The Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta was founded in 1979 by Dr. Kennedy Shultz (1931 – 2000), and was chartered in that year as a member church of Religious Science International, now known as the International Centers for Spiritual Living. After 20 years of dedicated ministry, Dr. Shultz retired in 1999. The torch of ministerial leadership was passed to Rev. Paul Gonyea that same year where he served until his retirement in 2010. Currently, Dr. David Ault serves as Senior Minister.We are governed by a Board of Trustees, elected by the membership, and our bylaws. The Senior Minister is designated President of the Board.
Those attending Centers for Spiritual Living around the world, and people who belong to member churches of the Association of Unity Churches, an unaffiliated organization, embrace principles and teachings associated with “new thought,” the name given to a predominantly American spiritual movement that traces its origins to the mid-1800′s. New Thought is characterized by the simplicity of its teachings and its general lack of religious dogma.
At the Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta we strive to inspire and support each and every person toward growing into their highest potential. Our Center is a place to make friends, share experiences with like-minded people, and know the power and presence of God in your daily life.
What Those Attracted to New Thought Generally Believe – A Short Answer
We believe that the Universe is fundamentally spiritual, and that it has intelligence, purpose, beauty and order. Our beliefs are in harmony with the basic tenets of all the world’s great religions and for that reason we honor all paths to God. Whether we call it God, Spirit, Energy, Higher Power, or Universal Intelligence, every person, place and thing emanates from this spiritual universe. We believe this Universal Intelligence is within us, as well as around us, and that we are conscious of it.
We believe that God is a loving intelligence, operating in and through all life, never separate from anyone or anything. Through classes, study, and spiritual practice we come to understand our oneness with this indwelling Divine Presence. We teach and practice a way of life where we can all learn how to live in accordance with spiritual principles. These principles, which we call the Science of Mind, are as reliable as the laws of physical science. We believe there is a body of knowledge about spiritual laws that operates in the Universe as Cause and Effect. We teach that “It is done unto you as you believe” and “As you think, so you become.” In essence, our thinking and our expectations create our reality. It is in studying and applying spiritual laws that we can change our unconscious beliefs and create improved conditions in our lives.
Each spiritual community within International Centers for Spiritual Living teaches Affirmative Prayer and other spiritual tools designed to help us lead a spiritual life, think positively, and love deeply. Simply put, at Center for Spiritual Living, we provide spiritual tools to transform our personal lives and make the world a better place.
