Living the Science of Mind [Paperback]

Ernest Holmes (Author), Arthur Vergara (Editor)

Product Details

• Paperback: 434 pages
• Publisher: DeVorss & Company (January 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087516627X
• ISBN-13: 978-0875166278
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,664 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #52 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Science & Religion

More About the Author

Ernest Shurtleff Holmes (1887-1960) was an avid student of the world's spiritual systems. He found in these a common denominator he called the Science Mind, a practical philosophy for abundant living. Beginning as self-educated lecturer, Holmes developed a large following of students and went on to formalize his work by founding Science of Mind magazine, an educational institute, and the United Church Religious Science. His writings have inspired the work of countless clergy, business leaders, physicians, and psychologists and have helped to shape the guiding principles of the modern human potential movement, both spiritual and secular. Born and raised in Maine, Holmes spent much of his adult life in California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

92 of 93 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practioner in training, May 13, 2000

By 

Richard McLaughlin - See all my reviews

This review is from: Living the Science of Mind (Paperback)

This is an excellent book for anyone wanting to learn about Science of Mind. Dr. Holmes essays are a concise, easily read, coverage of Religious Science. The essays cover all aspects of Dr. Holmes philosophy, from what is Science of mind to the history and development of SOM. He explains clearly what he means by "change your mind, change your life" and how to accomplish this. He covers almost any question that might arise: Religion, Spirituality, New Thought, Religious Science p(28-106); God p(107-150); Man p(151-167); Law p(196-223); Your Word p(266-276); Happiness & Fulfillment p(393-434). This is a book that you can read in selected topics and discover who you are, how powerful you are, and can go back to reread time and again while getting new insights each time. The use of the Law to manifest your highest and best good is spelled out - and it works.

95 of 98 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical Guide to Mr. Holmes' Ideas, December 16, 2000

By 

Robert H. Nunnally Jr. "gurdonark" (Allen, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Living the Science of Mind (Paperback)

Ernest Holmes' message differed somewhat from other founders of new churches. He did not claim to have the "sole and exclusive" revelation of the One Truth about matters spiritual. He did not assert that he had a "new" revelation, or that he had founded a movement freed from the influences of others. Instead, he asserted that his movement was a synthesis of ideas from a variety of faiths and traditions, and that his ideas would be improved over time.

Living the Science of Mind sets out Mr. Holmes' new-thought-derived ideas in a very readable, straightforward book. This book is not laden with endless jargon, nor does it have that "self help book for the soul" feel that some popular religion books can have. Instead, it tries in intelligent but accessible language to explain Science of Mind beliefs, and to illustrate how those beliefs might be applied in everyday thought.

New thought is built in large measure on positive thinking and the belief, to a great or lesser extent, that spiritual practice can lead to changes in the physicial universe. Mr. Holmes explains in some detail how he conceives this works in everyday life. This is not intended as a complex defense of his faith, and the reader from a different tradition will see many questions in the explanations which have not been fully resolved. Still, this is that rare work of religious material which is both practical and filled with ideas. Some other new thought works seem more like sales pieces than books of faith. Living the Science of Mind is instead a useful guide to a faith, which does not require the suspension of disbelief to enjoy. I don't find myself a "new thought" practitioner, but I think the book is both interesting and useful. Ernest Holmes' thinking has had a bigger influence in our vision of what is the "American Dream" than his Church of Religious Science's impact has been. This is a good guide to understand where he came from and what it means in everyday terms.

58 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Partner to the Science of Mind Text, April 30, 2006

By 

John P. Morgan "Light Coach" (Beautiful San Dimas, CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Living the Science of Mind (Paperback)

This is a great book. It is a lot less technical than the Science of Mind textbook. It is comprised of several essays that are all written in a very "down-to-earth" style and each essay can probably be read in about 10-15 minutes. Now, just because you read the essay, don't think for a minute that now you know what Ernest Holmes is talking about because it will take you the rest of this life to apply his incredible ideas and magnificent insights. I'm sorry to disillusion you about the spiritual path.
The Spiritual path is not a path of words; it is a path of dedicated application and every day presents its opportunities as well as challenges and that is a very good thing.

I believe that the Living Spirit of God is everywhere present; that everything I see in the world of form is a creation of the Divine. Now I can say this with relative ease and for the most part I really do feel with all my heart that this is True and in my times of prayer and meditation I really KNOW that this is True and then I blow out the candles, roll up the meditation mat and go out into the world of effect and BAM! Before you know it I am bombarded with the world...

Oh, crap...you mean I have to live this spirituality stuff out?

All the sudden I am presented with the challenge/the opportunity to live out my ideals or give in to what is right in front of me. Do I judge righteously...in other words use my mind in the "right" way and see behind the appearances or do I allow myself to get sucked up in the world of effect. Bare in mind(and heart) that nothing upset God...Heaven is still very present within me but am I willing to rise up in consciousness or am I going to descend into the depths of hell? Hell is any situation where we feel separated from Spirit.

Living out your Spiritual Truth is the name of the game. Books, tapes, lectures, classwork, that's all supplemental, but the test is everyday living. Like that old zen saying, "Before enlightenment chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water." I'm not saying that I am completely enlightened by any stretch, but I am saying that now that I have been exposed to Spiritual Truths now I have the glorious opportunity to practice them. I can no longer stick my head in the sand and "pretend" that I don't know because now on a certain level of things, I do.

This book will help you apply your Spirituality in wonderful and beautiful ways. My advice to you would be to take a particular essay and just work with that one essay for a few days or even a week. Underline things that you reasonate with, journal about those ideas, ask yourself how can you apply this in your every day life and then watch your world transform into something new and beautiful. Remember, the Light of God is always present but by purifying our minds, our hearts, and our souls we are coming into a deeper understanding that it is and it has always been and it will always be right where we are.

I bless you on your journey and know that all is well.