The History of Religious Science and Its Place in New Thought

Introduction

Religious Science, also known as the Science of Mind, stands as one of the most influential expressions of the New Thought movement. Founded by Ernest Shurtleff Holmes in the 1920s, it synthesized elements of divine healing, mental science, and idealistic philosophy into a practical spiritual system centered on affirmative prayer and the power of the Universal Mind. Though it emerged from the fertile soil of American metaphysical religion, Religious Science developed its own institutions, publications, and practices, eventually unifying into the Centers for Spiritual Living in 2012. This article traces its historical roots, its founder’s journey, its core teachings, and its enduring legacy within the broader New Thought tradition.

Historical Context

The New Thought movement arose in the mid-19th century amid a rich tapestry of intellectual and spiritual ferment. Transcendentalism, with its emphasis on the innate goodness of humanity and the immanence of the divine, influenced thinkers like Ralph Waldo Emerson. The practical healing methods of Phineas Quimby, a clockmaker who developed a form of mental healing, directly shaped the early movement. Christian Science, founded by Mary Baker Eddy, emerged from Quimby’s ideas and emphasized the absolute unreality of matter. Meanwhile, the popularity of mesmerism and Swedenborgianism contributed to a climate where the mind’s power over the body was widely explored.

By the late 19th century, a diverse array of teachers and healers had broken away from Christian Science to form what became known as New Thought. Key figures included Emma Curtis Hopkins, a former Christian Science practitioner who taught many future leaders; Malinda Cramer and Nona Brooks, who co-founded Divine Science; and Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, who established the Unity movement. These pioneers emphasized the direct experience of God as infinite Mind, the power of positive thinking, and the possibility of healing through spiritual understanding. It was within this milieu that Ernest Holmes encountered the teachings that would lead him to create Religious Science.

Main Narrative

Origins

Religious Science began with the publication of The Science of Mind in 1926. Ernest Holmes, a self-taught metaphysician, had been deeply influenced by the teachings of Divine Science, having studied under its ministers and been ordained as a Divine Science minister before founding his own movement. Historical records and scholarly criticism indicate that Holmes and his brother Fenwicke drew heavily from the work of women like Malinda Cramer and Nona Brooks, rebranding their ideas as a new revelation. Despite this contested origin, Holmes’s synthesis proved remarkably popular.

Founders

Ernest Shurtleff Holmes (1887–1960) was the primary founder of Religious Science. Born in Maine, he moved to California in his early twenties. His earlier work, The Science of Mind, laid the foundation for the movement. Fenwicke Holmes, his brother, also played a role in its early organization. The movement’s first church was established in Los Angeles in 1927, though the founding date is sometimes given as 1926 based on the book’s publication.

Beliefs

At the core of Religious Science is the belief in a Universal Mind, synonymous with God, which connects all people. Holmes taught that positive thoughts and affirmative prayer can lead to healing and a fulfilling life. The practice includes Spiritual Mind Treatments, a structured form of prayer that affirms spiritual truths and manifests desired outcomes. Unlike some New Thought groups, Religious Science emphasizes the practical application of spiritual laws to everyday life.

Institutions

The movement quickly organized into churches and study groups. The first organization, the Institute of Religious Science and Philosophy, was founded in 1927. Over the decades, several branches emerged, including Religious Science International and the United Centers for Spiritual Living. In 2012, these major groups unified to form the Centers for Spiritual Living, which now encompasses nearly four hundred congregations worldwide.

Publications

The movement’s central text is The Science of Mind, first published in 1926. The monthly magazine Science of Mind began in 1927 and continues to be a primary periodical for the movement, featuring articles on spiritual practice, healing, and personal growth. These publications helped spread the teachings far beyond the classroom.

Major Events

Key milestones include the founding of the first church in Los Angeles, the establishment of the Institute, and the publication of the magazine. The movement experienced internal divisions in the mid-20th century, leading to the formation of separate organizations. The 2012 unification into the Centers for Spiritual Living marked a significant consolidation, bringing together diverse branches under a single umbrella.

Branches

Throughout its history, Religious Science has seen the emergence of independent groups and ministries. Some emphasized the original teachings of Holmes, while others incorporated new age and human potential ideas. The International New Thought Alliance has served as a broader umbrella, connecting Religious Science with other New Thought denominations such as Unity and Divine Science.

Changes Over Time

After Holmes’s death in 1960, leadership passed to his associates, and the movement continued to evolve. The late 20th century saw a growing emphasis on social engagement and inclusivity. The 2012 merger was a response to a desire for greater unity and effectiveness. Today, the Centers for Spiritual Living promotes a progressive, inclusive approach while maintaining the core principles of Science of Mind.

Present-Day Organizations

The Centers for Spiritual Living, headquartered in Golden, Colorado, is the primary organization. It supports local churches and study groups, offers ministerial training, and publishes Science of Mind magazine. Additionally, the Affiliated New Thought Network and the International New Thought Alliance continue to foster cooperation among diverse New Thought groups.

Why It Matters in New Thought History

Religious Science occupies a unique position within New Thought. It represents a systematic codification of the movement’s core ideas, making them accessible to a broad audience. Its emphasis on practical spirituality influenced the human potential movement of the 1960s and 1970s, and its teachings on affirmative prayer have permeated modern self-help culture. For students of New Thought history, Religious Science demonstrates how a charismatic leader can synthesize existing ideas into a new organizational form, while also illustrating the tensions between originality and borrowing that characterize religious innovation.

Primary Sources

• The Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes (1926) – The foundational text, outlining the philosophy and practice of Religious Science.
• Science of Mind magazine (1927–present) – The movement’s official periodical, containing articles, lessons, and practitioner testimonials.
• Letters and papers of Ernest Holmes – Held at the Centers for Spiritual Living archives, these document his intellectual development and organizational efforts.
• Divine Science texts by Malinda Cramer and Nona Brooks – Important for understanding the precursors to Religious Science and the contested lineage.
• Proceedings of the International New Thought Alliance – Records of cross-movement cooperation and exchange.