“The Science of Mind does not necessarily create a new religion or sect, for it may be added to any spiritual system of thought since it is a compliment to all.” - Ernest Holmes

There is a great deal of confusion among even the most deep adherents to the Science of Mind as to whether we are a religion or something else. It’s pretty clear from Ernest Holmes’ view that this was never intended to be a religion. And it isn’t, in the same way Buddhism is not a religion. It is a philosophy and a way of life.

There seems to be a correlation in this to today’s excerpt from the Sermon on the Mount:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:17-20

There is a lot to unpack in this passage. We start with the message that there is nothing to abolish. It was not Jesus’ intention to establish a new religion. Sound familiar? It is worth reminding ourselves in this moment that Jesus was Jewish. His point of view was rooted in Jewish faith and tradition. He was not here to establish something new, but to free people from the bondage of dogma.

The danger of any faith tradition (including Religious Science) is becoming so steeped in one’s consideration that we let go of inspired ideas. Ernest Holmes philosophy was audaciously “open at the top” and I believe it was his intention to create a context for lifelong evolution and exploration.

How do we accomplish this? Well this brings us to the next part of today’s passage… “until heaven and earth pass away.” This is not necessarily a reference to the concept of the end of times, rather it is a metaphor for the elimination of any consideration of separation. Essentially, this is saying that our journey is to eliminate in our own minds the notion that Spirit and matter are separate things. They are not. This is a fundamental part of the teaching of New Thought.

“There is no great and no small
To the soul that maketh all:
And where it cometh all things are;
And it cometh everywhere.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

The fundamental building blocks and energy of the entire Universe is one thing… the energy of Love, the energy of God. This includes each of us. When we lower our self-conception to the “least”—that is we focus on ourselves and all things merely as form—we experience the results of that consciousness. We will have trouble breaking away and through to a higher understanding of Self.

When we align ourselves with the higher spiritual ideal, the Divine Ideal, we become active participants in our own evolution. This is how we “will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” It is a recognition that heaven is now, and this experience of heaven is rooted in our consciousness. The more we deepen into the ideal, the greater our experience of heaven becomes.

This is NOT accomplished through the adherence to rote recitations. The accomplishment comes more and more as we deepen in our awareness and open ourselves up to greater inspiration, education, and critical thinking. As we experience these things, we become imbued with a sense of feeling, a palpable sense of our own Divinity.

This is compatible with all faith traditions, provided your approach to your own faith is open hearted and open minded.

Science of Mind doesn’t claim to have cornered the market on faith. It is a great teaching that has supported many people and enhanced the lives of those whom it has touched. I have found it works for me.

The big question in my mind is not, “does this work for you,” but rather, “what works for you?”

Something to ponder until next time.