“Science of Mind” is a philosophy of life that offers an opportunity for a person to apply a basic principle of cause and effect to understand and later determine the conditions of his or her life. One of the early thinkers, Quimby, called it the "Science of Happiness."

There are groups which gather as churches, and their philosophy does not contradict reason and common sense, as some people feel some other churches do. In fact, the study of Science of Mind can be utilized by anyone in any religion.  The “Science of Mind” Churches, are often called “Religious Science.” Religious Science attempts to bridge the values and knowledge of both religion and science, and thus the name. “Science of Mind” and its benefits are accessible to all on equal terms- without ritual, investment, or formal affiliation. Interested seekers have nothing to confess, promise, renounce, or hand over. More recently, churches that teach and practice Science of Mind principles are being called United Centers for Spiritual Living.  The connotation of spiritual living is finding ways to be peaceful inside and loving toward others.

The philosophy often refers to God as the Universal Mind, which represents an objective principle rather than a guru or a deity. At the heart of every religion is the Science of Mind because Science of Mind is an open-ended truth. All faiths include the concept of an Unseen, called Mind, Spirit, First Cause, Being, or God.

The power of thought is a natural principle. All of us share unlimited access to Mind, the infinite curative power of the universe. That power, which is a natural Law, can operate only through our own minds. It is obedient to our expectations, and it manifests exactly as we think and believe. As an objective principle, it cannot dispense favoritism or judgment. Even with a simple understanding of Mind, a person can use thought to solve their problems. Spiritual Awareness can expand indefinitely.

To change any condition in a person’s life, "give the Law new instructions," according to Ernest Holmes. Through affirming and accepting the innate excellence of any circumstance, generative energy can be channeled. Individual welfare rests in our minds, not our hands or luck.

“Science of Mind” is a pathway to well-being, involving affirmation rather than denial. Disease, for example, is a fact; we need not deny its existence, but “Disease is not a truth." The truth of Infinite Intelligence includes health, abundance, security, love, peace, and happiness - all of which make up our natural state. A person who is willing to focus and claim these truths and act confidently on them, can bring them into being. The creative force is a presence within us that is instrumental in physical and spiritual healing.

Ernest Holmes, who wrote the book called Science of Mind, did not claim that he had found the ultimate answers to life's questions. "This is my revelation- not yours," he emphasized. "It must always remain "open at the top" for new insights.  And so, many people have experienced their and shared their own revelations.

Science of Mind, and Religious Science, the the United Centers for Spiritual Living, like many other New Thought organizations, is not a cult, and does not fit the definition of a cult. People are free to come and go as they please. There is no excommunication or shunning of individuals.

There does tend to be a grouping of loving people who increasing take responsibility for their own lives, and in the process become happy with themselves and each other.