In Theory

A core belief of our church is that the Bible is inspired directly by God and that it is inerrant and authoritative in everything it addresses. It teaches us about the very deepest roots of our ethnic heritage and our faith. It reminds us that we all share a common heritage as descendants of Adam and Eve. It reminds us that God loved people of every nation so much that He sent His Son Jesus who bore the sins of the whole world for us on the cross. Scripture tells us that “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus…there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26, 28).

In our church’s meetings we are constantly reminded of the deepest roots of our historic, orthodox Christianity – God saves us by grace through faith in His Son Jesus; the Bible is His unchanging word to us; we are called to love others and help them become Jesus’ disciples. --Jon Barta is pastor of Valley Baptist Church in Burbank. He can be reached at (818) 845-7871.

THE REV. BEVERLY CRAIG:  Religious Science is a compilation, correlation, integration of the major religions of the world with a strong Christian bias.

Ernest Holmes, the Founder, described Religious Science as a Philosophy, a Faith, a Way of Life. His intention was for individuals to study the life affirming principles of Science of Mind along with the tenants of their own religion.

Our congregation composition includes individuals from several religions including Jewish, Catholic, and various Protestant denominations along with those who are long-time Religious Scientists. Several of our members went to a Jewish center a few years ago and dialogued with the Rabbi and we've hosted an Ecumenical group, Unity and Diversity World Council.

We're fortunate to have in our congregation musicians, Chris, Susan Holder, who often perform Jewish music coinciding with Jewish High Holy Days. In John 14:2, we find Jesus' words, "In my Father's house are many dwelling places..." We interpret this to mean there are many paths home to God.

Although we share the Biblical teachings, Old and New Testaments with other faiths, our Science of Mind texbook is based in scripture and Jesus' teachings interpreted in a New Thought ~not New Age~ perspective. New Thought history is steeped in writings of many transendentalists including Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Our Center offers accredited classes to familiarize the student with the pioneers of New Thought, including founder's of Unity and Divine Science. Our purpose statement includes a phrase, "We welcome a diversity of people, activities and ideas." We honor others' spiritual paths because in so doing, we are in alignment with the commonality of Love expressed and taught in world religions.--The Rev. Beverly Craig leads Center for Spiritual Living in La Crescenta. She can be reached at (818) 249-1045.