Frequently Asked Questions

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, honouring all faith traditions and accepting scientific knowledge.

Who founded Centers for Spiritual Living?

Influenced by eastern and western religious traditions and the transcendental movement, 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 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. Today Centers for Spiritual Living are more spiritual than religious.

Is Science of Mind a real science?

In Science of Mind, we believe that the fields of religion and science are complementary, and that science will prove what the mystics have said for thousands of years about the nature of Spirit, human beings, and the Universe. These beliefs are being proven even now by many quantum physicists who have found that the universe is made up of energy that cannot be destroyed and is infinitely intelligent. Science of Mind is also scientific in that is uses laws of nature to prove spiritual principles. Any person can experiment with the principles and measure the results.

Is Centers for Spiritual Living associated with Christian Science?

No. Centers for Spiritual Living is a unique and separate entity from Christian Science.

Do people who practice Science of Mind go to doctors?

Absolutely. In Science of Mind, we believe that healing comes in many forms. Universal Intelligence is expressed through doctors and medicine just as it is expressed through all of the physical universe. In short, we use both mental healing 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 positive thinking, affirmation, mental healing, and creative visualization to transform lives, and co-create a world that works for all.