What We Believe and Teach
The Science of Mind PhilosophyWhat is the Science of Mind?
New Thought Movement
Once called the “religion of healthy-mindedness” by the philosopher William James, the New Thought movement was born almost 150 years ago as a revolt against the negative dogmas so prevalent in the churches of that day.
It was the ideas and writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson that caused the New Thought movement to be born, coupled with the prolific metaphysical healings of Phineas Parkhurst Quimby, the writings of Judge Thomas Troward added much, as well as the lessons and healings of Emma Curtis Hopkins. All were strong influences on Rev. Dr. Ernest Holmes.
The early New Thought Movement was driven by the discovery that physical healing was possible through the power of mind and spiritual awareness. As that initial idea unfolded into successful application, New Thought students began to see that the power of an uplifted consciousness could also bring healing to negative circumstances and conditions in one’s personal life.
As it evolves today, 21st century New Thought is driven by a far broader intention. Planetary healing through self-realization is emerging as the new promise of these teachings.
“The Science of Mind is the study of Life and the nature of the laws of thought; the conception that we live in a spiritual Universe; that God is in, through, around and for us.”
What We Believe
- We believe there is a Power for Good in the universe and we can use it to make our lives better.
- We believe we are never separate from our Good/our God unless we believe we are.
- We believe we can change our lives by simply changing our minds.
- We believe everything in life is either an expression of Love or a call for Love no exceptions.
- We believe we are each whole, perfect, and complete just as we are. There may be some thought and/or behaviors we want to let go of, but we don’t need to add anything.
- We believe in the power of community, prayer, support and fun. We are here for God to express greater in us, as us.
Our Founder | Dr. Ernest Holmes
Who is Ernest Holmes?
From time to time, we are blessed to know people of apparent genius, people whose insight, understanding and love are influential in changing the thinking of whole generations, and whose impact will be felt for years to come.
Dr. Ernest Holmes was such a person. He began teaching in 1916 and founded the movement we know today as the Science of Mind and Spirit in 1927. The philosophy is found in a textbook written by Dr. Holmes called The Science of Mind. It was first published in 1926 and revised in 1938.
Raised in New England in the 1800s, over time he was able to piece together the profound knowledge of many of the world’s greatest spiritual leaders and thinkers throughout history. He studied science, philosophy, and religion, seeking out the greatest minds in each of these various fields. Throughout this investigation, his desire was to synthesize what he learned, to “put it all together” into one practical, usable philosophy that would lead to greater happiness, success, and prosperity in daily life. He achieved this goal.
What is the Science of Mind?
It’s New Thought and Ancient Wisdom. Our message and teaching are based on the culmination of the world’s greatest spiritual truths – that golden thread that runs through all, the opinions and ideas of philosophy, and the laws of science.
The Science of Mind and Spirit, founded by Ernest Holmes in the early 1900s, believes that there is One Mind, One Creative Power that is within each of us, available to us to bring forth health, loving relationships, fulfilling work, abundance and so much more.
Simply put, the Science of Mind teaches “There is a Power within you to create the life you want!” We believe that the secret to living a successful life is to consciously choose positive and productive thoughts. Put another way, “As you think, so you become.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of spiritual community are you?
If you like Wayne Dyer, Eckhart Tolle, Melody Beattie, Terry Cole Whitaker or Michael Beckwith, you’ll love CSL Anacortes!
We are a New Thought Community with Transcendental relatives such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Walt Whitman. People of all religions attend and are welcome to become members or not. We are a community which supports acceptance and respect for all people no matter what their gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
What is Centers for Spiritual Living?
Centers for Spiritual Living is an organization of nearly 400 spiritual communities around the globe that provide spiritual tools to transform personal lives and help make the world a better place. At Centers for Spiritual Living, our spiritual communities teach powerful principles for personal growth and global transformation, honoring all paths to God.
Who founded the Centers for Spiritual Living?
Dr. Ernest Holmes founded the spiritual movement that started Centers for Spiritual Living. Born in 1887 on a small Maine farm, Dr. Holmes spent his teenage years outdoors, asking himself “What is God? Who am I? Why am I here?” This questioning led to his 1926 book, The Science of Mind, which outlined the foundational viewpoints of modern New Thought.
What is the role of prayer within Centers for Spiritual Living?
Centers for Spiritual Living honors all forms of prayer. In addition, we teach a unique and scientific form of prayer called Spiritual Mind Treatment. This powerful, affirmative method of prayer was developed by Dr. Ernest Holmes. Spiritual Mind Treatment involves a five-step process that harnesses the creative process of consciousness. This type of powerful, scientific prayer allows new levels of health, wealth, love, and wholeness to become a reality in our lives.
What is Science of Mind®?
Science of Mind® (also referred to as Religious Science) is the core teaching of Centers for Spiritual Living. Science of Mind is a philosophy that integrates spiritual truths with science and physics. Simply put, Science of Mind teaches the unity of all life.
Intentions and ideas flow through a field of consciousness, which actually affects and creates the world around us. This idea is common to most major religions and is supported by the teachings of psychology and quantum physics. In Science of Mind, we believe that the secret to living a successful life is to consciously choose positive and productive thoughts. Put another way, “As you think, so you become.”
Are Science of Mind and Religious Science the same?
Religious Science is the name of the church that Dr. Ernest Holmes started, which was the precursor to Centers for Spiritual Living. Dr. Holmes’ comprehensive book of teachings is entitled The Science of Mind. Members of Centers for Spiritual Living often use the phrases Science of Mind and Religious Science interchangeably.
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.