Religious Science and Science of Mind: Principles and Practice
Religious Science and Science of Mind (RS/SOM) present a philosophical approach to spirituality centered on the belief that all beings are expressions of Infinite Intelligence. This universal presence—also referred to as Spirit, God, or Christ Consciousness—is not viewed as a distant deity residing in a separate heaven, but as the very essence of the universe itself. According to Ernest Holmes, God is a Universal Presence already operating through our own consciousness and residing within our souls.
The core premise of these teachings is that because this power is omnipresent, any individual can utilize it by recognizing and aligning themselves with its presence in their own life.
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Key Facts
- Infinite Intelligence: The belief that God is a Universal Presence, not a person, and is the only thing existing in the universe.
- Law of Cause and Effect: The principle that every action has a consequence, whether creative, destructive, or neutral.
- Spiritual Mind Treatment: A structured form of affirmative prayer used to achieve desired outcomes.
- Personal Responsibility: A central tenet emphasizing the individual's role in shaping their own life.
- Law of Attraction: A specific aspect of the Law of Cause and Effect that operates within a single lifetime.
The Mechanics of the Universe: Love and Law
In the foundational text "The Science of Mind," the philosophy is broken down into the nature of "The Thing Itself" (God), how it functions, what it achieves, and how humans can apply it. A primary guiding principle is that "Love rules through Law." In this context, Love provides the direction, while the Law—specifically the Law of Mind or Cause and Effect—makes the manifestation of that direction possible.
The Law of Cause and Effect
The Law of Cause and Effect is the simple assertion that every action produces a result. This is mirrored in various spiritual traditions, such as the biblical concept of "reaping what you sow." While similar to the Hindu concept of karma, the RS/SOM interpretation differs because it is not tied to reincarnation; instead, it focuses on the consequences occurring within the current life.
Practicing Spiritual Mind Treatment
To create a more fulfilling life, practitioners use a method called Spiritual Mind Treatment, also known as Affirmative Prayer. Unlike traditional prayer, which often involves petitioning a separate entity for help, Treatment is a declaration of partnership with Infinite Intelligence.
The process involves stating a desired outcome as if it has already been achieved. To be effective, the Treatment must be expressed in the first person, remain positive, be delivered with powerful feeling, and be framed in the present tense. The objective is to achieve a clarity of thought that inspires actions consistent with the desired goal, thereby initiating a new chain of causation in the Mind.
The Five Steps of Treatment
Current RS/SOM centers teach a specific five-step process for Spiritual Mind Treatment:
- Recognition: Acknowledging the presence of Infinite Intelligence.
- Unification: Identifying oneself as one with that Intelligence.
- Realization: Declaring the desired outcome as a present reality.
- Thanksgiving: Expressing gratitude for the manifestation.
- Release: Letting go of the outcome to the Law.
Additionally, some practitioners incorporate supplemental techniques such as Visioning, a form of meditation, to enhance their practice.
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Summary of RS/SOM Core Concepts
| Concept | Definition/Application | Key Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Infinite Intelligence | The universal presence of God in all things | Not a person or separate deity |
| Law of Cause and Effect | Every action has a consequence | Operates in this life (unlike reincarnation-based karma) |
| Spiritual Mind Treatment | A 5-step affirmative prayer process | Declares success rather than asking for it |
| Visioning | Supplemental meditation technique | Used alongside Treatment |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Spiritual Mind Treatment differ from traditional prayer?
Traditional prayer often involves asking an external deity to intervene or grant a request. In contrast, Spiritual Mind Treatment is an affirmative process where the practitioner declares a desired outcome as already achieved, recognizing their partnership with the Infinite Intelligence within themselves.
What is the relationship between Love and Law in RS/SOM?
According to Ernest Holmes, "Love rules through Law." This means that while Love provides the intention and direction for a desired outcome, the Law (the Law of Mind or Cause and Effect) is the mechanism that makes that outcome possible.
Is the Law of Attraction the same as Karma?
While both deal with cause and effect, they differ in scope. The RS/SOM view of the Law of Attraction is a subset of the Law of Cause and Effect and is focused on the current lifetime, whereas the Hindu definition of karma is typically linked to the cycle of reincarnation.
What are the five steps of Spiritual Mind Treatment?
The five steps are Recognition, Unification, Realization, Thanksgiving, and Release. These steps guide the practitioner from acknowledging the Universal Presence to releasing the desired outcome to the Law.
What does it mean that God is a "Universal Presence"?
It means that God is not a person or a deity located in a specific place like Heaven, but is the total sum of all existence. This presence is already operating through every individual's consciousness and soul.