A pioneering New Thought movement emphasizing the omnipresence of God and the power of positive thinking.
The Church of Divine Science is an influential religious movement that emerged from the broader New Thought tradition in the late 19th century. It was officially established in San Francisco during the 1880s by Malinda Cramer. Cramer, alongside her husband Frank, initially founded the ‘Home College of Spiritual Science’ in March 1888. Two months later, she renamed it to the ‘Home College of Divine Science’, marking the formal beginning of the Church of Divine Science. The movement saw significant growth across the United States, especially after the San Francisco earthquake in 1906 and Cramer’s subsequent death, which led to the relocation of its headquarters to Denver, Colorado, and later Pueblo.
Beliefs
The foundational belief of Divine Science is the omnipresence of a limitless Being, God, who is inherently good and exists equally everywhere, manifesting as all creation. This denomination defines God as pure Spirit, absolute, changeless, eternal, and transcending as well as manifesting in all Creation. Central to its doctrine is the idea that evil has no true reality and exists only as long as individuals support it through belief. Divine Science places a strong emphasis on healing, following the works of Jesus Christ, and promotes practices such as affirmative prayer, contemplation, meditation, and the conscious practice of God’s presence.
History and Development
The Church of Divine Science owes its origins not only to Malinda Cramer but also to Nona L. Brooks, with significant contributions from Fannie Brooks James, Alethea Brooks Small, and Kate Bingham. Influences from Phineas Quimby and Emma Curtis Hopkins, notable figures within the New Thought movement, were pivotal in shaping its teachings. The church differentiated itself from Christian Science, a contemporaneous movement, by adopting a more pragmatic application of Divine Spirit, including allowing for the consultation of medical professionals alongside spiritual practices.
Expansion and Influence
By 1918, Divine Science had established churches in major cities across the United States including Denver, Seattle, Los Angeles, Oakland, Boston, Portland, Spokane, Saint Louis, and New York. The movement continued to expand through the 1920s, and despite fluctuations in membership, it has maintained a presence into the 21st century, largely through cyber-ministries and online resources. Prominent figures like Emmet Fox have been associated with the church, contributing to its rich legacy within the New Thought movement.
The Church of Divine Science has played a significant role in the development of New Thought Christianity, emphasizing a positive, spiritually grounded approach to life and the universe. Its teachings have influenced countless individuals and continue to inspire a global community of believers committed to living out the presence of God in daily life.
image via History Colorado
