Niscience

Niscience is a religious movement of the United States. Its parent organization, the Ann Ree Colton Foundation of Niscience, 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[2]

Overview

The Ann Ree Colton Foundation of Niscience, located in Glendale, California, was co-founded in 1953 by Ann Ree Colton and her husband Jonathan Murro.[3][4]

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.[5]

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."[6]No accusations of financial impropriety were ever substantiated.

References
  1. Melton, J. Gordon (1978). Encyclopedia of American Religions. 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.  – via HighBeam Research (subscription required) . 2009. Archived from the original on 2015-09-24.CS1 maint: others (link)
  5. "Niscience: The Next Step". niscience.org. Ann Ree Colton Foundation of Niscience. Retrieved 24 March 2014.
  6. 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.


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