Click on any Question to find the answer!
- What is Science of Mind ?
- What is unique about Science of Mind teachings ?
- Does Science of Mind believe in prayer ?
- Is Science of Mind considered a Christian philosophy ?
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Is Sacred Threads Christian? And what about the Bible and Jesus?
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Can I still practice my Judaism/Christianity and become a member of Sacred Threads?
- What is Science of Mind's belief about Jesus ?
- Does Science of Mind consider God a trinity - Father, Son & Holy Spirit ?
- What does Science of Mind believe about the Bible?
- Is Science of Mind a branch of New Thought teachings?
- Is Science of Mind related to any other beliefs, such as Scientology?
- What is spiritual mind treatment?
- Why would I want to experience, or learn to do, treatment?
- Why is spiritual mind treatment effective?
- Why would I want a trained practitioner or minister treat for me?
- Can I do spiritual mind treatment for myself?
- More about spiritual mind treatment?.
- How does treatment compare to meditation and prayer?
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Does Sacred Threads take collections during services, and how does it support its administration?
1. What is Science of Mind ?
Science of Mind (also known as Religious Science) is a new thought ancient wisdom teaching. It is philosophical study of humankind, one's purpose in being here, and one's relationship to life, family, work, fellow beings, environment and Creator. Founded by Dr. Ernest Holmes in the 1920s. Followers of Science of Mind believe it includes the best in philosophy, science, and religion without being bound by any doctrine. Science of Mind teaches that every individual controls the course of his/her life, success or failure, health or sickness, happiness, or disappointments by the mental, emotional and spiritual attitudes that are embraced and processed thru universal laws. Science of Mind teaches that all are physical, mental, and spiritual beings and each is a unique individualization of the one universal and supreme Being whose nature is Love. Through its practices and teachings, Science of Mind encourages a conscious connection with the whole of life.
One of Science of Mind's messages is to embrace the here and now, and let the hereafter take cared of itself. The rewards or benefits are always mirrored by the love we express, the generosity we give, the spontaneous kindness we circulate in our world. The results can show up in many ways including better health, happier homes and well-balanced lives.
Science of Mind believes in and practices the teachings of Jesus, and encourages each follower to seek to become more like the living Christ within. Dedicated students practice the Presence of God in their lives on a daily basis. We take the words of Jesus quite seriously; 'Seek First the Kingdom of God Within.' We also honor and learn from the wisdom teachings of all the great spiritual masters, both ancient and contemporary, that also express the universal principles of truth that Science of Mind embraces. We believe there is only one Source, One Spirit, One Beloved God, One Father/Mother God with many names and paths to it's loving nature and being. Many students of the Science of Mind have had the positive result of bringing health and greater happiness and success into their daily living.
2. What is unique about Science of Mind teachings?
Science of Mind is a seven-days-a-week philosophy of life that teaches the oneness of God and humankind. It's actually this concept of oneness that may be the greatest single difference between Science of Mind and the more traditional Christian concepts. Since there is no feeling of separation between God and self to the metaphysical person, one is freed from the necessity of seeking God's favors. Instead, one believes that his or her needs and desires are fulfilled as God works through them. Furthermore, Science of Mind teaches that God's availability is constant. Science of Mind calls itself a combination of science, philosophy and religion for a simple reason-because it considers God in a scientific, intellectual relationship as well as in a personal, loving and emotional way.
3. Does Science of Mind believe in prayer ?
Yes. Its entire method of practice centers on the daily use of Spiritual Mind Treatment, or affirmative prayer. Science of Mind believes that, through prayer and meditation, we become more attuned to our God nature. We do not implore or beseech God in prayer but rather affirm our good. We know that it is given to us as we believe.
4. Is Science of Mind considered a Christian philosophy ?
Science of Mind is a universal spiritual teaching and philosophy. It is inclusive in nature and embraces all wisdom teachings while being Christ oriented. We aspire to live and express the nature of the Christ in our own lives. We teach the conscious path of love and the law with the intention of living balanced and integrated lives of joy, harmony and purpose. We have been teaching about the law of attraction, co-creation, cause and effect since the early 1920s and follow in the footsteps of the Transcendentalists. We view the practice of these laws as the scientific use of the Golden Rule. Science of Mind followers believe the Christ Spirit, God, is present within all people, so the Science of Mind might well be called a Christian philosophy or Practical Spirituality.
The Spiritual Universe and You (1971):
Many believed that the Science of Mind is one of the most significant spiritual experiments since the time of Jesus. It is a universal philosophy, that is Christianity oriented because we do follow the teachings of Jesus. However, the teaching does not adhere to the dogma of Christian theology that punishes, builds fear and shame, reduces anyone’s confidence, or limits the freedom of anyone’s spiritual journey in any way. We are about helping everyone to consciously connect with the sacred truth of the love of God within. We do not believe that anyone judges them except themselves and other limited thinkers and believers. God is our Beloved Source of Life and is always welcoming us home to our truth.
Anatomy of Healing Prayer (1991):
Dr. Holmes our founder said we are a teaching and a practicing order in the Christian Faith, who believe in two great fundamental realities -- the Divine Presence, personal to every living soul and uniquely personal to each and every one of us. That's the first great cornerstone. The next is a Power for Good, and the Law of Good in the Universe greater than we are, that we can use for definite and specific purposes. (p. 132.5)
As far as the world is concerned, we are a Christian denomination and we wish to be; ... we are Christian insofar as we follow the teachings of the Bible and of Jesus, but we are not Christian theologians, because we do not accept what has been attached to it by theology . . . We don't believe in devils, in hell, in purgatory or limbo; we don't believe God chose some people to reveal truth to, and didn't reveal that same truth to others. We believe in divine patterns, and not divine plans. (p.184.2)
You could say that we are a Christian denomination, because we believe in Jesus. We also believe that Buddha was expressing his Christ nature; and so was Socrates, and Abraham Lincoln! More than anything else, we believe in our own soul, which is the only immediate testimony that you and I will ever have that we exist or that God exists or that Jesus showed us a way of truth. We believe that God blessed the teaching of every way shower. Holmes felt we were the first Christian denomination to be free from superstition, dualism, and dogma. (p. 161.2)
The Philosophy of Ernest Holmes (1996):
We belong to the Christian philosophy and Holmes felt we were a Christian denomination because of what we mean by the Christ. Christ does not mean Jesus; Jesus embodied the Christ. It is what the Buddhists mean by the 'Enlightened One,' what the Hindus mean by 'Atman', or the universal and divine incarnation of the Absolute. (p. 131.3)
5. Is Sacred Threads Christian? And what about the Bible and Jesus?
Dr. Holmes, our founder called this teaching practical Christianity. Some call our source of being God, Jesus, Spirit, Almighty, Infinite, Allah, Hashem, while others simply prefer to leave it nameless. Sacred Threads teaches that this Spirit is the Source of our life, that we are made in its image and likeness, which makes us co-creative participants in the three-dimensional world in which we live.
Through Sacred Threads' teaching of the New Thought-Ancient Wisdom tradition of spirituality, individuals are taught the universal principles, cosmic laws, meditation, prayer and visioning techniques that have been practiced by spiritual seekers for thousands of years, teachings which to this very day are practical in meeting humanity’s challenges of 21st century living. Sacred Threads' universal truth teachings point the way to how an individual may cultivate their own unique relationship with the Ineffable, live their life from a place of conscious connection with the already enlightened essential Self, and be of authentic service to the planet.
In Sacred Threads' services and classes we refer to the world's scriptures and sacred texts, as well as the writings of ancient and contemporary mystics, teachers, sages, philosophers, pundits, scientists, and even the enlightened person next door!
In everyday language, 'church' is associated with Christian denominations and their houses of worship. Sacred Threads leadership considers our center to be a trans-denominational spiritual 'center' and community because this terminology best describes the inclusiveness for which Sacred Threads is known.
Sacred Threads does not require formal affiliation and is accessible to all individuals on equal terms. This applies to all aspects of taking classes, receiving pastoral care services, volunteering and so on. The exception applies to those individuals who wish to become a licensed practitioner/spiritual counselor or minister and therefore must fulfill the requirements relative to these licensed ecclesiastical positions.
7. Can I still practice my Judaism/Christianity and become a member of Sacred Threads?
Absolutely. Many within the Sacred Threads community maintain their Jewish/Christian/ Buddhist faith, while others continue to practice the teachings of Jesus, Buddha, or other spiritual master teachers of past or present generations. As a result, mixed-tradition couples and families often find common ground at Sacred Threads without compromising other loyalties.
8. What is Science of Mind's belief about Jesus ?
Science of Mind accepts the example and teachings of Jesus and does not deny his divinity. Rather, Science of Mind affirms the divinity of all people, because God is the Creator of us all. Science of Mind introduces techniques devised to expand our conscious awareness of spiritual law and shows us how to utilize it, thereby creating the experience of wholesome living for all that follow its principles.
9. Does Science of Mind consider God a trinity? Father, Son & Holy Spirit ?
Science of Mind teaches there is only one Mind, but that it works in three aspects called spirit, soul, and body, which are similar to the traditional three persons. We call it the Triune nature of God. For example, a thought, which comes from spirit, logically works through the law of mind, also called soul, out into our physical world, the body of our affairs.
10. What does Science of Mind believe about the Bible?
Science of Mind believes the Bible is among many sacred scriptures inspired by the one Mind and presented through various spiritual teachers. We believe that for Western civilization, the Judeo-Christian scriptures offer many insights leading to spiritual freedom.
11. Is Science of Mind a branch of New Thought teachings?
Yes. The Science of Mind's emphasis is upon many of the aims common to all New Thought groups. Science of Mind believes in the unity of all life, and the highest God and the innermost God is one God. The Science of Mind also believes that God is personal to all who feel this in-dwelling presence.
12. Is Science of Mind related to any other beliefs, such as Scientology?
No, Science of Mind is not affiliated with Scientology. The two are very different. Ernest Holmes once said: "Change your mind, change your life." He followed this principle, believed it and taught it. Those teachings continue today. Science of Mind believes that heaven is within each person, and one experiences it to the degree that one becomes conscious of it. One very powerful belief of Science of Mind followers is that the healing of the sick can occur through the power of the mind. In its teachings, Science of Mind attempts to include the whole life through its message which applies to the everyday needs of modern life and which relates to each person. Science of Mind believes that a person can use his or her innate creative ability to realize all of their goals.
13. What is spiritual mind treatment?
Spiritual mind treatment is the scientific and spiritual act of using your conscious mind to select what you want, then directing your subconscious mind to bring this into your experience. It is based on the theory that we are surrounded by a Universal Mind which always responds to our thoughts. There are specific steps in treatment that shift consciousness from a limited experience to a greater idea of what is possible.
14. Why would I want to experience, or learn to do, treatment?
Spiritual mind treatment takes up where psychology leaves off. Self-awareness plus self-treatment results in a demonstration of whatever you want in life. The technique of treatment is not merely for solving problems; it is for all who wish richer living in the four major areas of human experience; health, wealth, love and self-expression. While it is useful in times of high stress or need, spiritual mind treatment is most useful when practiced daily or frequently.
15. Why is spiritual mind treatment effective?
Spiritual mind treatment is effective because your thinking and feeling nature determine your experience. The interaction between your patterns of thought and feeling, and the universal life, has been the cause of every experience you have ever had, are having, or will ever have.
16. Why would I want a trained practitioner to minister to treat for me?
Spiritual mind practitioners and ministers are trained to be objective and see your spiritual wholeness regardless of any experience you may presently be having. It is effective to have someone treat for you because we are all united in the One Mind. Therefore, when the idea of your preferred experience is declared by anyone, Spirit responds to support the new experience.
17. Can I do spiritual mind treatment for myself?
Absolutely. Spiritual mind treatment is a scientific method that can be learned and practiced by every individual for themselves and for others. You can learn how to treat yourself to greater living. Your results will be determined by your ability to let go of the past, to realize the greatness of the moment, and to accept for yourself increased good in the future.
18. More about spiritual mind treatment?
In spiritual treatment, we realize that we are in the power which is already in action, and which we merely let happen through us. We clear our thought regarding a situation in order to let our good happen, because we are not treating conditions, we are treating consciousness. We are treating mental attitudes, moods, our thinking and feeling nature. We do this, knowing that back of our treatment, and in action through it, the creative mind is already thinking and the power is already acting. All we do is let it out and give it direction.
We have been told that thoughts are things and all we have to do is think optimistically and positively and everything will be all right. Treatment is not intended to create a surface mind optimism, it is an in depth spiritual therapy. We think good thoughts, yes, but we realize that good thoughts on the surface with a nasty disposition below the surface are merely another coat of paint on the same old house. The fresh paint on the old house does not make it a new house; it merely makes it attractive.
19. How does treatment compare to meditation and prayer?
In prayer one asks for something we want to be, do or have for ourselves or others. In meditation we absorb an idea. In treatment we accept and declare an idea in faith knowing and trusting that our word has power and potency.
Prayer suggests that we are asking and maybe petitioning. It would be an action on the part of humans, reaching out to God in order to get something. Meditation is a quiet, relaxed, receiving and absorption of ideas into consciousness. As we meditate upon an idea we absorb it into our being and thought and it becomes who we are. Treatment is an active, dynamic thinking from our oneness with God, and declaring our spiritual wholeness and the idea that we already have all that we need within.
Although Sacred Threads' has no altar or religious icons in its sanctuary, the space itself is considered sacred and the vibration within it holy. As with all temples, mosques, synagogues and churches, Sacred Threads' expects that those attending services present themselves and conduct themselves with respect and reverence for the total environment and other individuals within the space. While there is no formal dress code, we encourage respect and reverence to inform individuals about what is appropriate.
As a non-profit organization, Sacred Threads depends upon the generosity of its members, congregants and friends. Sacred Threads provides envelopes for the giving of tithes and gifts to support our administration and local outreach services. Collections are taken during its services, and you may learn more about other tithing and giving opportunities by visiting the contribution page on this website.