About Christian Science
What is Christian Science and how does it differ from other religions?
We are a Christian denomination, and like other Christian churches, we
(1) believe in one God, or supreme deity,
(2) read and study the Holy Bible,
(3) adhere to the Ten Commandments, as our moral guide, and
(4) pray the Lord's Prayer, the prayer that covers all human needs.
We follow the teachings of Christ Jesus as presented in the Sermon on the Mount, and believe the lost element of healing accomplished by Jesus is possible here and now. Mary Baker Eddy, the author of our text book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, explains in this book, the principle Jesus used to heal the sick and sinner, and raise the dead. This healing method has been practiced for well over one hundred years.
Our services are not conducted by ordained clergy, as other churches; instead lay readers are elected from the membership to conduct services for a specified period of time. Our lesson-sermons are based on the inspired word of the King James version of the Bible and further edified by Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, written by the founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy. These two books serve as our pastor.
Is Christian Science the same as Scientology?
No. Christian Science and Scientology are not related in any way.
The theology of Christian Science is based on the teachings and practice of Christ Jesus, including healing through prayer.
What do Christian Scientists mean when they talk about healing through prayer?
Prayer in Christian Science is rooted in the nature of God as good and in each individual's relationship to God. It is the progressive understanding of this fact---that one can never be separated from God and God's love---that brings healing of anything that needs healing, whether it involves one's physical health, emotional well-being---or, for that matter, one's community or the world at large. Through Christian Science, millions have learned that no problem is too big---or too small for God. There are no rituals, formulas, or incantations in Christian Science prayer.
Is the Christian Science Monitor a religious periodical?
No, it's a real newspaper published by a church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, MA, USA. Everything in the Monitor is international and US news and features, except for one religious article that has appeared in The Home Forum section of each issue since 1908, at the request of the paper's founder, Mary Baker Eddy.
In an age of corporate conglomerates dominating news media, the Monitor combination of church ownership, a public-service mission, and commitment to covering the world in an unbiased manner (not to mention the fact that it was founded by a woman shortly after the turn of the century, when US women didn't yet have the vote!) gives the paper a uniquely independent voice in journalism.
Christian Science is both a religion and, when applied to the full spectrum of human experience, a means for spiritual care. Christian Scientists take seriously Jesus' command to go into the world and heal. In fact, healing is the cornerstone of the religion. However, just to clarify an often misunderstood point, the Christian Science church does not prohibit anyone from seeking medical treatment nor do we find fault with those who do. Christ Jesus was compassionate, always reaching out to the human need, and we expect that the power of the Christ will affect our daily lives and result in healings.
The church has provided for Christian Science nurses who are trained to handle the physical needs of patients seeking healing through Christian Science treatment. We do not ignore the problem, but seek to better understand the divine All-power and recognize Spirit's omnipotence. It's turning to God, who is the great Physician. As the Bible promises, "with God all things are possible."
Do Christian Scientists "believe in" doctors?
She is the Founder of Christian Science and the Leader of our religious movement. She lived in New England in the early 19th century and for many years struggled with chronic illness, thus preoccupied with questions of health. Like many in her day, she avoided the harsh treatments of conventional nineteenth-century medicine and its dangerous side effects. She sought relief in various alternative treatments of the day. While investigating new cures, she continued to seek comfort and insights in the Bible, still drawn by the healing record contained in its pages.
A turning point occurred in 1866 when a severe fall on an icy sidewalk left her in bed in critical condition. She asked for her Bible and, while reading an account of Jesus healing, found herself suddenly well. Eventually, she referred to this as the moment she discovered Christian Science. She could not explain to others what had happened, but she knew it was the result of what she had read in the Bible. Her conviction grew in the coming weeks and months as setbacks were met with even stronger proofs of spiritual healing. This led to nine years of intensive scriptural study, healing activity, and teaching, culminating in the publication of Science and Health in 1875. In this book she marked out what she understood to be the "science" behind Jesus' healing method. As she saw it, his works were divinely natural, and repeatable.
Over the years, Mary Baker Eddy taught her system of healing to hundreds of people who in turn established successful healing practices across the United States and abroad. In 1877 she married Asa Gilbert Eddy, who gave her unflinching support and the name by which she became best known. In 1879 she secured a charter for the Church of Christ, Scientist, established “to commemorate the word and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing.” She made provisions for a lay ministry in Christian Science churches around the world, with locally elected readers who read a weekly “Bible Lesson-Sermon” of passages from the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. Eddy went on to found The Christian Science Publishing Society in 1898, which became the publishing home for her writings and numerous publications launched by her and her followers. (See Resources” page.)