You’ll learn about the Rio Abajo Center For Religious Science and Spiritual Living. You’ll learn about the spiritual life, and meet like-minded people. You’ll have the opportunity to join our Center and become a committed member.

You’ll learn:

	The history of the Rio Abajo Center For Religious Science
	What Science of Mind and New Thought are
	What we believe
	Rio Abajo’s relationship with United Church of Religious Science
	About Spiritual Mind Treatment and the Ministry of Prayer
	About classes available
	The benefits of membership

Pamphlet #0924

What is Science of Mind All About?

If you have recently come into the study of Science of Mind and feel that it holds many valuable ideas for you. you may find yourself unable to discuss it with ease. In time, your friends and relatives are going to become curious about this "thing" you seem to like so well, and then the questions will begin to come along.

You may be asked, too, how Science of Mind is both similar to and different from the old beliefs the traditional, non-metaphysical Christian has grown up with. This booklet will help you clarify what you know about Science of Mind to others and to yourself.

First of all, it's a good thing to remember that most people who question you will fall somewhere in between mildly curious and terrifically interested. They really want to know at least something about your philosophy. Your critics will be few . More people are becoming interested in new approaches to religion now than ever. Most of them won't ask with a closed mind. Besides. you have a right to your way of finding God. just as your friends have. They will recognize that, so you need not have any defensive feelings. With these ideas in mind. then. let's bring on the questions.

What is Science of Mind all about?

Although it would be pretty hard to squeeze the fundamentals of Science of Mind into a five-minute explanation, you might begin with something like this: "This ideology gives me an orderly way of recognizing the presence and power of God within myself I believe that this presence is in everything in the universe, unifying all of life. Not only that, I can use this power to improve and correct situations in my life by changing the way I think about some things." If you want to get more technical you might add that Science of Mind is "a compilation of laws of science, opinions of philosophy, and revelations of religion."

In actual usage it is a seven-days-a-week way of life that teaches the oneness of God and humankind. In practice this idea of oneness is probably the greatest single variation between Science of Mind and the more traditional Christian concepts. There is no feeling or separation between God and self to the metaphysical person, so we are freed from the necessity of constantly wooing Gods favors because we believe that our needs and desires are fulfilled as God works through us.

Does Science of Mind consider God as a trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

Science of Mind teaches that there is only one Mind, but that it works in three aspects called Spirit, soul, and body, which are somewhat similar to the traditional three persons. For instance, 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.

Does Science of Mind teach that Jesus was the son of God?

The answer is most definitely "yes," and so also is everyone else. If your memory is good you can document this answer with a Scripture passage from I John 3:2: "Beloved, now are we the sons of God." Jesus was, perhaps, the most enlightened of the sons of God. His realization of the presence of God within himself was so complete that he was able to affirm such goodness as to seem miraculous to us. These acts are miracles to us simply because we cannot perform them ourselves. But the possibilities of performing "miracles" lie within us, for Jesus told us that the works he did, we could do also. We revere Jesus as the greatest of Gods children, and we also revere humanity's place in the divine pattern as well.

Did Jesus die to save us?

Science of Mind indicates that through his teachings Jesus showed us that we are eternal beings, able to live happier, more creative lives. In using these teachings we can be saved from suffering many of life's miseries. But it does not teach that Jesus died to assure us of what is already ours. It is not necessary to save something that is not lost.

Jesus was killed because people. in their ignorance and fear, could not accept the teachings he advanced. You might toss this question to your friends: "Suppose a modern-day Jesus walked on earth today. Would today’s churches and
people listen to him any more than they did 2,000 years ago?"

Is Science of Mind considered a Christian philosophy?

Science of Mind is a universal philosophy, but due to our cultural background it is Christianity-oriented. Science of Mind teachings are based on the examples and teachings of Jesus. The law of cause and effect is no more than the scientific use of the Golden Rule. Jesus based his works on love. It is through love and law that we demonstrate the principles of Science of Mind. We believe that the Christ Spirit, God, is present within all people, so we might well be called a Christian philosophy. How much more Christian could one be than to actually put the teachings of Jesus into practice every day?

Does Science of Mind believe in prayer?

Absolutely! Its whole method of practice hinges on the daily use of spiritual mind treatment, the scientific use of prayer. It is through prayer and its companion, meditation, that we become more attuned to our God nature.

Does Science of Mind teach that Jesus was born of a virgin?

In Jesus' time the word "virgin' often meant a young person. Since many teenagers have children today, if we look at the word "virgin" in this old context, we are having a lot of virgin births right now.

Still, It’s not the big things that people get hung up on, it's the little ones. You should remember that the virgin birth idea is held dear by many people, and they might feel sensitive about it. Perhaps you could ask a question of your own, such as: "Is it really important how Jesus was born? I feel that his example and his words have the real meaning.”

Does Science of Mind believe in heaven and hell?

Science of Mind considers heaven and hell as states of mind rather than as physical places. Our enjoyment of heaven or our hellish unhappiness is not deferred until a later time: we daily experience either, depending on the highs or lows of our mental states.

Is the human spirit immortal?

Ernest Holmes tells us that "no one need prepare to meet God: We are meeting Him every day and each hour in the day." You do not have to "die" to prove that you will live forever. You are in the process of doing that right now. We are all evolving in growth and experience on a day-to-day basis; and while we are living on the plane of earth experience we will use a flesh and blood body to get around in. When we no longer need these bodies, we leave them for other bodies or forms more suitable to the next plane or life, The evolution or our physical universe goes on constantly. We also realize that our personal development is continually taking place.

Does Science of Mind teach that God punishes us if we sin and rewards us for goodness?

Science of Mind teaches that God, as all love and all good, does not punish. It views "sin" as the making of a mistake. Therefore the punishment is the result of the mistake. Also, the reward for doing good is found in the doing itself. The thoughts and acts of goodness by themselves open more doors for greater good. God's universe is only good, but by our misuse of good we can appear to bring evil to ourselves. There is only one Power in the universe. How we use God's power results in good or evil. That is why it is so important that we make proper use of our ability to make choices. Right thinking leads to right choices, and right choices bring happiness.

Although the Science of Mind philosophy is not very old in comparison with other philosophies, its roots go back to antiquity. It could be considered a youth among older religions, and because of this it is not bound by the traditions that often accumulate over the years. It does present a flexible outlook, not being hemmed in by years of antiquated and obsolete dogma.

Will your questioners accept all that you have to say? Probably not, but that is not important. What is important is the calmness and assurance with which you speak. It wouldn't make sense for you or anyone else to get upset during discussion. Then the free atmosphere or exchange would be lost in misunderstanding. Besides. you may uncover for someone a new idea that may flower at some other time. the right time for that person. It is the uncovering of the truth that is really important, and the time, place and process are really incidental.
 

Science of Mind®
A philosophy, a faith, a way of life

Science of Mind Publishing
2600 West Magnolia Boulevard
Burbank, CA 91505

www.scienceofmind.com

 

We have more pamphlets at our Center. Please feel free to pick one up.