Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mission for the Science of Mind (SOM) Archives and Library Foundation?
Our mission is to locate, organize, preserve, and share records, resources, materials, and documents that support the activities and expressions of Science of Mind®.
Click on this link to hear Archives Founder, Dr. Marilyn Leo and Executive Director, Rev. Kathy Mastroianni, share about the “Why” of our organization.
What is Science of Mind (SOM)?
Science of Mind® (also referred to as Religious Science) is the core teaching of Centers for Spiritual Living. Science of Mind is a philosophy that integrates spiritual truths with science and physics. Simply put, Science of Mind teaches the unity of all life. Intentions and ideas flow through a field of consciousness, which actually affects and creates the world around us. This idea is common to most major religions and is supported by the teachings of psychology and quantum physics. In Science of Mind, we believe that the secret to living a successful life is to consciously choose positive and productive thoughts.
Are Science of Mind and Religious Science the same?
Religious Science is the name of the church that Dr. Ernest Holmes started, which was the precursor to Centers for Spiritual Living. Dr. Holmes’ comprehensive book of teachings is entitled The Science of Mind. Members of Centers for Spiritual Living often use the phrases Science of Mind and Religious Science interchangeably.
Who was Ernest Holmes?
Dr. Ernest Holmes founded the spiritual movement that started Centers for Spiritual Living. Born in 1887 on a small Maine farm, Dr. Holmes spent his teenage years outdoors, asking himself “What is God? Who am I? Why am I here?” This questioning led to his 1926 book, The Science of Mind, which outlined the foundational viewpoints of modern New Thought. To learn more about The Life of Ernest Holmes enjoy this very enlightening and comprehensive article on Dr. Holmes on the Archives’ website.
What is an Archives?
Archives contain what is called Primary Source Material–original documents, records, manuscripts, photos, artifacts (objects such as furniture or personal belongings). These items are truly irreplaceable. This is why it is important to have proper archival quality storage systems to prevent deterioration of items (especially photos and film). This is also why it is important for an archive to scan and digitize as much of the material as possible so it can be preserved electronically and available forever.
Where is the SOM Archives located and can I visit?
The physical archives are located in Unity Village at 100 Unity Circle South, Suite A, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
For a virtual or in person, tour, schedule an appointment with Executive Director Rev. Kathy Mastroianni at 720-496-1361 or Kathy@scienceofmindarchives.org. Please allow one hour to explore all the amazing and sacred treasures available at the Archives. Tours are currently free and Love Offering donations are welcomed to support the work of the Archives.
What is the SOM Archives’ history?
In the late 1990’s, Rev. Drs. Marilyn and Richard Leo were invited to start collecting and organizing the history of Dr. Ernest Holmes and the Religious Science Movement, especially because Dr. Marilyn was a close family friend and neighbor of the Holmes. Dr. Richard made his transition in 2001 and Dr. Marilyn continued to lead this important project. In 2007, the Science of Mind Archives and Library Foundation became an official 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. In 2008, the Archives were moved to Encinitas, California, at the Holmes Institute Campus. In 2010 the Archives moved from Burbank, California to Golden, Colorado where it shared space with Centers for Spiritual Living”s Home Office. In the summer of 2024 as CSL was selling their building and moving to a virtual organization, the Archives moved to their new home in Unity Village outside Kansas City, Missouri.
What is the relationship between Centers for Spiritual Living (CSL) Home Office and the SOM Archives?
The SOM Archives is a separate 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization from Centers for Spiritual Living and responsible for its own operations and fundraising.
Who does the SOM Archives benefit?
Anyone and everyone whose lives have been touched by the profound teaching called Science of Mind will benefit from exploring the SOM Archives. Ministers, Practitioners, members of Centers, teachers, students, and especially ministerial students will delight in “tiptoeing through the SOM Archives”. Readers of the Science of Mind Magazine are a perfect audience to deepen into the history and wisdom that can be found in the plethora of resources at the SOM Archives.
What can be found in the physical SOM Archives?
Today, priceless treasures include all Science of Mind Magazines since 1927, Creative Thought Magazines back to the first issue in 1954, all of the original Institute of Religious Science and School of Philosophy board minutes back to 1926 (including minutes from both Religious Science International and United Church of Religious Science after the “split” in 1954), books in many languages, tapes of Ernest Holmes’ radio talks, as well as film and videos of Ernest Holmes and other Religious Science leaders. In addition, the library contains over 12,000 metaphysical books and personal artifacts from Ernest and Hazel Holmes, such as furniture from their home and Ernest’s famous plaid shirt.
What can be found online at the SOM Archives?
Our website contains published and unpublished writings of Dr. Ernest Holmes, his audios and collections as well as books, pamphlets and magazines by other Science of Mind authors. Items are available for sale in our E-Store for a nominal charge or sign up for a monthly website subscription and receive up to 20 items per month. Most of the 97 years of Science of Mind Magazine are available for download (going back to the first October 1927 issue). In addition, 60 years of the monthly Creative Thought magazine is available for download.
Are there other resources available that are not found on the SOM Archives’ website?
YouTube (click here): The Archives has a very active YouTube channel. You can find many videos and recordings there.
Amazon.com: The Archives continues to publish new books on the history of Science of Mind, bringing to life the teachings of Dr. Ernest Holmes. For example:
- In 2023, the Archives published Ernest Holmes at Asilomar(click here) which includes classes and lectures from Dr. Holmes during the 1950s.
- The Ernest Holmes Papers(click here) is available in many bookstores, including com. Holmes Papers contains three hard-to-get volumes (including: The Philosophy of Ernest Holmes, Anatomy of Healing Prayer and Ideas of Power) was republished by the Science of Mind Archives & Library Foundation and can be purchased on Amazon.com.
How do I become a member and support the Archives?
Friends of the Archives (Individuals–click here) is an annual membership program for people to come together and demonstrate financial support for preserving our sacred history. Through a minimum annual contribution of $189 (or $16 month) you can know you are making a priceless difference. Note, to thank you for your support, this membership includes a website subscription (a $99/year value!), so you can access the thousands of documents and audio recordings available there!
Friends of the Archives Membership (Groups—click here) is an annual membership program for Centers for Spiritual Living communities or businesses who are dedicated to the preservation of our history. For communities with 249 or less members, the donation requested is $500 (or more) a year. For communities with 250 or more members, the donation requested is $1,00 (or more) a year. Both memberships include 60 downloads/ month (or more) on the website!
Website subscription (click here) provides access to thousands of items available for download on the Science of Mind Archives website. Subscription charge is only $10 per month or $99 per year.
How will the funding be used?
The Science of Mind Archives and Library Foundation is an independent 501 (3) (c) entity, entirely supported by donations. Your donations preserve our heritage for future generations.
What other opportunities are available to support the SOM Archives?
- Volunteering–opportunities are available either on-site or remotely from the comfort of your home anywhere in the Contact Executive Director Kathy Mastroianni at 720-496-1361 or Kathy@scienceofmindarchives.org if you are interested.
- Fund a project and–literally–preserve our history
- “Like” us on Facebook.
- Invite the Archives to “Zoom” (videoconference) to your Center or group to share all the great resources available!