Originally known as “Religious Science.” Its founder was Ernest Holms in 1026, and the church is still structured around his teachings.

 

Most Christians are aware of “New Age.” By contrast, this line of supposed “Christianity” falls under the deceptive form of “New Thought.” 

 

The Centers for Spiritual Living (CFSL) is a global “New Thought” organization based on the “Science of Mind” philosophy.  Its doctrine blends mysticism, psychology, and science, teaching that God is an infinite, loving Universal Intelligence and that human consciousness directly shapes reality.

 

Core Principles

• Unity of Life:  God is not a distant entity but the indwelling presence inside every person.  There is no separation between the Creator and the creation. (In other words; Sin does not separate the believer).

• Cause and Effect:  Reality is governed by the universal law of Cause and Effect: “It is done unto you as you believe.” Human thoughts and expectations actively create life circumstances. (In other words; You are in control, not God).

• No Traditional Sin: “Sin” is defined simply as “missing the mark.” The universe is inherently good, and human suffering results from acting out of alignment with spiritual truth. (In other words; The “mark” is what you make it; What you say is truth is true.  Carried out to its full extent, you create your own truth).

• Inclusivity:  All major world religions and paths to God are honored. (In other words; Anything goes).

 

Core Practices

• Spiritual Mind Treatment:  Rather than traditional petitionary prayer (begging God for help), adherents practice a five-step affirmative prayer.  This method focuses on realizing wholeness, recognizing the Divine presence, and claiming desired states of health or abundance. (In other words; What you want is what you get).

• Visioning:  A contemplative practice where adherents open their minds to discover and manifest their soul's deepest longings rather than pursuing society's expectations. (In other words; It’s all about your desires and not what God wants for you; i.e., submission to self and not to God).

 

Foundational Declaration

• The official teaching -- often read in Centers for Spiritual Living states:

• We believe in God, the Living Spirit Almighty.

• We believe in the individualization of Spirit in us.

• We believe that Heaven is within us and we experience it to the degree we become conscious of it.

• We believe in the eternality and continuity of the soul.

• Jesus was a person who had the right thinking.

• We have a “Higher Version” of Christianity.

• Our thoughts and words are vibrations and are proven scientifically.

• Only those who practice these principles will be worthy of this form of knowledge.