Does the spiritual center adhere to a doctrine or observe any rules or sacraments?
No. Religious Science states that there is perfect order in the Universe and that the Universe is governed by a perfect Principle, which operates through every individual at his or her own level of consciousness. Since this Principle is universal, it cannot be summed up in a creed, and does not require any particular form of worship.
Is Religious Science a Christian religion?
Religious Science draws upon the basic truths found at the heart of all religions. We respect and teach from all the great World Truths and teachers.
Is Religious Science a Christian teaching? Does it use the Bible?
If we were to examine the basic principles of the religions of the world, we would find a great similarity. Each points to One central Life, from Whose Self-Existence all draw their livingness, and without which nothing could exist. That is why it has made such an appeal to the more vital races of the world. In many respects, the Christian Bible is the greatest book ever written, and does truly point a way to eternal values. But it is only ONE explanation and cannot be considered the ONLY light on religion, for there are many others whose combined teachings weave the story of Truth into a complete and unified pattern.
What do we teach about Jesus?
Christ is the embodiment of divine Sonship which has come, with varying degrees of power, to people in all ages and to every person in some degree. Christ is a Universal Presence. We do believe that in the unique personage of Jesus, this Christ was more fully orbed than in anyone of whom we have record. We do believe that in the person of Jesus more of God was manifest. We also believe that Christ comes alike to each and all. There is no one particular person predestined to become the Christ. We must understand the Christ is not a person, but a Principle. It was impossible for Jesus not to have become the Christ, as the human gave way to the Divine, as the man gave way to God, as the flesh gave way to spirit, as the will of division gave way to the will of unity--Jesus the man became a living embodiment of the Christ.
What does Religious Science teach about the nature of salvation, evil, heaven, and hell?
There cannot be a Law in the Universe which demands evil, lack, limitation, and the experience of unhappiness, to provide shades to magnify Its glory. Therefore, the mystics have taught that evil has only the power to destroy itself; that it is not God-ordained. From the viewpoint of Reality, it is an illusion, but it is not denied as an experience. It is an experience all have had. The great have not failed to recognize the appearance of evil, but they have separated the appearance from the reality. They have done away with evil as a cosmic entity—NO DEVIL, NO HELL, NO TORMENT, NO DAMNATION outside of one’s own state of thought; NO PUNISHMENT outside of that which is self-inflicted, through ignorance; and NO SALVATION OUTSIDE OF CONSCIOUS COOPERATION WITH THE INFINITE. Heaven and Hell are states of consciousness.
What does Religious Science teach about the nature of sin?
We do not say that we cannot sin; what we say is, that we do sin—or make mistakes—and are thereby automatically punished AS LONG AS WE CONTINUE TO MAKE MISTAKES; but bondage is not real to the Universe and sin is not real to God. This does not mean that we can do whatever we wish, with disregard for the consequences; nor does the fact that we are punished for our mistakes mean that there is an evil power in the Universe; it does mean that there is an immutable Law of Cause and Effect running through everything. We are not punished for our sins but by them. Sin is its own punishment and righteousness is its own reward!
What does Religious Science believe about other spiritual traditions and faiths?
We believe in every church and in all forms of worship. Above all, we certainly believe in God! Because Truth is Infinite, It must be continuously unfolding in our consciousness and no one will ever have a complete understanding of Truth. A complete understanding of Truth would be a complete understanding of God, and a complete comprehension of God would be to become God. We know that more light will be given as we use that which we have. We repudiate any belief which says that all of Truth has been given.
Does Religious Science believe in the use of doctors and modern medicine?
As the Laws of God are broad, so should we be in dealing with them. In this Science, we believe that our life is a drama which takes place on three planes; the physical, the mental, and the spiritual. We should have no objection to any form of healing, for anything that helps to overcome suffering is good, whether it be a pill or a prayer. We believe in any method which produces results, for each has its place in the Whole.
What does Religious Science teach about death and immortality?
It is not merely pleasing and satisfactory to suppose that we pass from this life to the next, in full and complete retention of our faculties: it is logical. Jesus revealed himself to his followers after his resurrection, to show them that death is but a passing to a higher sphere of life and action. TO KNOW THAT WE MAINTAIN AN IDENTITY INDEPENDENT OF THE PHYSICAL BODY IS PROOF ENOUGH OF IMMORTALITY. This, together with the fact that remembrance maintains a constant stream of recollection; and the realization that mentality can operate independently of the body—performing all of its normal functions without the aid of the body—and that the new theory of matter and ether furnishes proof of the possibility of a body within a body to infinity, and that our inner being is constantly forming matter into the shape of a body; all of these evidences should prove to us that we are not going to attain immortality, but that WE ARE NOW IMMORTAL! Our contention is not that the dead live again, but that a living person never dies.
Are there any membership dues? Will I be required to make a financial pledge if I join the center?
No. Although the center depends upon the regular financial support of its members, we believe this support must be voluntary and consistent with each member’s idea of what he or she is able to give and feels right about giving. We are entirely self-supporting.
What kind of people attend the HCPL?
Gay, lesbian and straight people. People from all walks of life, young and old, all races, all religious backgrounds, and all socio-economic groups. Our congregation is wonderful in its diversity and we welcome all people.