Idyllwild Church of Religious Science

Who We Are

A thinking, feeling, spiritual community dedicated to

healing hurts and building dreams.

 Idyllwild Church Of Religious Science began serving our community in 1987.  It was founded by our current minister Rev. Betty Jandl.  Over the last 14 years we have continued to grow and support our community in a great many ways.

We are a loving community of individuals who are dedicated to our own and the worlds spiritual awakening.  Science Of Mind (SOM) was developed by the founder of Religious Science, Dr. Ernest Holmes.  Religious Science can be approached as a religion, a philosophy and a science.  The key belief of SOM is that there is but one Infinite God and that God acts on the impress of our thoughts to create what comes into our lives.  We practice affirmative prayer which we call spiritual mind treatment.  Our philosophy is not substantially different from the philosophies of well known positive thinkers such as Norman Vincent Peale, Robert Schuller and Napoleon Hill.  Our organization is based on teaching individuals how to think rather than what to think.  We recognize the thread of truth that runs through all religions.

Religious Science is a way of life and thinking that helps us realize our true nature and individual goals in life.  It is a down to earth, easily applied way of thinking about the nature of the universe and our relationship to it.  It is an expression of universal truths revealed in all the world's religions.

We learn how to think rather than what to think.  We strengthen our trust in a power greater than ourselves that operates only for good.  We gain confidence through experience to direct our lives.  Also, we enjoy the support and the encouragement of others on our pathway to self realization.

The idea of a religion as a science is certainly foreign to many in the beginning.  Science is defined as a knowledge gained through experience.  We find through our experience that the proper application of some basic principles will demonstrate the desired effect in our lives time and again.

Very simply, we believe that the universe is fundamentally spiritual.  It has intelligence, purpose, beauty and order.  Whether we call it God, nature, spirit, energy or universal intelligence; it all emanates from this spiritual universe.  We believe this universal intelligence is within us a well as around us, and that we are conscious of it.

Realization of our own spirituality is a gradual and continually unfolding process.  Religious Science teaches that as a spiritual being, we can become a master or our destiny.  This new way of thinking brings us to a better way of life.

Dr. Ernest Holmes, the founder of Religious Science Studies with Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science so our teaching springs from a similar origin as Christian Science however we do believe in the use of both medical and mental treatments in the healing of the sick.  

We have no connection to Scientology, or similarity to the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard.

Actually we are considered a part of the New Thought movement, the only religious movement to have originated in the United States.  It includes both branches of Religious Science (Religious Science International and United Church of Religious Science), Unity, and many small and very large independent churches.  New Age commonly refers to a wide array of activities such as Yoga, TM, Astrology, Tarot, Crystal Healing, and many others.  As a church we neither endorse nor condemn any of these activities.  Part of our belief system is that each individual is free to choose and co-create their own unique spiritual journey in this lifetime.  That may or may not include various News Age activities depending on individual choice.

The power for good in the universe is available to everyone who understands and knows how to use it.  By attending Sunday Church, Youth Church, Science of Mind Classes, as well as other classes offered throughout the year, we efficiently rediscover health, abundance, harmonious relationships, success, creative activity, love and peace, already fundamental parts of us. 

Religious Science does not claim to have a monopoly on God or the truth, we believe that there are many paths to the one God.  If our path interests you, give us a call for more information, or come to one of our Sunday services.  All are welcome.