thought history because it systematized and popularized the movement’s core ideas in a way that appealed to modern, scientifically-minded individuals. Holmes’s synthesis of science, philosophy, and religion made New Thought accessible to a generation that was increasingly skeptical of traditional dogma but still yearned for spiritual meaning. His emphasis on practical application and the use of affirmative prayer influenced not only other New Thought groups but also the wider self-help movement, from Norman Vincent Peale to contemporary motivational speakers. For students of New Thought history, Religious Science demonstrates how a movement can evolve from a philosophical teaching to an institutionalized religion while retaining its transformative message. Its ongoing presence and global reach testify to its enduring relevance.

Primary Sources

• The Science of Mind (1926) by Ernest Holmes – The foundational text of Religious Science, outlining the philosophy and principles of the movement.
• Science of Mind magazine (1927–present) – The periodical founded by Holmes that has continuously published articles, lessons, and affirmations.
• Ernest Holmes’s other books, including Creative Mind (1919) and This Thing Called You (1948) – Works that expand on the core teachings.
• Institute of Religious Science and Philosophy records – Archival materials documenting the early development of the movement, including correspondence and lecture notes.
• Centers for Spiritual Living archival collections – Historical documents and sermons from the merged organizations.