History of Our Philosophy

The history of Science of Mind is rooted in the New Thought movement and centered on the teachings of its founder, Ernest Holmes. Holmes developed the philosophy by synthesizing ideas from various sources, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Thomas Troward, and Emma Curtis Hopkins, with the ultimate goal of creating a practical system for spiritual living. 

Today, the Centers for Spiritual Living continues to be the main organization promoting Holmes's teachings through its various communities worldwide. Many prominent self-help and spiritual teachers have also been influenced by the Science of Mind philosophy.

Founder and influences:

Ernest Holmes (1887–1960) was the primary figure behind the Science of Mind philosophy and the Religious Science movement. 

• Early life and self-education: Born into a poor family in rural Maine, Holmes was largely self-taught and spent his youth as an avid reader with a deeply questioning mind. He explored philosophy and religion and was skeptical of rigid dogmas, particularly the concept of a punishing God.

• Move to California and New Thought: In 1912, he moved to California, where he further immersed himself in metaphysical studies. Here, he discovered the writings of New Thought authors, such as Thomas Troward and Emma Curtis Hopkins, who profoundly influenced his work.

• Key philosophical influences:

  • Ralph Waldo Emerson: Introduced Holmes to the concept of spiritual freedom and the divinity within each individual.

  • Thomas Troward: Inspired Holmes with the idea of a logical, creative, and impersonal universal law that can be consciously used by individuals.

  • Emma Curtis Hopkins: Taught Holmes about Christian mysticism, helping him distinguish between purely psychological and deeper spiritual principles. 

The Religious Science movement:

As Holmes's ideas gained popularity, a formal movement began to take shape, although Holmes was initially hesitant to form an organization. 

• 1926: Holmes published his seminal book, The Science of Mind, which laid out the core principles of his philosophy. It remains the foundational text of the movement.

• 1927: He incorporated the Institute of Religious Science and School of Philosophy in Los Angeles and began publishing Science of Mind Magazine. The magazine is still in circulation today.

• 1949: After years of lecturing, a denomination for the Religious Science churches was established.

• 1950s-2012: A factional split occurred in the movement, leading to two major organizations: the United Church of Religious Science and Religious Science International. The two branches taught the same principles but had different administrative structures. In 2012, the groups reunited under the new name Centers for Spiritual Living (CSL).

Some common questions about the history and philosophy:

Is Centers for Spiritual Living related to or connected with Scientology?

No. Religious Science and Centers for Spiritual Living are in no way related to Scientology. To visit the Wikipedia page for Scientology, Click Here.

Is Centers for Spiritual Living associated with Christian Science?

No. Centers for Spiritual Living is a unique and separate entity from Christian Science. To visit the Wikipedia page for Christian Science, Click Here.

Do people who practice Science of Mind go to doctors?

Absolutely. In Science of Mind, we believe that healing comes in many forms. God is expressed through doctors and medicine just as it is expressed through all of the physical universe. In short, we believe in both prayer and modern medicine.

Is Centers for Spiritual Living a "New Age" organization?

Science of Mind is a New Thought philosophy that incorporates spiritual tools of affirmative prayer, healing and creative visualization to transform lives and make the world more peaceful, harmonious, and prosperous. Centers for Spiritual Living does not consider its teachings to be New Age but rather incorporates the ancient wisdom of all the spiritual traditions through the ages. People of all spiritual paths - Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Islam, New Age and others - are all welcome in our communities.

Are Centers for Spiritual Living communities a place for healing?

Yes. Centers for Spiritual Living spiritual communities are places where amazing healings and life transformations take place.