'Where
Reverence & Reason are in Harmony'
Meets on SUNDAYS mornings 10:30am
COURTYARD MARRIOTT
103 East Park Dr Brentwood TN 37207
Enjoy the discount breakfast bar after the service!
Call (615) 662-5539 for more information
OUR VISION
We are a spiritual community that honors the truth found in all religions; we study the spiritual wisdom of the great philosophers and master teachers; and we learn to use the natural laws of the universe to create a better life. We teach people how to think, not what to think. We recognize and bless the divinity in all people knowing that all spiritual paths lead to God.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
We are a spiritual community helping to bring harmony to the world by expressing our oneness with God.
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NEW VIDEOS
The first video talks about how we use Music in the service. The second video talks about our Guided Meditation.
If you would like to give in support of the MCCSL
Please send your secured and deeply appreciated gift to:
THANK YOU!
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MCCSL Special Guest Music Artists
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THE WOODYS Short Ministry Bio
Rev.'s Dyann & Michael Woody are licensed ministers of Religious Science International (not to be confused with Scientology or Christian Science). Religious Science is a metaphysical, spiritual teaching that studies the common spiritual truths that can be found in all major religions, the wisdom of master teachers and great philosophical thinkers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and studies the natural laws of science to create a better life. Religious Science does not tell people what to think, but rather it teaches people how to think. 'Change your thinking change your life' is the basis priniciple of our teaching. Dr. Ernest Holmes, the founder of Religious Science and author of the textbook 'Science of Mind' greatly influenced such notables as Norman Vincent Peale and Louise Hay.
THE WOODYS have had a #1 Americana Chart Album, won an International Top Country Vocal Duo Award and Michael is a #1 hit song writer. In addition to their secular success, THE WOODYS have a powerful music ministry performing nationwide at Conferences, Churches, Treatment Centers and Schools. Dyann holds a degree in Music Therapy and has worked professionally as a Counselor for 20 years. In addition, both Dyann & Michael bring over 20 years of individual 12 step recovery work to their ministry.
After 10 years of making beautiful music together and harmonizing all over the world, THE WOODYS are now Licensed Ministers and make the Brentwood/Franklin area of Tennessee their spiritual home. The London Times describes THE WOODYS by saying, "...they sound like the Everly Brothers in Heaven." Acclaimed Country Music Historian, Robert K. Oermann writes, "This is the sound of two hearts beating in time. Prepare to have your soul stroked."
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Rev.'s Dyann and Michael Woody are also available for Spiritual Support (counseling & prayer treatment work) & Ceremonies (weddings, christenings and memorial services) along with International Engagements for: Keynote Speaking, Sermons in Song, Special Music, Concerts, Workshops and Retreats.
Click Here to Email The Woodys
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2008 JULY FEATURE Article
Creative Thought Magazine (RSI)
Reverence and
Reason
(by Rev.'s Dyann & Michael Woody)
Can reverence and reason be reconciled? For many agnostics, atheists and people who are spiritually disenchanted with organized religion, the short answer would be no. For those of us with a New Thought persuasion, the definitive answer would be a resounding yes followed by, "Thank God, I finally found something that makes sense to my head and feels true in my heart!"
The traditional Judeo/Christian concept of God that culturally which many of us were brought up to believe in, not only left us scratching our heads, it made many of us feel outraged at the obvious contradictions and hypocrisies. The old beliefs conflicted with our logic and good common sense, and we were encouraged not to question the status quo, but to just 'have faith'.
This very experience prompted many of us to forge our own path to understanding ourselves and the universe in which we live. Contrary to what the moral majority might think, our friend Jana coined it beautifully by saying, "we are not lost; we're just exploring." What we have experienced personally and seen time and time again in the lives fellow 'truth seekers', is this; Although the path may be bumpy ride with lots of twists and turns, we and others like us usually find ourselves having a real experience of God.
There are two places where we find reverence and reason reconciling perfectly in our own lives. The first is in a 12 step program, where we are encouraged to find a God of our own understanding. The second is in our textbook, The Science of Mind, by Dr. Ernest Holmes. Dr. Holmes formulated a brilliant teaching that draws from all major religions. He identified the thread of Truth that runs through them all. He included the wisdom of our master teachers, greatest thinkers and most prominent philosophers then added the laws of science, all of which were synthesized into a practical and spiritual teaching which is now known as Science of Mind.
We believe that there is only one God, that we are all a part of It, and that we live in a cause-and- effect universe whose laws we can use to demonstrate good in our lives through the clear intention of our convictions. This teaching is where head and heart come together, where religion and science walk hand in hand. This is where unity trumps duality. It is a metaphysical teaching not a literal one. It supports and proves the Truth that lies at the core of our being, it., that we are, in fact, all One.
Science of Mind honors all paths to God and recognizes the divinity in all people. It encourages us to remain open minded and asks that we not accept any doctrine or theory over the practical application of spiritual principles. It claims the proof of said principles demonstrated in our lives is more important than any doctrine or theory. It encourages self-responsibility and conscious right thinking. It requires a willingness to allow a greater understanding of Truth to be revealed.
This teaching is for the brave - not the timid. It is for those who dance to the beat of a different drummer.
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The TENNESSEAN Article by Rev. Dyann on 2/10/07
Message of the Week: Religious Science believes in the divinity in all people
What is Religious Science? Religious Science is not Scientology or Christian Science. Many people think it is related because of the word "Science." Science simply means "to know." The most accurate comparison would be with the Unity Church. Both of our founders studied under the same metaphysical teacher, Emma Curtis Hopkins. Our founder, Dr. Ernest Holmes encouraged us to remain "open minded" and thought it arrogant that anyone would claim to fully understand the infinite. While we share the belief with Christian Scientists of healing through prayer, we believe that God works through doctors and medicine. Also, Religious Science is a very positive teaching; in fact, Norman Vincent Peale studied Ernest Holmes and was inspired by those ideas, which he wrote about in his best-selling book The Power of Positive Thinking.
Dr. Ernest Holmes wrote The Science of Mind textbook, and upon those
teachings, the organization of Religious Science was founded. When you
hear the words "change your thinking, change your life," Religious
Science should come to mind, because that is the basis of our teaching.
Many of you have seen or heard about the new movie sweeping the country
The Secret. It is excellent, but as I watched it, I thought, well, this
is no secret to Religious Scientists because that has been a part of
our teaching since the early 1920s. "The Law of Attraction"
is basic Science of Mind along with the idea that thoughts are things;
that we create our reality according to our beliefs; that there is a
power for good in the universe and we can use it; and that there is
only one God and we are all a part of it.
Many Religious Scientists consider themselves "New Thought" Christians, in that they believe Jesus was the great example (not the great exception). He showed us the way and said, "follow me" and "these things I do, you can do even greater." We believe that we are all sons and daughters of God, and that the Christ consciousness that Jesus lived and personified is within each of us. We believe that Jesus "saved" us only in the sense that he taught us how to save ourselves. "It is done unto you as you believe" and "As you sow so shall you reap " is just some of that wisdom.
What I love about Science of Mind is that it draws from ALL sacred texts and religions, the many great master teachers and philosophers, and from the laws of science. Dr. Ernest Holmes was a voracious reader and avid new thought student who found the common thread that ran through all major religions, philosophy and science. He articulated it into a wonderful teaching that makes sense to the head, while feeling right in the heart. Religious Science believes in the divinity in all people and honors the many paths to God. We do not believe in duality but rather in unity. We believe that we are a connected whole; that we are all one. Therefore, we believe, there can be no "other" power. There is only God. "Evil" is simply our experience of being separated from God. But, the moment we "remember," the separation is gone, because it was just an illusion to begin with.
The real secret is that what we are looking for is not "out there," it is within, as close as our next breath, closer than our own heartbeat. As we turn to God, God turns to us. Most of us spend a lifetime looking outside of ourselves for everything, when the real gift is just quietly waiting within us for our attention. Science of Mind teaches "Spiritual Mind Treatment" (our version of affirmative prayer), which is the cornerstone of this teaching. Through this practice, we learn to consistently go within; to become clear on our intentions; to declare and affirm the spiritual truth; to know that our deepest desires are already fulfilled; and to be the whole, complete and perfect infinite and eternal spiritual beings that we already are, while experiencing a healthy, abundant and prosperous human life. Now THAT is good news, don't you think? And so it is!
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THE WOODYS MUSIC MINISTRY
"META-BILLY MUSIC" - Helpin' to Raise the Consciousness of the south...
Click on the blue underlined songs to hear our music:
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*Be Here Now *Do You Really Think What You Think About? *The
Answers Always In The Prayer *Life's A Beach *Calling All Control Freaks *If It's Not One Thing - It's Your Mother *The Art Of Surrender *Bringing Harmony Into Your Life *Something Greater In Me *What I Want To Be When I Grow Up *Message From Michael (12 Steps of Recovery through Song) *Healing Through Music *Feeding The Hungry Soul (Food Issues) * Prosperity Is A State Of Mind * You Are Your Relationships |
Circle of Angels
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TRACK
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SONG
TITLE
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01
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Here Is The Spirit |
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02
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Turn, Turn, Turn |
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03
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Circle Of Angels |
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04
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Something Greater In Me |
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05
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No Matter Where You Go |
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06
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Angel Unaware |
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07
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I Dreamed Of Rain |
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08
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God Is All There Is |
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09
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They're Just People Too |
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10
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I Release |
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11
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Someone You Don't Love |
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12
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Angel Band/Farther Along |
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13
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Nothing But A Child |
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14
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God Believes In You |
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15
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By The Grace Of God |
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16
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Dream On |
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17
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One Heart |
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Wine Into Water |
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19
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How Can I Keep From Singing |
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20
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God As I Understand Him |
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21
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Follow My Heart |
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22
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Gospel Medley |
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Or book The Woodys please contact: "They Sound Like The Everly Brothers In Heaven." The London Times "THIS IS THE SOUND OF TWO HEARTS BEATING IN TIME... When
Dyann and Michael Woody harmonize, a magical thing happens.
Their music will make you a believer, too. Put it on, close your eyes and prepare to have your soul stroked. This is the sound of sublime vocal communion. This is the sound of The Woodys. " Robert K. Oermann, Music Row Magazine & Country Music Historian |
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WHAT WE BELIEVE
(Short version)
We believe in One God, One absolute Power and First Cause to all things. We believe that this Power is Perfect Love and that it creates out of a desire to express love. We believe all thought is creative and how we choose to think creates our personal experience. We believe in the Unity of all life and the immortality of the individual soul forever unfolding. We believe in the eternal Goodness, the eternal Loving Kindness and the eternal Givingness of God to all.
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLE
(by Dr. Ernest Holmes)
One God
I believe in God, the Living Spirit Almighty; one, indestructible, absolute,
and self-existent Cause. This One manifests itself in and through all
creation but is not absorbed by its creation. The manifest universe
is the body of God; it is the logical and necessary outcome of the infinite
self-knowingness of God...
Everything
Is Spirit
I believe in the incarnation of the Spirit in all beings and that every
person is an incarnation of the One Spirit...
Personal
Immortality
I believe in eternality, the immortality, and the continuity of the
individual soul, forever and ever expanding...
Heaven on
Earth
I believe that the Kingdom of Heaven is within us and that I experience
that kingdom to the degree that I become conscious of it...
Personal
Freedom
I believe that the ultimate goal of life is to be a complete emancipation
from all discord of every nature, and that this goal is sure to be attained
by all...
Unity of
All Life
I believe in the unity of all life, and that the highest God and the
innermost God is the one God...
Personification
of God
I believe that God is personal to all who feel its indwelling Presence...
Personal
Revelation
I believe in the direct revelation of Truth through the intuitive and
spiritual nature of humanity, and that any person may become a revealer
of the Truth who lives in close contact with the indwelling God...
Universal
Law
I believe that the Universal Spirit, which is God, operates through
a Universal Mind, which is the Law of God, and that I am surrounded
by this Creative Mind which receives the direct impress of my thought
and acts upon it...
Spiritual
Healing
I believe in the healing of the sick through the power of this Mind...
Personal
Power
I believe in the control of conditions through the power of this Mind...
Goodness
of God
I believe in the eternal Goodness, the eternal Loving-kindness, and
the eternal Givingness of Life to all...
Self Determination
I believe in my own soul, my own spirit, and my own destiny, for I understand
that my Life is God
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FAQ's
Question: What
is the Science of Mind belief about Jesus?
Answer: We accept his example and teachings. We do not deny the divinity
of Jesus, but rather we affirm the divinity of all people, because God
is the Creator of us all. We think of Jesus as an example, not an exception.
Question: Does
Science of Mind believe Jesus is our Savior?
Answer: Any world teacher who helps humankind to be free from material,
intellectual, or emotional bondage is a spiritual “savior.”
Jesus showed us a way to be free, perhaps the most effective way ever
known, and it can indeed release mankind from bondage.
Question: What
does Science of Mind believe about the Bible?
Answer: It is one among many sacred scriptures, all of which were inspired
by the One Mind and presented through various spiritual teachers. We
believe that for Western people, the Judeo-Christian scriptures can
offer a useful path to spiritual freedom. And we also find truth in
many of the world’s sacred texts.
Question: What
does Science of Mind believe about God?
Answer: God is that transcendent and beautiful Mystery: the Origin of
all; the Sustainer of all; the Truth of all that is; Presence and Principle;
Love and Law; Life Itself, and the Substance of all form. This is, in
part, our concept of God, but no person can fully explain what God is,
since God is infinite.
Question: Does
Science of Mind believe in Eternal Damnation?
Answer: No, we do not. God does not create life and then destroy or
condemn it. As free individuals, we may bring great difficulties upon
ourselves, but that is as near as we come to so-called damnation. Then
it is God, as perfect Law, Love, and Truth, to whom we may turn for
release from these difficulties. The choice is always ours.
Question: Does
Science of Mind believe in Hell?
Answer: Heaven and Hell are states of mind, and neither is a literal
geographical place. Modern science has demonstrated that there is no
actual “up” or “down” in this universe, where heaven
or hell might be. Both are in our minds.
Question: Does
Science of Mind believe in Heaven?
Answer: There are certain exalted inner states of consciousness which
may be more like the “Kingdom of Heaven” than our everyday
life on earth, but we must always realize that God is here and now,
and to know this is to sense something of what heaven is.
Question: Does
Science of Mind believe in the Ten Commandments?
Answer: Yes, for we affirm the validity of this wise and useful code
of conduct, this intelligent and loving life pattern.
Question: Does
Science of Mind believe in good and evil?
Answer: God is the Source of all, beyond good and evil. God simply is.
But in human life, where our freedom allows us to make mistakes (so-called
“sin”), our comparisons of actions to what would have been
better lead us to ideas of good or evil. However, they are human inventions,
for ultimately there is only God: Infinite Love and Truth.
Question: Does
Science of Mind believe in a “Hereafter”?
Answer: We believe in the eternal now, which includes both here and
hereafter, for Life is an ever-unfolding experience of God’s Self-expression.
There is much, much more to it than what this world contains. We do
not, however, believe in sudden change in our whole nature when we leave
this plane, for we retain our individual identity. And so it is that
“immortality”
is not something awaiting us in the future, because we are immortal
now! In other, yet unseen dimensions of life, there are new fields to
conquer, new challenges, new and beautiful Truths to discover in an
unlimited and divine Cosmic Universe.
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HISTORY OF NEW THOUGHT
*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. Science of Mind correlates the laws of science, the ideas of philosophy and the truths of religion. — Ernest Holmes
The Greek Philosopher Plato developed the philosophical concept of transcendence.
The verb "to transcend" means "to go beyond" something. In Transcendentalism, it meant that there are truths that go beyond, or transcend, proof. These were truths that were simply "known" but could not be proved with logic. These truths were a private experience of faith and conviction.
The German philosopher Immanual Kant gave Transcendentalism its name.
Kant, with other German thinkers, influenced the views of some important English writers; the poet-critic Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth, and the Scottish philosopher-historian Thomas Carlyle. These three, especially Carlyle, exchanged ideas with Ralph Waldo Emerson of Concord, MA.
It was Emerson who brought the movement to New England and nurtured its growth in this country.
American Transcendentalism thus began in the 1840's as Emerson interacted
with Longfellow, Whittier, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Thoreau and Lowell.
This influential group of people were all born within a few years and
a few miles of each other in New England.
Transcendentalism was the beginning of American interest in Oriental
thought. Emerson and his friends read the Hindus, Confucius, Buddha
and the Mohammedan Sufis. The Bhagavad-Gita was very influential to
Emerson.
Transcendentalism became an eclectic composite of Oriental, Greek, English,
French, German, and native thought.
Transcendentalism is a belief there is a higher reality and greater
knowledge than that manifested in human mind. It divides reality into
a realm of spirit and a realm of matter. This division is made by many
of the great religions of the world.
Major Influences in Science of Mind
There are four creative thinkers that greatly influenced Ernest Holmes (1887-1960) as he moved along his spiritual path and developed Science of Mind.
They were Ralph Waldo Emerson, the distinguished New England philosopher and essayist (1803-1852)
Thomas Troward, an eminent British jurist and metaphysician (1847-1916
Phineas Parkhurst Quimby, a mental healer (1802-1866)
Emma Curtis Hopkins, a greatly respected American teacher and mystic, often called the "teacher of teachers" (1853-1925)
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Emerson's entire life was one of spiritual exploration. He has been called "the Father of New Thought" because he was instrumental in gathering together a group of intellectuals, writers and philosophers to explore the transcendental philosophy. Emerson entered Harvard College on a scholarship at age 14. He became a Unitarian minister. He wrote eloquent essays on many subjects. Emerson thought every man is an individual-ization of the one and only God. He thought that at the center of our being we are all operated on by spiritual laws which execute themselves. Emerson is not thought of as a New Thought writer, but rather as one of the sources from which New thought drew a great deal. Reading: Emerson's eloquent essays that particularly reflect Science of Mind thinking are Self-Reliance, Spiritual Laws, Compen-sation and The Over-soul. Ernest Holmes was a spiritual seeker. Born in 1887, he was primarily "home schooled" by his mother, who was an ardent reader. In his teens, Ernest began a search for the similarities in all the worlds' religions. He read extensively about all of them. He was deeply moved by the work of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Holmes said, "Reading Emerson is like drinking water to me".
Thomas Troward
Thomas Troward was born in the Punjab, India in 1847, educated in England and returned to India to become a Divisional Judge in the Punjab, which is now Pakistan. His chief interest lay in the field of religion. He explored the Indian religions and studied comparative religions. He studied Indian lore and sacred writings as well as Hebrew and other ancient scriptures. He was an ardent student of the Bible and was drawn to Emerson's writings. The concept of reincarnation was a strong influence in his thinking. He associated himself with the Higher Thought Centre in England and became a noted leader of British New Thought. Troward was interested in formulating a theory of mental healing. When he was asked to label it, he called it "Mental Science ". Troward began by examining the universe. He saw things that seemed to have a quality of livingness and some which did not. Since the difference was not always sharp he concluded that there are degrees of livingness. Further searching led him to conclude that what makes the difference is intelligence. Reading: Trowards The Dore Lectures contains a logical, intellectual explanation of this rich philosophy. Holmes discovered Troward's work in 1914, two years before Troward died. He said "This is as near to my own thoughts as I shall ever come". He began speaking on Troward's writing to growing groups when he was 25 without realizing his lifetime ministry had begun. He totally absorbed Troward's ideas and deeply linked them with his own thinking. He was one of the main channels through which Troward's ideas reached American circles.
Phineas Parkhust Quimby (1802-66)
Phineas Quimby was an American mental healer whose ideas greatly influenced the New Thought movement, a religious-metaphysical healing group. He originally studied mesmerism and became a practitioner of hypnosis. He claimed that he could heal by mere suggestion. Quimby believed that illness originated in the mind and was created by erroneous beliefs. He taught that when a person opened their mind to God's wisdom, they could conquer any sickness. One of his patients and disciples was Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science. When Eddy moved into her own work she denied Quimby had made any contribution to the theory of Christian Science.
Emma Curtis Hopkins
Emma Curtis Hopkins, more than any other single teacher, influenced New Thought. She was born in Connecticut in 1853. She was educated at Woodstock Academy there and remained for a time as an instructor. In 1882, she went to Mary Baker Eddy (founder of Christian Science) because she was ill. She was healed. She then devoted herself to the study and growth of the Christian Science approach. She became a practitioner and served as editor (1884-85) of the Christian Science Journal. Within another year, her independent quest for spiritual truth created an impossible situation between the two religious thinkers and she began to explore other metaphysical writings. In 1886 she left Mrs. Eddy and moved to Chicago where in 1887, she established the Christian Science Theological Seminary, an institution founded to promote teachings similar to those of her mentor. She quickly won a following. She branched out and taught classes in New York, San Francisco, Kansas City, Boston and elsewhere. Among those influenced by these lectures were Melinda Cramer and Nona Books, co-founders of Divine Science; Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, who established the Unity School of Christianity; Harriet Emilie Cady, author of Lessons in Truth; Annie Rix Militz, founder of The Home of Truth; and Ernest Holmes, founder of Religious Science. Because her influence was so pervasive in these New Thought organizations Emma Curtis Hopkins came to be called the "Teacher of Teachers." Unity, Divine Science and Religious Science are the three largest organizations within the present-day International New Thought Alliance (INTA). Emma Curtis Hopkins was a genuine mystic. She emphasized this element in all her teachings and writing. She drew upon the Bible, the non-Christian scriptures, and the works of the world's great philosophers and saints in her teaching. Her mysticism was a very potent influence upon Ernest Holmes. She spent time in London, where she had contact with Thomas Troward and other British leaders of the New Thought movement. She eventually ceased using the name Christian Science and began teaching privately. Ernest Holmes studied with Emma Curtis Hopkins in her later years when she was teaching only individuals. He felt she was among the greatest of the mystics. Reading: Hopkins' Scientific Christian Mental Practice is a powerful treatise on mental healing.
Who is Ernest Holmes?
Ernest Holmes is the founder of the International Religious Science movement which is recognized as one of the leading viewpoints in modern metaphysics. Science of Mind is a spiritual philosophy that easily applies to everyday living while also expanding the student's sense of their relationship to God and their place in the Universe. Known to his family as the "question mark", Ernest Holmes was a passionate seeker of knowledge. He embarked on a path of independent thinking at age 18. He was deeply moved by the work of Ralph Waldo Emerson. He then found Judge Thomas Troward in England who further defined elements of the philosophy that was formulating in his mind. He began teaching Troward everywhere he could. He was also touched by the work of Emma Curtis Hopkins who had begun to influence other great "New Thought" leaders. He wrote Science of Mind which is used as a textbook in Religious Science churches.
Began lecturing on Troward 1916
Published The Science of Mind 1926
Established the Institute of Religious Science 1927
Founded Science of Mind Magazine 1927
Revised The Science of Mind 1938
Reorganized the Institute to become the Church of Religious Science 1953
Dedicated Founder's Church 1960
Made his transition 1960
Church became
known as United Church of Religious Science 1967
Reading: The Science of Mind, Living Science of Mind, This Thing Called
You, This Thing Called Life, What Religious Science Teaches and many
more.
*Excerpted from
the Center of Spiritual Living in Santa Rosa's website with permission
from Getting Your Feet Wet in Science of Mind by Cara Lumen, RScP. Available
in print and downloadable versions at cara@caralumen.com.
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