The
Founder
of
Religious Science:
Dr. Ernest Holmes
From time to time, we are blessed to know people of apparent genius, people whose insight, understanding, and love are influential in changing the thinking of whole generations, and whose impact will be felt for years to come. Dr. Ernest Holmes was such a person. He began teaching in 1916 and founded the movement we know today as Religious Science in 1927. The philosophy of Religious Science is found in a textbook written by Dr. Holmes called, The Science of Mind®. It was first published in 1926 and revised in 1938.
Raised in New England in the 1800s, Holmes did not finish high school, although religion played an important role in his childhood, he held no affinity for organized religion. His enthusiasm for knowledge and truth came from books. Over time he was able to piece together the profound knowledge of many of the world’s greatest spiritual leaders and thinkers throughout history. He studied science, philosophy, and religion, seeking out the greatest minds in each of these various fields. Throughout this investigation, his desire was to synthesize what he learned, to "put it all together" into one practical, usable philosophy that would lead to greater happiness, success, and prosperity in daily life. He achieved this goal.
Dr. Holmes made no claim that he personally discovered any great truth, but through his dedicated approach to metaphysical studies (going beyond the physical), he added his insights about God to the opinions of the great wisdom of the ages. In particular, he contributed the powerful technique he called "spiritual mind treatment," a major cornerstone of Religious Science teachings today.
Those who know Dr. Holmes said he had the ability to look through any appearance to the truth behind it. He knew an imperfect person was in truth, God-spirit. "This," he said, "is judging righteously, and not according to appearance." He could see God in all things, while soaring to metaphysical heights in his captivating speeches or in silent meditation, and the next moment be in everyday life—laughing and telling a good story. These qualities of humanness and balance made him a highly admired and respected man.
Dr. Holmes realized that neither he nor anyone else would ever have the final answers to timeless questions. "Man will never encompass the Infinite," he said, "for to do so would make him God, which is an impossibility."
Dr. Holmes’ public lecture career started around 1915. He spoke regularly at the Metaphysical Library in Los Angeles where his audiences quickly outgrew the facility. He and his brother, Fenwicke, engaged classrooms and offices in the well-known Brack Shops and conducted Sunday Services at the nearby Strand Theatre. Their work continued to grow, and Ernest wrote his first books, "Creative Mind" and "Creative Mind and Success."
In 1926 his book "Science of Mind®" was published and the Institute of Religious Science was established. By 1930, Dr. Holmes was speaking to overflow audiences on Sunday mornings at the Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles. He had a live radio program on CBS. Soon thereafter the first branch of Religious Science opened in Hollywood under the leadership of Dr. Robert Bitzer. This was the start of a worldwide movement which has made the teaching and practice of Science of Mind® universally known.
