Book Description

James A. Herrick looks at the surprisingly frequent collusion of science and science fiction for promoting and justifying alternative religions or spiritualities. In these new mythologies, spiritual beings with creation powers or at least highly advanced and friendly aliens are imagined and given plausibility by association in various ways with science. Through film and fiction, these ideas have a far greater social impact than might be expected. Herrick helps us identify these movements and the curious and questionable alliances made so that people of faith can respond to these growing cultural developments that already are having some influence on political, scientific and religious discussions and decisions.

Amazon.com
The Science of the Mind was originally published in 1926 by the founder of the worldwide Religious Science movement. It was completely revised in 1938 by Ernest Holmes and Maude Allison Latham; this 1997 edition is the 1938 version with an added introduction by Jean Houston and a one-year study program that breaks the weighty tome into digestible bits. Using creative techniques, Holmes guides the student in easy-to-follow steps toward mastering the powers of the mind to find purpose in life. His explanations of how to pray and meditate, heal oneself spiritually, find self confidence, and express love have helped millions change their lives for the better. The Science of Mind is one of those spiritual classics that belongs on the bookshelf of anyone who wishes a life for themselves free of compulsion and negativity. --P. Randall CohanBook Description
This is a book for the ages.In precise and powerful prose it lays out the blueprint for the remaking of the mind and the reenchantment of the world. --Jean Houston, Ph.D., from her introductionIn the early part of the twentieth century, a visionary named Ernest Holmes began a journey of exploration and research that profoundly affected thinkers throughout America. His work, based on the teachings of the great philosophers, the sacred wisdom of both Eastern and Western traditions, and the empirical nature of science, offers a philosophy of religion and psychology emphasizing the limitless potential of the human mind.Now, for the first time, The Science of Mind appears in paperback to coincide with the seventieth anniversary of Ernest Holmes's founding of the Religious Science movement. This book contains the fundamentals of Holmes's teachings and is a primary resource used by teaching centers and spiritual healers worldwide. Its universal principles apply to people of all spiritual backgrounds as they describe a higher level of existence attainable through the use of Nature's forces and the power of God.While imparting an unrivaled technique for living, Dr. Holmes's classic guide speaks clearly to a complex world caught in transition and searching for guidance. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (53)

A Guide to a Better Life
The Science of Mind has been a trusted guide on my own path to
spiritual growth. The teaching of Holmes guides those who follow it to
richer, more fulflled lives. I have relied on it for more than 20 years.

George J. Partington georgepartington.com

THIS IS NOT THE BOOK IT PURPORTS TO BE
Two very trusted, spiritual friends of mine have the book by this author and title and highly recommend it.Their books are published by Putnam, original version 1938, reprinted in 1997 and are over 600 pages long, and read like a spiritual book, with numerous explanations in plain English and affirmations for each day.Unfortunately this book is not the one they have.NOT EVEN CLOSE!

This piece of garbage is akin to a high school science text book, is totally confusing and has me scratching my head.I don't see how this piece of dribble can be sold under the same title as the book I am seeking, which apparently isn't even available through Amazon.I would suggest that you immediately stop selling this imposter of the original book.It will do no service to anyone in their right mind, and in my opinion is absolutely worthless.Two hundred plus pages of absolute garble.

Spiritual Living as told by a master
The Science of Mind is an incredible book written by a great spiritual teacher.In it, Ernest Holmes explains that there is a creative law in the universe which we tap into through our thoughts.He shows us how to apply spiritual principles to everyday life.

He illustrates how man can work out his own destiny and determine what type of life he will lead.He points out that the mind of man is connected to the mind of God.Since the mind of God is infinite, this means man's mind contains unlimited possibilities of self-expression.

The book is not a quick read, but it's one that can change your life.Holmes spends a lot of time talking about spiritual mind healing and provides teachings from the New Testament.He also includes meditations on everything from happiness to healing to beauty to love to confidence to abundance.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to take control of their life and live it in a way that is spiritually fulfilling.

Not the RIGHT book for SOM Classes!
I too purchased this book for my upcoming SOM class, and it was the wrong text.You need the 600 page original book for classes.

BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am new to the Church of Religious Science and just starting taking the Foundation(SOM) class.When you do a search in amazon for "The Science of Mind" by Ernest Holmes this is the first book that comes up and on the description is does not CLEARLY state it is not the real book, I had no clue how many pages there were in the book etc.Bascially this is the cliff note version of the real book.And no, the real book is not an antique and I found it in paperback at a local book store.I waited 10 days for the wrong book to come and did not realize what I had ordered, so I had to scramble to get the correct book.I have written a complaint to Amazon and to the seller of the used book I bought and I expect a full refund. I feel it should clearly state it is not the real book.
I am enjoying the REAL book!!!!And I am enjoying the SOM class! ... Read more

Book Description

In Christian Science on Trial, historian Rennie B. Schoepflin shows how Christian Science healing became a viable alternative to medicine at the end of the nineteenth century. Christian Scientists did not simply evangelize for their religious beliefs; they engaged in a healing business that offered a therapeutic alternative to many patients for whom medicine had proven unsatisfactory. Tracing the evolution of Christian Science during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Christian Science on Trial illuminates the movement's struggle for existence against the efforts of organized American medicine to curtail its activities.

Physicians exhibited an anxiety and tenacity to trivialize and control Christian Scientists which indicates a lack of confidence among the turn-of-the-century medical profession about who controlled American health care. The limited authority of the medical community becomes even clearer through Schoepflin's examination of the pitched battles fought by physicians and Christian Scientists in America's courtrooms and legislative halls over the legality of Christian Science healing. While the issues of medical licensing, the meaning of medical practice, and the supposed right of Americans to therapeutic choice dominated early debates, later confrontations saw the legal issues shift to matters of contagious disease, public safety, and children's rights. Throughout, Christian Scientists revealed their ambiguous status as medical practitioners and religious healers.

The 1920s witnessed an unsteady truce between American medicine and Christian Science. The ambivalence of many Americans about the practice of religious healing persisted, however. In Christian Science on Trial we gain a helpful historical context for understanding late--twentieth-century public debates over children's rights, parental responsibility, and the authority of modern medicine.

Customer Reviews (1)

The Reality of Christian Science in the Real World
I have been class taught in Christian Science and left the cult to practice true Christianity.I read many, many books on the history and teachings of Christian Science.This is the first book that clearly explains the history of medicine and how the time was ripe for Eddy to be successful.The book deals with some doctrines and history of Eddy. I think it is important to read for example "God's Perfect Child" by Caroline Frazer first to get a solid background of Eddy, her teachings and the history of Christian Science.

I have wondered for a long time why Eddy florished and what the early conflicts between medicine and Christian Science (faith healing, New Thought)were. Rennie Schoepflin includes a lot of fresh material and clearly explains the so called "healing" practices of Christian Science Practitioners.

To my knowledge this is the only book available that deals with this subject. Christian Science on Trial is well written, and not another biography of Eddy and Christian Science. The author documents court cases that I have not read elsewhere.

If you read only one book about Eddy this is destined to be a classic. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (5)

Great book from a biology major.
As good of a book as you will ever find on the subject of the history and origin of science.

Clearly the best ancient/medieval science text that exists!
I read the Beginnings of Western Sceince as a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I had the extreme priviledge of taking two history of science courses from the author, who is also an absolutely outstanding professor. (And also one of the two or three most knowledgeable people in the world in the history of medieval science) This is by far the most comprehensive text on the history of ancient and medieval science that is out there.You might not believe it, but there aren't even a lot of other texts that cover half of what is discussed here period, let alone any that are this polished and concise.This book not only covers the development of western science from ancient times throught the Middle Ages, but it also considers the religious, and philosophical roots of this development.This book is masterfully written in that it provides a tremendous amount of detail, and yet is accessible to anyone that is an educated and interested reader.I cannot recommend this text highly enough.

Also Recommended:The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas Kuhn

In his book The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, Thomas Kuhn discusses the importance of history and its relationship to science, the changing views of how historians view past scientific achievements, the role of scientific method in science, and the nature and foundations of scientific revolutions.

A great book by a great professor
I had to read this book because I'm currently taking a history of science class taught by the author at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and I just want to say it's excellent. It is clear, concise and (best of all from a student's point of view) not boring. It teaches you so much about looking at things in context. This is a great book from a great professor.

Lively dinner conversation with an expert.
I have read many, many histories of science, but this is far and away thebest I have read.

Exceptional Class Material
I read this book as a student for my History of Scientific Thought Class.This text was an excellent addition to the course work that included discussions about scientific thinking, discovery and revolutions, Greekphilosophy and nature, Medieval cosmology and it's assimilation of Platoand Aristotle.Lindberg also pictured works of art that helped discuss thescience and thinking of the times. The other texts that, as a class, werediscussed along with Lindberg were Leonard Schlain's Art and Physics andArthur Koestler's The Sleepwalkers and Thomas Kuhn's THe Structure ofScientific Revolutions. ... Read more

Product Description
Red cloth. 29 readings. 163 songs and hymns. Music and guitar chords. Most with 4-part harmony. ... Read more

Book Description
Contrary to prevailing opinion, the roots of modern science were planted in the ancient and medieval worlds long before the Scientific Revolution of the seventeenth century. Indeed, that revolution would have been inconceivable without the cumulative antecedent efforts of three great civilizations:Greek, Islamic, and Latin.With the scientific riches it derived by translation from Greco-Islamic sources in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the Christian Latin civilization of Western Europe began the last leg of the intellectual journey that culminated in a scientific revolution that transformed the world.The factors that produced this unique achievement are found in the way Christianity developed in the West, and in the invention of the university in 1200. A reference for historians of science or those interested in medieval history, this volume illustrates the developments and discoveries that culminated in the Scientific Revolution. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

For the Layman
I read this and wrote a paper about it for a Humanities course.A good book to compare it to is Rodney Starks' _For the Glory of God_, which takes Grant's ideas about science a bit too far.

Grant provides an all encompassing theory on how science emerged.I don't think the topic could be explained any better without some new archeological find or manipulation of the facts.

The most interesting parts in my opinion involve the comparision of Western European culture to that of China, Byzantium, and the Islamic Middle East.Why didn't they develop science first?Find out why inside.

For laymen and people without a doctorate in history who want to read this for enjoyment (or for curricular activities), reading the first two and the last chapters will give you a good approximation of Grant's thesis.Only do this if you have a good general knowledge of history from 600 BC to 1700 AD.

Do you believe in progress?
A very profound, solid and informative book! Grant, one of the best connoisseurs of medieval science, takes a long overdue step against the conservative mainstream in the field of the history of science; i.e. he corrects the absurd fairy tale of the invention of modern science through "great heroes" like Galileo, Descartes, Newton etc. by showing the great merits of medieval thinkers: The roots of modern science were planted in the medieval world long before the alleged "Scientific Revolution" of the seventeenth century.

This fundamental insight was recently confirmed through the book of Ulrich Taschow: "Nicole Oresme und der Frühling der Moderne", ISBN 3-936979-00-6, see Amazon german ("Nicole Oresme and the spring of modern age"). Taschow supplements his very interesting examinations of history of science through a psycho-historical approach including a new theory of evolutionary consciousness. In medieval thought the basic elements of Modern Age were anticipated by means of "self-fulfilling prophecies" - for Taschow a psycho-historical principle of consciousness. Grants emphasis of the medieval "thought experiment" as essential step into modern science Taschow similarly uses as one of the essential functions of the modern consciousness, etc. In different languages both authors speak of the same things.

So I think it is no chance that two totally different ways and methods, Grants and Taschows, led to the same results! In this respect it would be very interesting to know Grants "beliefs" in the structure of historical processes. Obviously he is no follower of the conservative theory of linear, cumulative progress... (or?)

For people which are interested in deeper questions and answers concerning the origins of Modern Science and Modern Western Culture beyond the commonplaces of classical history I strongly recommend both books, Grants and Taschows.
G. Balther, Cologne

How the Middle Ages provided one last revolution
Be warned, oh reader, that Edward Grant has written a book with a purpose. This is no mere survey of medieval science; there is a thesis to defend, and defend it he has.

The Foundations of Modern Science in the Middle Ages is a tightly written examination of the central point Grant makes, namely, that Medieval scientific thought was necessary, though not sufficient, to produce the Scientific Revolution of the seventeenth century. The image of sloth minded scholastics is put to rest here.

This does not mean, as is clear from the beginning, that modern science flows from medieval science. It is an important point. The results of medieval thinking do not, for the most part, survive into the modern era. Yet the older era is essential. Why?

Grant takes us on a detailed journey through the state of scientific thinking, more properly referred to as natural philosophy, though its relation with theology is discussed at some length. He covers the adoption of ancient Greek texts through translations starting around the high Middle Ages. There is a chapter on medieval universities. Then we get a detailed look at how Aristotelian thinking was perceived, studied, and expanded upon. This last portion suffers a bit if the book is intended for a general audience. Many terms from ancient philosophy are used without explanation. I had to think back and sometimes refer back to my history of science texts from previous course work to recall the meanings, an option that not all readers will have. A serious reader will probably also need to reread portions, as the details of Medieval natural philosophy are presented in some detail and are not always easy to follow, a fault more of the subject than of the author.

In the end of this densely written text Grant ties everything together. Since this is not a mystery, and there are no spoilers here, I'll summarize. Grant's argument is that the scientific revolution was dependent on these translations being made. They form an early step that, along with the formation of largely independent universities that provided a permanent institution for scientific thinking, allowed the Medieval scholars to learn how to ask questions. They provided a vocabulary for scholarly questioning. They mathematized many questions, and they provided the idea of doing what we would now call a thought experiment. Though many of their questions, including the mathematized ones, were about entirely academic subjects, the idea of thinking about an idealized situation mathematically is exactly the sort of mindset one needs to perform modern science. It is not the results of the era that carried through, or even the specific methods, but the general framework of consistent, and persistent, inquiry that was the actual foundation of modern science in question. ... Read more

Book Description
For centuries, humankind has tried to navigate betweenscientific and spiritualconceptions of reality often without muchsuccess. In the resultant confusion scientists philosophers andtheologians have pondered and argued-yet the separation remains. NormanFriedman correlates the quantum physics of David Bohm with thePerennial Philosophy described by Aldous Huxley and the spiritualinsights of the channelled entity known as Seth to show how a singlereality emerges from seemingly contradictory perspectives-a brilliantsynthesis. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

take your pick
A synopsis of the writings of one of the all-time great physicists, David Bohm, sets the tone for the synthesis of what seem to be radically different forms of knowledge.It takes concentration to stay with what Bohm has put forth, but if the effort is forthcoming, the results are more than worth it.Wholeness and the implicate order are the bottom line.

Wholeness and the implicate order are repeated in physics, philosophy, and the psychic.All three say essentially the same thing.We are used to structuring our reality based on agreement.When several people agree that something happened, there is consensual validity.Consensual validity means that we believe what happened actually happened, it's real.This belief is our reality.We can end up at the end of this book with a consensual world view which is quite different from what we held before reading this book.

Many of us take physics pretty seriously and use physics to help us structure our reality.In other words, we give credibility to what physics has to say.However, psychic phenomena are often not given the same credibility.Weird psychic phenomena such as "channeling" are more often than not dismissed out of hand.So we make judgements about what we accept as credible and what we do not as we construct our reality.

This book presents us with the task of re-evaluating our judgements regarding what we accept and what we reject in the construction of our reality.The question is: What do we do when both physics and the psychic say the SAME THING??Do we continue with our acceptance of physics and rejection of the psychic even though they both say the same thing?Do we bag physics and go for the psychic?Do we say that this is too confusing to make any sense out of?Or.Do we opt for consensual validity and accept that both physics and the psychic are real?

It is fascinating that we can go both ways.We can use physics to understand the psychic.Or.We can use the psychic to understand physics.Either way.Take your pick.We end up at the same place!For those who prefer mathematics, go for David Bohm.For those who prefer the psychic, go for "Seth".For those who prefer eastern philosophy, go for Ken Wilber.Everybody ends up at the same place.And WHAT a place it is!It's whole, not segmented.It's unified, not divided!It's infinite, not limited!It continually changes, it's not fixed!We're all together, not separated!

So here we have a book, written by an engineer, which is spiritually up-lifting in a way which is difficult to match.

a book that found me
i bought this book from a street vendor in new york where ordinarily there are never books and ordinarily i never walk. i had a feeling the book was finding me as much as i was finding it. i point this out because this does not occur with books which cannot impact you.

i won't ignore the gaps or issues others have raised regarding the text. what matters is that, a year later, i remember the unmistakeable sense of there being a higher unity of things than we typically experience or conceive. friedman interrelates david bohm's quantum mechanics (implicate and explicate order), jane roberts' seth seances and the perennial philosophy.

i do not believe seth is a spirit but roberts' muse. i am not hanging on every word like a fish on a hook. but we see emerging the idea that our science, our philosophy and our faith ultimately point to a singular reality we develop towards without knowing it.

friedman was a millionaire in industry before he wrote either of his books (the hidden domain). this is a man who wanted more than what the daily world offered. and this is what he found.

A very frustrating read
I bought this book after reading the other two excellent reviews. Well, it was a big waste of money for me. The book was not written in a clear, easy to follow manner. It should be rewritten in half the number of pages. Rather go for "From Science to God" by Peter Russell.

A Must Read
A must read.Answers many questions that are repeatedly raised in other bokks on simular topics. Freidman does not waste paper....he provides insights to the last line of the last page...
.

Opens the mind so wide it creates a permanent draft inside !
Where to start ? To get 5 stars, a book must really satisfy many criterias, and this one certainly does.

Its author, Mr. Friedman, deserve among others to be recognized as a brillant pedagogue. The topic iscomplex but the text is clear and the simple words well chosen, like in hisother excellent book: The Hidden Domain.As a reader you are able to thinkfully about the concepts expressed, without wasting any concentration onsentences analysis.Depending on your learning style, you may prefer likeI did the tape version: it lets you think with your eyes closed.

You mayhave enjoyed David Bohm's unusual interpretations of our world through hismaster knowledge of quantum physics.You may have been puzzled by JaneRoberts connection with thestrange entity Seth.In Bridging Science andSpirit, not only do you get a summary of the most important andphilosophical aspects of the above, you are also launched into suchpowerful explanations of the physical roots of our world that some wildimagination may be needed to fully grasp them.

This book makes you thinkand almost not believing yourself the potentials of what your mind istrying to visualize: this is why I found the book outstanding. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

The "science of religion" is an important element in the interpretation of William James's work and in the methodology of the study of religion. An authority on pragmatism and the philosophy of religion, Wayne Proudfoot and a stellar group of contributors from a variety of disciplines including religion, philosophy, psychology, and history, bring innovative perspectives to James's work. Each contributor focuses on a specific theme inThe Varieties of Religious Experience and suggests how James's treatment of that theme can fruitfully be brought to bear, sometimes with revisions or extensions, on current debate about religious experience.

Book Description
An important new book by the author of the bestselling text Defending Evolution: A Guide to the Creation/Evolution Controversy, Teaching Biological Evolution in Higher Education examines the controversial issues surrounding this central concept of life science; explores students' common scientific misconceptions; describes approaches for teaching topics and principles of evolution, and offers strategies for handling the various problems some students have with the idea of evolution due to religious influences. This book is an indispensable resource for all instructors who teach aspects of biological evolution in their college courses. ... Read more

Book Description
SPIRITUAL DARKNESSA devastating interplanetary war has been raging for decades. The fallen ones have instigated mankind's downfall, waging a sinister campaign leading towards a singular goal, universal domination.A WARRIOR RACELong the ordained guardians of peace, the Barudii, have been reduced to a scattered remnant struggling to survive. All but wiped out by the Vorn clan, they have little hope of stopping the genocide that threatens mankind's survival.THE LAST HEIRYoung Tiet soone, the only remaining heir to the Barudii throne, returns from exile to avenge his fallen people. He is the final hope for restoration, and the only one that can mediate a peace between the warring clans before its too late...before the dark forces opposing his every effort succeed in enslaving humanity. To claim victory he will do what Barudii warriors do best-fight-to the death if need be. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Short, but to the point, I think!
As the author of, The Second Virgin Birth, I have to say that this book by James Somers is very believable, with well developed-characters that make you want to know more about them. Amazing dialogue surrounds an action-packed story line that will keep you guessing the entire time.It's an easy read, and extremely well written.

Somers' Soone Debut!
New author James Soone debuts his first novel in a seemingly new series that comes off reading like a mix of Star Wars vs Terminator.

Both genres of both film and novels here are quickly apparent in the prose. Well, that can be good...and also bad.

We felt that James Somers holds great potential, but overall after reading the first 1/3 of the novel, we got a feeling of lack of quality in terms of much-needed descriptions and characterization. Unfortunately, those came as run-of-the-mill.

On a more postive note, Somers never lets up in pure high-octane action/adventure. But after reading Best-Selling authors for many years, action/adventure is not enough. It is just a couple of important elements, yes, but cannot hold up the whole novel idea as a whole.

There was also the major problem of editing. Numerous mistakes here made this reading experience a headache at times. But James Somers CAN write. And we would look at a 2nd novel of Soone.

And hope for a more well-rounded novel.

from Wayne Thomas Batson, Author of The Door Within Trilogy and Isle of Swords
The Promising First Step in an Ultra Cool Space Epic!--that's what I'd call James Somers' Chronicles of Soone, Heir to the King. Being an author myself, I read a little differently than most people. I read like a scientist, analyzing every inch of the story: the craft, suspense technique, character development, general hook, etc. After all the analysis, I'm impressed.

Please realize this is Mr. Somers' first book. Of course it has rough edges and some editing foibles, but whose first book doesn't? If the story's cool, most readers {except perhaps, for book snobs, lol} can forgive a few errors in the written craft. Rather than technical precision, what readers should look for in a first novel are the following: an intriguing hook, sparks of creative genius, and a story worth hearing. CoSM has all of that.

An Intriguing Hook: CoSM begins with a mysterious, but utterly black betrayal...the underpinnings of centuries frought with genocide. An enemy, who while not exactly sympathetic, has motives we can understand. The hook comes when you realize the rabbit hole is A LOT deeper than you first thought. WOW, I couldn't believe how the story just seemed to balloon with each new revelation.

Sparks of Creative Genius: Somers' strength is plotting. No bog down scenes here. It just keeps amping. Wait until you meet the cyborg assasin Vale. He alone adds a rogue suspense mechanism worth the price of admission. The Vorn, the Barudii, the transdimensional rift--all very cool elements.

A Story Worth Hearing: CoSM has definite spiritual themes. There's truth in this book, but it is not preachy in any way, shape, or form. Somers somehow tells a thrilling story that simultaneously makes you think about yourself and the world in a pure light.

Order a copy of Chronicles of Soone now, and like me, look forward to the release of Rise of Lucin, CoSM2!

An action packed read with spiritual overtones
Everything an action sci-fi fan could ask for: Full of battle scenes packed with blazing swords and "ray" guns. From the opening scene I was captivated. Woven into the action are moral dilemmas and tragedy, coupled with a unique perspective on the battle between good and evil. An excellent read.

You Must Get This Book!
THE CHRONICLES OF SOONE: HEIR TO THE KING, by Rev. James Somers is a no-stop roller-coaster ride of adventure, terror, love and hate.The plot starts out pretty straight-forward, but then does an odd, but enjoyable twist.Soon the reader becomes caught up in a maze of adventure, battles, wisdom, love, hate and sorrow that is hard to find elsewhere.For his first novel this is a most remarkable story.It is in some ways simple and straight-forward, yet in others it is almost unbearably complex.As a mystery writer I like the fact that I couldn't quite get a handle on the story.I mean, I could never predict what was coming next.With the introduction of new terms, that make their way into your vocabulary as if you'd know them all your life, the clan of Barudii warriors and the races of Castaillan, Vorn and Baruk all seem to make sense.I would love to say more, but if I did I'm afraid I would start giving away pieces of the story that would take away from your uncovering them for yourself.Treat this story like a gold mine in which you have found a vein of gold.As you follow that vein and mine it just as it seems to thin out and threaten to disappear altogether it breaks open into a new and larger vein.And this Somers is able to keep up throughout this epic novel.You just know the next one is going to be just as fantastic. - David Brollier; author of THE 3RD COVENANT

(You're wondering why I didn't give it a 5?That's because of some mechanical problems with the writing that the editors failed to pick up on or imposed on his otherwise great story.Otherwise it would definitely have been a 5) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Remarkable Story of Remarkable Man
The life of Ernest Holmes is not just a very impressive and encouraging one, but also a real story of man whose lifework was destined to change lives of possibly millions of people. We have yet to see what this man's remarkable contribution will accomplish in the future to come.

I don't usually like biographies, but this book is a great exception to this rule. It is written in a very beautiful way about man who discovered that there is divine power/force within everyone of us... he turned this knowledge into a religious science movement which is currently perhaps the most known division of New Thought movement.

The author of this book has a way of nailing your eyes to the book, and you cannot lay it down until you have finished. The author will walk you through the good and bad, joys and sorrows...and will show you how Ernest stood erect for the truth and did not waiver or give up even when met with resistance. So the book tells you a story of man who knew what needed to be done and then did it.

Ernest's sincere desire was to help his fellow human beings to lead a balanced life spiritually, socially, occupationally and financially. He wrote many great books which have changed lives of millions.

In my opinion, the best thing that this book accomplishes is that it will enlighten your understanding of what Religious Science is truly all about. If you have any uncertainities or feel like Religious Science is a shady movement, then reading this book will show you how much love and good things there are about the father of this organization.

The best biography I have ever read...written by a person who is Ernest's associate and a long-time friend.

Fascinating account of a man and a religious movement
Did you ever wonder how a religious thinker got from Point A (the youthful years) to Point B (adult years where he was now a religous pioneer and the soul that ignited the Religious Science movement)?
If you have, this book is for you. If you're not into Religious Science's change your mind/change your life philosophy this book will still offer some revelations. If you are into it or involved with it, it is a must-read/must-own.
Author Reginald Armor, who died in 1977, was a mere 12 years old when he met the older Ernest Holmes, who even as a young man in his 20s had embraced the philosophy for which he was to become famous. This book traces their lifelong friendship, Holmes' evolution, and the church's growth, from their first meeting (Holme's treatment helped cure Armor's warts) to Holmes' final years.
Don't expect a long, ponderous detailed book. This book is not that at all. It's a simple account of a friendship that lasted until Holmes' 1960 passing. In sections tracing the steps of how Holmes' institute evolved into a church it resembles at times more of a history book than a memoir. These sections are the least interesting.
But Armor also traces how Holmes' carefully considered and precisely articulated spiritual and metaphysical philsophy sparked a movement that would later have profound influences throughout the 20th century. Indeed, many classic and contemporaryself-help books and motivational speakersare heavily influenced by his philosophy (the power of visualization; affirmative prayer; and "releasing" an affirmation and having complete faith in it after you make it).
Armor also reveals several fascinating facts: even as a small child Holmes would never stop constantly asking questions (an answer meant he would ask another question), which is how he developed his thought; Holmes started as a public speaker because he truly loved speaking and sharing his philosphy about how applying what he called Universal Law could manifest a person's best good; and Holmes resisted until the very last his associates' attempts to create an church. He prefered a person's one-ness to and with God and felt organized religions' middleman institutions were unncessary. Plus he felt there were "too many religions" already. He made it clear he had no intention of founding a new religion.
In the end, though, Holmes went along with the idea of a church (which today has some members who still maintain their previous religions even as they practice the all-inclusive Religious Science) to help spread his ideas...which he felt were really not HIS ideas, but ideas from a Higher Source.
The bottom line: this is a simply written book which answers some key questions about who Holmes was, what motivated him, and how the then-innovative thoughts that he voiced led to the creation of an actual church.
A MUST if you're interested in the lives of spiritual thinkers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent
I think thi is an essential read for people just introduced to the science of mind philosophy by Ernest Holmes

How To Speak Religious Science
The book is very helpful, brief, clear and informative. I would recommend it to anyone that is a member of Religious Science or who is curious about it. ... Read more

Book Description
Systematic theologian Wolfhart Pannenberg, basing his discussion on more than three decades of dialogue between theologians and scientists, here poses theological questions to natural scientists that illuminate his personal position on issues dealing with theology and the natural sciences, especially physics.

Pannenberg says the scientific view of nature is incomplete and challenges scientists to incorporate the idea of God into their picture of nature. First he provides a commentary and critique of groundbreaking insights of post-World War II philosophers of science and offers insight on the sociology of knowledge, which open conversation between theologians and scientists. Then he presents theology as the "science of God," showing that the world we live in is "a creature of a creating God." ... Read more

Book Description
In recent years a noticeable trend toward harmonizing the distinct worldviews of science and religion has become increasingly popular. Despite marked public interest, many leading scientists remain skeptical that there is much common ground between scientific knowledge and religious belief. Indeed, they are often antagonistic. Can an accommodation be reached after centuries of conflict?

Among the topics discussed are the Big Bang and the origin of the universe, intelligent design and creationism versus evolution, the nature of the soul, near-death experiences, communication with the dead, why people believe in God, and the relationship between religion and ethics.

In this stimulating collection of articles on the subject, the editors have assembled the thoughts of scientists from various disciplines. Included are works by such distinguished authors as Sir Arthur C. Clarke, Richard Dawkins, Richard Feynman, Kendrick Frazier, Martin Gardner, Owen Gingerich, Stephen Jay Gould, James Lovelock, Steven Pinker, Eugenie Scott, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Steven Weinberg, and many other eminent scientists and scholars. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Important subject, sincere effort, but illiterate in theology
This book is a collection of essays on the general subject of the compatability of science and religion.This is an important subject, which we need more intelligent discussion of.And to give credit where credit is due, the editors of the book are obviously sincere, and obviously trying very hard to give a balanced discussion.They try to include both sides of the issue.A number of the contributors are promient scientists.

None of the contributors, however, are prominent theologians.The editors of the book are plainly well educated in science, but they obviously know next to nothing about actual religion.Thus, a great deal of the book consists of straw-man arguments, where a very intelligent and well-prepared scientist will define religion as extreme irrational fundamentalism and then (big surprise) conclude that it is inferior to the rational wonders of science.

Here is an idea.If you want a real debate, invite the A Team from both sides.If you are going to have Stephen Jay Gould and Richard Dawkins from the science side, try to get Cardinal Ratzinger from the religion side.The editors of this book, well-meaning as they appear to be, have not troubled themselves to ascertain who the important thinkers are in religion.Hint: they are not fundamentalists.Fundamentalist Christians have many virtues, among them the directness and purity of their faith and morals. One virtue that they do not have, however, is deep learning in either theology or science.

Such learning, however, is available among the heavy weights of the Catholic Church.A real debate would engage seriously with Catholic thinking.

Let me give one example.A number of the essays discussed the proofs of the existence of God.Almost all of them focused exclusively on the Argument from Design, the argument that, since the Universe is extremely complex, it must have been intelligently designed.This particular argument is used frequently by fundamentalists, and the anti-religion crowd is very used to shooting it down with Darwin.

But here is the thing.The Argument from Design is not the only proof of the existence of God.In fact, it is a relatively weak and recent proof.In its present form, it dates back to the 18th century.

You want the real proofs of the existence of God, you go to Aristotle (5th century B.C.) and then St. Thomas Aquinas (with a stop over with St. Anselm for the intellectually adventurous.)Aristotle proves the existence of God from the First Cause Argument.Everything is caused by something else.Logically, the chain of causality can not go on forever.Thus, it is has to stop somewhere.Where the chain stops is with that which is not caused, but causes all else.The unmoved mover.This is God.

One or two of the essays acknowledge Aristotle's argument.What was the response?They basically said THIS is not religion; this is too rational.Religion is flat-Earth fundamentalism.This unmoved mover stuff is far too abstract and philosophic to be real religion.

Sorry, guys, you do not get to pick your intellectual opponents.The Church has been around alot longer than fundamentalism.Aristole's argument will be being studied in the schools long after you and I have been forgotten.You may not know anything about Aristotle or Aquninas, because you are scientists, but, if you are going to do a book on science and religion, you really have an obligation to learn something about religion.I do not think that I am asking alot, when I ask that you be aware of the most basic doctrines of the Church, which have not changed in nearly a thousand years.

Just because you are scientists does not mean you are literate in other fields.In fact, as scientists, you should know that you are not qualifed to just spout off about any damm thing that you like; you should not speak, as an expert, without reading at least some of the literature.Go read Ratzinger's Introduction to Christianity, and maybe you will start to know something about the subject.Until then, what you are writing is simply utterly unbalanced, one-sided propaganda.

Fabulous........
A MUST READ for anyone interested about magisteria of science and religion. Well written essays (as one would expect with Kurtz as the editor) presenting both sides of this discussion. Never more relevant than today when religionists are making the claim about "biblical science", "creation science" (an oxymoron) ad infinitum. America can be a strange land where mythology and fact are allowed to mingle in some minds. This book will make you THINK.

My goodness
Yeah this is not a biased approach at all!! My eyes are rolling up in my head from the massive quantity of sarcasm....

This is not a good approach at all.....

Money is a valuable thing... don't waste it on this book.

We have the power to brainwash, but which propaganda?
This is an interesting set of blow by blow essays (at least for a Martian anthropologist studying earth science), supposedly on science and religion, but really on the Darwin debate, with the inspiration of Galileo in the background. It also includes an essay by the ID theorist William Dembski who informs us he volunteered to join M. Shermer's Skeptic to be the resident skeptic on evolution. Since Mr. Dembski is quite unacceptable (one of those people who believe weird things) for this, I should volunteer myself, think of all the free snacks.
The book opens with the standard metanarrative of science's triumph over superstition from Galileo forth, in the raised eyebrow condescending mode ("aren't we smart, why do all these people resist?"). But somehow it has never sunk in that modern science is a failure in its mission and derailed with Darwin as it entered the field of naturalistic metaphysics.
In some ways, the tone here is fine. Scientists, after all, armed with four forces for a theory of everything are now beset with a fifth, the Templeton Prize money, which has lead to so many books with the word 'god' in the title, big business.
The refusal to compromise here is admirable, but the problem is not religion, but bad science, and the mystery of why the science world view cannot deal with even the ID initiative.
My next door neighbour is a Buddhist, and I showed him the book: Yep! 'religion' means Christianity. He is a physics student but said he was fed up with being classified as 'crazy' by a legitimating science world view. One would have thought Foucault had sunk in here. Science should know better than to let 'religion' mean monotheism.
Good book anyway, with material by Gould on the magisteria that aren't supposed to overlap, Dawkins, Dennett, Lovelock, and Arthur C. Clarke, plus essays by the ediotr Paul Kurtz from Skeptical Enquirer.
Modern science is a failure and has turned the best and brightest into idiots, run roughshod over the human sciences with the result that we are given two flavors, scientism and fundamentalism. That would seem inexplicable, until you realize that corresponds to the two largest budgets for propaganda around.
The moral is that there are many ways around the science/religion divide, but both sides are satisfied with this status quo 'debate'.

A thought-provoking collection of essays
I attended the "Science and Religion" symposium held in Atlanta in 2001 and it was excellent.But this book is much more than a mere summary of the symposium.The book also includes many contributions by authors who did not attend, such as a chapter on Nonoverlapping Magisteria by the late Stephen Jay Gould and a chapter on Intelligent design by William A. Dembski.

At issue is whether religion and science have anything to say to each other and what happens when they tread on each other's turf.It has been argued that science has no business intruding into the realm of religion.But the nature of "science" is poorly understood by many people.It is not a body of knowledge, but rather a means of acquiring knowledge.Some religious claims cannot be be addressed by science because no means are available to investigate them.But on those issues where a means does exist, science has consistently forced religion to retreat and revise itself.

This book should be required reading by any school granting degrees in science, and it should be placed in every high school library. ... Read more