Niscience

Niscience a religious movement, is an abbreviation for the Ann Ree Colton Foundation of Niscience, Inc. United States, which was founded in 1953 by Ann Ree Colton.[1] It is characterized as a combination of Christianity and New Age spirituality, and combines the teachings of Jesus Christ with an engagement with meditation, reincarnation, dream interpretation, creativity, and study.[2]

Overview

The Ann Ree Colton Foundation of Niscience, Inc., headquartered in Glendale, California, was co-founded in 1953 by Ann Ree Colton and her husband Jonathan Murro.[3][4] The Niscience website states that it is a “non-profit religious and educational foundation.” The word “niscience” means knowing.[5]

The Niscience website states that Niscience is based upon the teachings of "Jesus, the Bible, and other sacred scriptures of the East and the West.[6]

“It is a renaissance faith that blends nearly all facets of humanity, religion, science, the creative arts and philosophy.” [7]

The first NIscience book, written by Ann Ree Colton, Islands of Light, was published in 1953. In 1957 property was purchased on Colorado St. in Glendale, California, where the Foundation is still located.

The Foundation’s credo is: “To inspire others, to create, and to serve God.” It’s motto is “Christ for this Age.” [8] The front wall of the foundation property reads: Religion, Philosophy, Science, and the Creative Arts.

Niscience is a ministry training school “sustained by the theme of participation; each member is given the opportunity to qualify to become a Lay Minister. At present the majority of members are active participants in the Lay Ministry.”[9]

Services are held in “The Chapel of the Jesus Ethic”, which was built in 1965.[10]

After Colton's death in 1984 Murro ran the foundation until he committed suicide in November 1991. After his death the Los Angeles Times, describing Niscience as "an obscure Glendale-based religious group", wrote that "several former members--including one who had sat on the board of directors--recently sent open letters to church adherents, calling Niscience an oppressive, deceptive cult, and urging members to leave. Membership reportedly numbers several hundred."[11]

Since that time, Niscience has operated under the guidance of an Administrator, appointed by the Board of Directors, a Board of Directors who are elected from its membership, and its ministers.

Publications

During their lifetimes, the founders published 26 books: 17 by Colton, 6 co-authored by Colton and Murro, and 3 by Murro.[12] They established White Paper lessons, monthly materials providing daily instruction. A monthly magazine, "Agape", contains articles by its members along with selected writings from Colton and Murro.[13]

Creativity

As noted in its website, creativity is encouraged. Colton and Murro produced many paintings, mosaics, sculptures, and songs. All members are “urged to contribute his artistic and spiritual gifts to the creation of murals, mosaic-tile windows and other works of art.”[14] The creativity extends to pleasance (pronounced pla-zance), creative dance to the writings of Colton and scripture,[15] an annual New Song Night, when songs by members are presented by the choir, and an annual Art Show, where members creative projects are exhibited. Many of the songs are available on CD.[16]

Instructional videos

Hundreds of Colton’s and Murro’s talks and darshans are preserved on CD and DVD formats. Some may be purchased, while a few are available to watch on its YouTube channel.[16]

References
  1. Melton, J. Gordon (1978). Encyclopedia of American Religions. Vol. 2. Wilmington, NC: McGrath. pp. 171–2. OCLC 301461156.
  2. Walker, James K. (2007). The Concise Guide to Today's Religions and Spirituality: Includes Hundreds of Definitions of: Contemporary Religions; Sects, Cults, and Occult Organizations; Alternative Spiritual Beliefs; Christian Denominations; Leaders, Teachings. Harvest House. p. 238. ISBN 9780736920117.
  3. "About the Founders: Ann Ree Colton and Jonathan Murro". niscience.org. Ann Ree Colton Foundation of Niscience. Retrieved 24 March 2014.
  4. Melton's Encyclopedia of American Religions. 2009. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015.
  5. "Niscience". Ann Ree Colton Foundation of Niscience. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
  6. "Niscience: The Next Step". niscience.org. Ann Ree Colton Foundation of Niscience. Retrieved 24 March 2014.
  7. Moore, Jean (23 November 1985). ""Niscience Religion Starts Here"". Lansing State Journal.
  8. "Niscience". Ann Ree Colton Foundation of Niscience. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
  9. "Niscience". Ann Ree Colton Foundation of Niscience. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
  10. Wilson, Anastasia (2002). The Early Years of Niscience. OM Publishing, CA.
  11. Kazmin, Amy Louise (14 November 1991). "Leader's suicide stuns church : Some Niscience Foundation members say minister was grieving over charges he led a cult and stole money". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 24 March 2014.
  12. "Niscience". Ann Ree Colton Foundation of Niscience. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
  13. "Home Study". Ann Ree Colton Foundation of Niscience. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
  14. Brager, Ruth (24 December 1967). "Art that speaks to all of man". California Living. Los Angeles Herald Examiner.
  15. Brager, Ruth (22 December 1980). "Bringing the scripture to life". Glendale Newspress.
  16. "Bookstore". Ann Ree Colton Foundation of Niscience. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
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