The Essence of The Science of Mind philosophy

Some selected quotes from Ernest Holmes, founder of the Science of Mind:

The study of the science of mind is a study of first cause, spirit, mind or that invisible essence, that ultimate stuff and intelligence from which everything comes, the power back of creation - the thing itself.

Universal principles are never respecters of persons; the universe has no favorites.

Let as approach the science of mind –the science of spiritual psychology –with awe, but not with fear; with truly a humble thought, but not with a sense that we are unworthy. Let us approach it normally, happily, willing to accept, glad to experiment, hoping and believing that as the result of our efforts we shall each derive a great good –a sound understanding of the natural laws of life, as they apply to the individual and his relationship to the whole universal scheme of things.

This is the simple meaning of true metaphysical teaching, the study of life and the nature of the law, governed and directed by thought; always conscious that we live in a spiritual universe; that god is in, through, around and for us. There’s nothing supernatural about the study of life from the metaphysical viewpoint. That which today seems to us supernatural, after it is thoroughly understood, will be found spontaneously natural.

Experience has taught us that the subjective tendency of this intelligent law of creative force may consciously be directed and definitely used. This is the greatest discovery of all time. There is no mystery here, but a profound fact and a demonstrable one. The road to freedom lies, not through mysteries or occult performances, but through the intelligent use of nature’s forces and laws. The law of mind is a natural law in the spiritual world.

We do not create laws and principles, but discover and make use of them. Let us accept this position relative to the laws of mind and spirit, and see what we can do with them –rather than how we may contradict the inevitable. Our mind and spirit is our echo of the Eternal Thing Itself, and the sooner we discover this fact, the sooner we shall be made free and happy. The universe is filled with spirit and filled with law. One reacts to the other. The law of our life reacts to our spiritual or material concepts, and builds and rebuilds according to our beliefs and faith.

All men seek some relationship to the Universal Mind, the Over-soul, or the Eternal Spirit, which we call God. That we are living in a Spiritual Universe, which includes the material or physical universe, has been a conclusion of the deepest thinkers of every age.
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That last sentence, which I emphasized in bold, is the essence of why I relate so well to the Science of Mind fellowship.

Throughout history we find this core of essential truth espoused by the most enlightened of spiritual leaders – “the deepest thinkers of every age�. Such teachers do not preach a doctrine of exclusivity, in which only certain people are the “chosen ones�, while the so-called “infidels� are to be persecuted! Instead, they preach a doctrine of love and inclusiveness in which everyone who has been created, from whatever background, is equally valued.

Meanwhile, as individuals, we deal with and learn from the consequences of our own actions… and we take responsibility for the thoughts and the intentions that we bring to the rest of this world.

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[BoyntonStu]

>The study of the science of mind is a study of first cause, spirit, mind or that invisible essence, that ultimate stuff and intelligence from which everything comes, the power back of creation - the thing itself. <

This a a perfect example of linking the scientific method to something non-scientific.

Which everything comes? Really? How does anyone know that there was a beginning? If EVERYTHING must have a beginning, what caused the beginner? And, what caused the beginner of the beginner, etc?


Like "Creation Science" which is an oxymoron, "Science of the Mind" is un-scientific.

In both cases an answer is presumed without any statistically relevant data.

You must state a positive premise based on a measurement/observation or on a theory to be proven to begin a scientific investigation.


stU

[weasel]

bs, at some point you have to assume that there was a beginning.

[BoyntonStu]

Originally Posted by weasel

bs, at some point you have to assume that there was a beginning.

Let's examine your statement.\:

>you have to assume that there was a beginning<


Really means "I have to assume that there was a beginning"

But what you really are saying is that the Beginner needed no beginning because s/he always was with no beginning.


Have I made myself clear?

Why must we assume anything?

What was there before time?

stU

[quote]

Heidi: >The study of the science of mind is a study of first cause, spirit, mind or that invisible essence, that ultimate stuff and intelligence from which everything comes, the power back of creation - the thing itself. <

StU - I understand your reluctance to accept the term "Science" being applied to the spiritual practice and study that Ernest Holmes pioneered.

StU: This a a perfect example of linking the scientific method to something non-scientific.

I think your comment is understandible... but there have been studies conducted using the scientific method which do indicate the power of prayer, the effectiveness of positive thinking and intention, the likelihood of past lives, the survival of consciousness after physiological death, and the ability of certain "mediums" to receive information from "souls" whose physical lives have ended. The authors whom I've mentioned earlier have documented these scientifically conducted studies.

Stu: Which everything comes? Really? How does anyone know that there was a beginning? If EVERYTHING must have a beginning, what caused the beginner? And, what caused the beginner of the beginner, etc?

I don't interpret the words: "...that ultimate stuff and intelligence from which everything comes..." to indicate that there has to be a "beginning" as we know it. "Everything" may have come from an infinite "intelligence" which is the ongoing cause of and which exists throughout everything in the universe.

Stu: Like "Creation Science" which is an oxymoron, "Science of the Mind" is un-scientific.

"Science of Mind" is the study of the operation of the presumed "universal mind" and its effect upon our lives, our thoughts, our health and our relationships... but most importantly, how it interacts with our individual minds.

What I especially appreciate about this philosophy, is the fact that it welcomes ongoing scientific discovery. I just picked up and glanced through a book in our sanctuary's book store this morning which documents a meeting and a dialogue between the Dhali Lama and a group of Western scientists. The Western scientists shared info with the Dhali Lama about studies which have demonstrated the portions of the human brain that react to certain stimuli and are activated during certain emotional states. These studies appear to corroborate statements and beliefs espoused by the Dhali Lama. I'll have to read the whole book myself before I can elaborate any further on this. But the mere fact that this book is in the library at our fellowship hall is an indication of why I can relate to this spiritual philosophy.

I have often found myself influenced by extremely helpful information that mysteriously appeared in the form of clearly expressed thoughts - the origin of which was obviously outside of my own knowledge and experience(s). Christians might credit the "Holy Spirit"; Buddists might credit "Buddah"... and so on... but I believe it makes more sense to credit a universal "intelligence" or an all-encompassing bank of knowledge which surrounds and permiates everything and everyone, and is accessible to us. Many people have had such experiences - from premonitions to near death experiences and past life memories. Science of Mind endeavors to study these phenomena and to tap into the Universal Mind to our own benefit.

In both cases an answer is presumed without any statistically relevant data.

You must state a positive premise based on a measurement/observation or on a theory to be proven to begin a scientific investigation.

Many relevant studies have been performed. I am not a declared athiest because I strive to maintain an open mind, and because I have had paranormal and psychic experiences personally. The following site is quite interesting:

http://www.openmindsciences.com/

In particular, take a look at the link at the bottom of that home page:

*** RECOMMENDED READING:***
How NOT to Review Mediumship Research - Response to Skeptics
http://www.enformy.com/Gary-reHymanReview.htm

[DeJure]

Gen 3:4**
The serpent said to the woman, "You won't surely die,

Gen 3:5**
for God knows that in the day you eat it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

Isa 14:12
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!



Isa 14:13
For thou hast said in thine heart,I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:



Isa 14:14
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

1Cr 8:1**
Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

1Cr 8:2**
But if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he doesn't yet know as he ought to know.

1Cr 8:3**
But if anyone loves God, the same is known by him.

Seems like the essence of the science of the mind philosophy is a preoccupation with self

[Livefire]

Here's a reference you forgot DeJure.....

Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

[weishaupt1776]

Originally Posted by Livefire

Here's a reference you forgot DeJure.....

Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

In addition Live, I think you forgot a highlight
" . . .their foolish heart was darkened."

If it were me I would be running for cover.

Of course you all cite your translated and retranslated Bible as confirmation of your joint belief that any fellowship that differs from yours, and does not accept your concept of god and does not believe the Bible you worship must be doomed, and damned... which is a great excuse to persecute, reject, shun or even attempt to conquer with violence, anyone who does not believe the way you do... just like many Christians have done throughout history. The Crusades and the Inquisition were no better than the Islamic Jihad is today. Religious zealots murdering other people who believe differently than they do. The injustice is the same... the murder is the same... whether done by Christians or anyone else.

That's why I asked Iamfreeru2 whom he meant when he used the word "others". I knew good and well whom he meant... I just wanted to see him write it openly, and search his own heart. Your pretty little religion with it's lovey-dovey message has a dark underbelly: persecution of those who believe differently.

Now, with the Biblical quotes that several of you have posted in this thread, we see the dark side of Christianity rearing its ugly head again, don't we? You expect me to run for cover because I and the other Science of Mind believers, (...or Jews, or Muslims, or Daoists, or Buddists, etc, etc, etc.) do not share your Christiqan beliefs and do not believe that the Bible is the infallible word of god.

Go to the video rental store and borrow "The Devils" Directed by Ken Russell. It's all about the Inquisition, and quite historical. Then borrow a movie called, "The Mission", about the Christian missionaries who forced Christianity upon people in South America. Then take a look at the film, "Hawaii" about the Christian missionaries and the way they treated the Hawaiian natives. See who the wicked ones really were. No doubt they all thought that the Bible gave them their marching orders.

No Christian who truly follows the teachings of Jesus himself would ever persecute a non-believer. I have a wonderful new book which compares the teachings of Jesus and Buddah. They said very much the same thing. (More about that later).

Science of Mind, and Unity, and Unitarian Universalism are all fellowships that welcome and love people from all backgrounds and all faiths. Their memberships are growing, and include some of the finest minds of all time - like Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Far from being selfish, Science of Mind members accept responsibility for our own actions and we do not expect anyone else to suffer on our behalf.

We believe that our actions produce an appropriate and natural result which always comes back to us. We believe that we reap what we sow - in this life and in subsequent lives.

Far from being selfish, we would never kill an innocent creature or a child or a man ("messiah") and offer it to our Creator as a substitute for us to take any "punishment".

We do not treat those who believe differently as though they were damned or destined to go to "hell". We do believe in the principle of Karma (you reap what you sow). Christians are now suffering persecution again, from different parts of the world and from different opposing faiths. Until the various religious groups of this world learn to stop persecuting each other, we will continue to suffer wars and tragedy, and the very future of the human race will be in jeopardy.

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We believe that our creator is an omniscient divine Mind, always present, and part of everything in this universe, and that this Mind is available to us all for wisdom and guidance as we continue to live and learn.

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