Frequently Asked Questions About Spiritual Science

What is Spiritual Science?

Spiritual Science is the disciplined study and practice of spiritual truth, inner development, and alignment with Divine Law. It explores the relationship between thought, vibration, healing, and the soul’s journey toward God.

It is not about dogma or blind belief—it’s about lived experience, spiritual law, and soul growth that you can validate.

What do Spiritual Scientists believe?

Spiritual Scientists believe in:

    • The indwelling presence of God within every person

    • The creative power of thought

    • Healing through spiritual alignment

    • Detachment

    • Mastery over ego

    • Personal responsibility for growth

    • Serving self and humanity through truth and spiritual discipline

We study, test, and apply spiritual principles in daily life—not just believe in them.

Is Spiritual Science a religion?

Spiritual Science has been practiced as a religion, with ministers, services, and healing work offered through Spiritual Science centers.

It is also a spiritual philosophy and science of inner living. It honors all sincere paths to God and encourages self-mastery over dogma.

Is this a cult?

No. Spiritual Science emphasizes free will, spiritual sovereignty, and personal responsibility. It does not demand allegiance to a leader or isolate followers.

A true Spiritual Scientist is taught to think clearly, serve wisely, and grow spiritually through responsibility—not control.

Who started Spiritual Science?

Spiritual Science, as practiced at the National Spiritual Science Center (NSSC), traces its institutional roots to the Spiritual Science Mother Church, founded in 1923 by Rev. Julia Forrest in New York City.

The NSSC itself was established in 1941 in Washington, D.C., by Rev. Alice Welstood Tindall, who studied under Rev. Forrest. Rev. Tindall led the First Spiritual Science Church for nearly three decades, offering public services, development circles, and lectures.

In 1969, leadership transitioned to Rev. Henry J. Nagorka and Rev. Diane S. Nagorka, who formally renamed it the National Spiritual Science Center. They expanded the Center’s mission through the School of Spiritual Science, which became a respected program for spiritual development and ordination.

The School continued operating into the 2000s, graduating new ministers after completing a rigorous 4-year program. The final graduating class was in 2014. The NSSC trained and ordained Spiritual Science ministers and healers for nearly five decades before ultimately ceasing operations.

⚠️ Please note: The Historical Society is not affiliated with any modern programs or organizations currently using the National Spiritual Science Center name. While we honor the personal journeys of all ministers and support their efforts to share light, we do not support the use of the NSSC name in ways that dilute its original teachings or bypass its rigorous ministerial process. These efforts do not reflect the spiritual standards, structure, or ordination principles of the original Center.

What is the foundation of Spiritual Science?

Spiritual Science is grounded in:

    • Divine Law and spiritual truth

    • Detachment and mental discipline

    • Mental and spiritual healing techniques

    • Study of the aura, thought forms, and subtle bodies

    • Meditation, prayer, and daily inner work

    • The development of spiritual faculties through disciplined practice

Bookshelves symbolizing the study of Spiritual Science teachings for frequently asked questions

Is the Center still active?

No. The original National Spiritual Science Center in Washington, D.C. and the Baltimore Spiritual Science Center are no longer operating as churches or ordaining bodies.

The National Spiritual Science Center Historical Society exists to preserve the spiritual legacy of those original Centers and honor the ministers they trained. We do not offer ordination or formal education programs.

All ministers listed in our Directory of Ministers were ordained through one of the original Centers and continue to uphold the principles of Spiritual Science in their own ways.

Can I become a Spiritual Scientist?

Yes—if you feel called to live in spiritual truth, deepen your relationship with God, and walk a path of daily practice and personal growth.

Spiritual Science is not limited to ministers or clergy—it is a path of discipline and awakening open to all sincere seekers.

Where can I learn more?

You can explore our blog, teachings, and archival materials here on the Historical Society website. Our focus is on preserving the historical and spiritual legacy of the original National Spiritual Science Center and making its core teachings accessible to the public.

If you’re interested in ongoing exploration, consider joining our Book Discussion Group to dive deeper into spiritual science texts alongside fellow seekers.

We do not offer ordination or education programs. This site exists to honor the work that was already done—and to protect the spiritual integrity of that lineage for future generations.

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