What is Science of Mind?

An Overview of the Science of Mind Philosophy

by Reverend Deborah Westin

Ernest Holmes created the Science of Mind philosophy. Born in 1887, he was raised in Boston, Massachusetts. At a young age he discovered Ralph Waldo Emerson and became inspired by his philosophical ideas. While visiting Libraries in Boston, Holmes discovered the works of New Thought leaders such as Phineas Parkhurst Quimby, and Julius Dresser. When Holmes relocated to Los Angeles, California, at age 25, he began reading the works of Thomas Troward, which gave him further insight into the techniques of mental healing and the theory that lay behind it.

In 1923, Ernest Holmes began writing the book, The Science of Mind that gave a fuller explanation of his ideas. The Science of Mind philosophy is based on a belief that there is universal law of cause and effect operating in all humans and that it is primarily mental and spiritual. Holmes believed that all humans have "conscious access to this law," through correct use of thought. According to Holmes, this law can be used for creative purposes. His belief in the creative power of thought is stated clearly as he said, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he".

The Science of Mind philosophy is a combination of philosophical ideas and spiritual practices. Holmes developed the scientific prayer treatment or Spiritual Mind Treatment, which is a "breakthrough in understanding the ancient art and science of relating to the Infinite". Holmes summarized his philosophy when he stated, "The structure of our whole philosophy is based on two things: the universe as law and order, and the Universe as Divine Presence, the one with which or with whom we may commune, the other that we may use".

The Science of Mind is a science because, "it can be taught, it can be learned, and it can be consciously applied with a certainty of definite and repeatable results". Holmes saw Science of Mind as an intensely practical thing because it teaches us how to use the mind for definite purposes, such as helping those who are sick, impoverished, or unhappy.

Holmes bases the Science of Mind philosophy on the teachings of Jesus, who when asked the same question, said that the authority of his words were in his works. Holmes stated clearly that, "There is no authority for Science of Mind, other than what it accomplishes." If one chooses to become a serious student of Science of Mind, one may discover that it teaches a principle that can be demonstrated, that its authority is not in its words, but in what it can accomplish.

A professor at the University of Southern California asked Ernest Holmes for a twenty-five-word definition of Religious Science/Science of Mind. The definition Holmes gave is as follows: "Religious Science is the correlation of laws of science, opinions of philosophy, and revelations of religion applied to human needs and the aspirations of man".

The nature of God is an essential part of the Science of Mind teachings. Holmes believed that in the universe there was "A presence pervading all, an Intelligence running through all, and a Power sustaining all." Holmes identified God as, "Universal Mind, Spirit, and Intelligence that is the origin of everything.... This Universal Life and Energy finds an outlet in and through everything that lives".

Holmes made it clear that, while he did not believe God was a person to be worshiped, adored or obeyed, he acknowledged that "The great mystics of all ages have announced the personality of Spirit.... They have all sensed the Divine as personal to them and have consciously communicated with it." He stated that the Universe did personify itself through man. Therefore, it was appropriate to think of God, "not only as Principle, forever pushing forward into expression, but as Infinite Person." In all of his lectures, Holmes stated that we as human beings can find God only within ourselves. He acknowledged that this may seem blasphemous, as though one were setting oneself up as God. Such was not the case, he argued. One is merely setting oneself up as a center in the consciousness of God, forever One with God, and incarnation of the Universal.

The Science of Mind philosophy is based on prayers of recognition and affirmation. The teachings state that we live in a mental or spiritual universe and that it is governed by the law of cause and effect. This law is set into motion consciously through the power of human thought. Holmes believed that whatever was happening in our lives, for good or ill, was the direct result of our thinking. The Law of Mind reflected those thoughts back into man's experience by producing physical and emotional illness. Worry, fear, doubt, anger, jealously, morbidity, and guilt are examples of negative thoughts and emotions that are "back of most of our troubles".

A scientific prayer treatment consists of five steps. The first step is recognition where one recognizes a human being as Spiritual reality. Since there is only One Mind, the Universal Mind, the person giving the treatment (could be for self or another) makes this recognition within his or her own mind. The second step is unification, where the individual unifies with this One Mind. The third step is declaration, where the individual declares perfection. For example, if an individual is treating to remove the condition of insomnia, the declaration is for peace. The individual giving the treatment would say in the affirmative, "I declare perfect peace and it is here now." It is imperative that the declaration step of the treatment is stated in the present tense.

The fourth step of a treatment is thanksgiving. It is giving thanks for everything in life, particularly, the answer to the prayer. In the case for removal of insomnia, thanksgiving could be stated, "I give thanks for perfect peace in my life now and always." The fifth step is the release. The treatment is released to this One Mind. Release is crucial because it show faith in the One Mind. For the removal of the condition of insomnia, it means that the treatment is complete and the Universal Law is taking care of it.

Quotes are from the book, "Open at the Top" by Neal Vahle.