Two hundred years ago, Benjamin Franklin defined a great religion as one that creates the deepest peace.  In 1958, Rev. Dorothy Graff Flexer and Dr. Russell J. Flexer, realizing a need for deeper peace in the hearts of men, founded a new religion which they called Metaphysical Christianity.  Rev. Dorothy and Dr. Russell started the Shrine of the Master Church of Tampa in 1947 and the Sarasota Shrine of the Master in 1949.  In 1990, both churches were combined with its location to be in Sarasota, Florida.

The word “metaphysical” literally means “above the physical”.  All religions are metaphysical to a degree in that their beliefs are based upon principles unseen but evidenced through the results that manifest.  Metaphysical Christianity is a science, philosophy and religion based upon the life, teachings and demonstrations of  the Master Jesus.  It seeks to understand the invisible, spiritual nature of all life which transcends the physical, material plane in which we now live.

As a science, Metaphysical Christianity searches for, investigates and analyzes the principles of life on earth and in spirit.  It seeks to clarify and classify demonstrations of spiritual and psychic power.

As a philosophy, it studies human character, the processes of the mind and the nature of our relationships with others.  It studies the laws of nature as they pertain to the seen and unseen expressions of life, and bases its conclusions upon observed facts.  It emphasizes right living and personal responsibility.

As a religion, it offers an understanding of the God Power and of Natural and Spiritual Law.  Adherence to these laws is the highest form of worship.  Most importantly, it teaches one how to unite with the powers of the universe to further mankind’s progress as well as one’s own.

Though Metaphysical Christianity is called a “new” religion because there is nothing quite like it among the present-day forms of worship, it is in it concept and practice, one of the oldest religions in the world.  It is the pure religion that Jesus taught to his disciples, but which orthodoxy has misinterpreted through the ages until its essence has all but disappeared in a cloud of dogma and fear. 

Metaphysical Christianity embraces the spiritual truth found in the teachings of Buddha, Confucius, Mohammed, Abraham and other great spiritual leaders.  Truth is truth no matter where it is found.  Some of the great wisdom and philosophy of the Eastern religions has endured for centuries and can be found in our own teachings.

It is clear to Christian Metaphysicians that the teachings of the Master Jesus are based on thoughts and ideas that he gained from the Eastern philosophies.  Those who think that Christianity was solely the formulation of Jesus are misinformed.  He studied in monasteries and was taught by masters, astronomers and astrologers.  Many of his principles were taken from the Essene teachings of Judaism.  Jesus was a highly spiritual person and was well informed about the spiritual laws as taught in the holy books of Brahmanism, Hinduism and Zoroastrianism that go back thousands of years.

Metaphysical Christianity is not just a religion, but it is a way of life.  It is the perfect pattern for living and is the key to the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.