What is Religious Science?
Last updated: February 25, 2026
The New Thought denomination founded by Ernest Holmes in 1927, based on the Science of Mind philosophy.
Understanding Religious Science in New Thought
The New Thought denomination founded by Ernest Holmes in 1927, based on the Science of Mind philosophy.
Religious Science, a prominent New Thought denomination, was formally established in 1927 by Ernest Holmes. Its foundation is rooted in Holmes's comprehensive philosophy, 'Science of Mind,' which posits a universal, intelligent, and benevolent creative force accessible to all individuals. The organization's mission centers on teaching practical spiritual principles for personal transformation, healing, and success, emphasizing the power of thought in shaping one's reality. Religious Science has significantly influenced the broader New Thought movement and continues to advocate for a scientific approach to spiritual living.
What the Teachers Say
Religious Science vs. Unity Church
While both Religious Science and Unity Church are prominent New Thought denominations, they emerged from distinct origins and developed unique emphases. Understanding their differences can illuminate the diverse expressions within New Thought.
| Aspect | Religious Science | Unity Church |
|---|---|---|
| Founding Figures | Ernest Holmes | Charles and Myrtle Fillmore |
| Core Text | The Science of Mind | Lessons in Truth, Christian Healing |
| Emphasis on God | God as Universal Mind, Impersonal Law | God as indwelling Spirit, Divine Principle |
| Approach to Healing | Scientific prayer, mental treatment | Affirmative prayer, spiritual understanding |
| Organizational Structure | Centers for Spiritual Living (CSL) | Unity Worldwide Ministries |
Etymology
The name 'Religious Science' is a compound term reflecting its core tenets. 'Religious' derives from the Latin 'religare,' meaning 'to bind back' or 'to reconnect,' indicating a system of faith and worship that seeks to re-establish a connection with the divine. 'Science' comes from the Latin 'scientia,' meaning 'knowledge' or 'to know,' signifying a systematic and verifiable body of knowledge. Thus, 'Religious Science' denotes a structured, demonstrable, and experiential approach to spiritual understanding and practice, bridging faith with empirical principles.
Connection to Manifestation
Religious Science offers a direct pathway to manifestation by teaching that your thoughts and beliefs are creative forces. To apply this, consciously identify your desired outcome, then consistently affirm its reality, knowing that the Universal Mind responds to your mental pictures. This isn't passive wishing, but an active, disciplined practice of aligning your inner world with your outer aspirations, thereby drawing your desires into physical form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Religious Science, founded by Ernest Holmes, emphasizes the Science of Mind philosophy and views God as universal intelligence expressing through natural law. Christian Science, founded by Mary Baker Eddy, focuses specifically on Christ's healing ministry and views matter as illusion, while Religious Science acknowledges both spiritual and material reality.
Religious Science teaches that God is universal intelligence, humans are spiritual beings with divine potential, and consciousness creates experience through natural law. The movement emphasizes affirmative prayer, spiritual treatment, and the unity of all life through divine mind.
Religious Science practitioners use a five-step treatment process: recognition of God's perfection, unification with divine mind, realization of the desired outcome, gratitude for the manifestation, and release of the treatment to spiritual law. This method is considered both prayer and scientific application of metaphysical principles.
No, Religious Science and Scientology are completely different organizations with different origins, teachings, and practices. Religious Science is a New Thought denomination founded in 1927 by Ernest Holmes, while Scientology was founded in the 1950s by L. Ron Hubbard with entirely different beliefs and methods.
Ernest Holmes remains the foundational teacher of Religious Science through his writings, particularly 'The Science of Mind' textbook. While he passed away in 1960, his teachings continue to guide the Centers for Spiritual Living and other Religious Science organizations worldwide.
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Used by: Holmes