Religious Science 4-Day Convention to Begin Tuesday

More than 1,200 people are expected to attend the United Church of Religious Science’s four-day convention opening Tuesday at the metaphysical movement’s Founder’s Church in Los Angeles, officials said.

In addition to elections, votes on bylaws and other business for the denomination of 200 churches and study groups, United Church members will hear a discussion Thursday afternoon by leading clergy on whether Religious Science should be more involved in social issues, said Mark Shaw, chief executive officer.

The predominant thrust of Religious Science publications and talks is self-motivational in style and substance, officials said. The featured lecturer Thursday night is Los Angeles psychiatrist David Viscott, who has a weekly call-in program on KABC radio.

Viscott, quoted in a Religious Science news release, said he seeks to persuade people to be optimistic about themselves under adverse conditions: “You are the temple and the religion. The dogma is truth and the natural condition is to know joy and to be happy.”