What is Christian Science?

Christian Science is a religion based on the Science of Christianity rediscovered by its founder Mary Baker Eddy. It reestablishes the words and works of Christ Jesus who said, “the work that I do shall ye do also, for I go unto my Father” (John 14:12). It draws its authority from the Bible and its teachings as set forth in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mrs. Eddy. Christian Science brings to humanity the understanding of Man’s true relationship to God, and how this perfect likeness will heal physical disease and sin. Mrs. Eddy defines Christian Science in her book Rudimental Divine Science (page 1) as “the law of God, the law of good, interpreting and demonstrating the divine Principle and rule of universal harmony.”

The Church of Christ, Scientist, was founded in 1879 by Mary Baker Eddy. Today there are branch churches and societies throughout the world.

What is the relationship between Mary Baker Eddy and Christian Science?

Christian Science was founded and discovered by Mary Baker Eddy. Mrs. Eddy was born in Bow, New Hampshire, in 1821. From her early years, she faced difficult situations. Widowhood, ill health, and family matters challenged her faith. In searching for answers to her problems she was led to believe that the origin of all disease is mental, and in 1866 this revelation resulted in the establishment of Christian Science. In 1875 she published the Christian Science textbook, known as Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health (page 476), “Jesus beheld in Science the perfect man, who appeared to him where sinning mortal man appears to mortals. In this perfect man the Savior saw God’s own likeness and this correct view of man healed the sick”.

What are its teachings?

The Tenets of Christian Science are found on page 497 of Science and Health and read as follows:

1.    As adherents of Truth, we take the inspired Word of the Bible as our sufficient guide to eternal Life.

2.    We acknowledge and adore one supreme and infinite God. We acknowledge His Son, one Christ; the Holy Ghost or divine Comforter; and man, in God’s image and likeness.

3.    We acknowledge God’s forgiveness of sin in the destruction of sin and the spiritual understanding that casts out evil as unreal. But the belief in sin is punished so long as the belief lasts.

4.    We acknowledge Jesus’ atonement as the evidence of divine, efficacious Love, unfolding man’s unity with God through Christ Jesus the Way-shower; and we acknowledge that man is saved through Christ, through Truth, Life, and Love as demonstrated by the Galilean Prophet in healing the sick and overcoming sin and death.

5.    We acknowledge that the crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection served to uplift faith to understand eternal Life, even the allness of Soul, Spirit, and the nothingness of matter.

6. And we solemnly promise to watch, and pray for that Mind to be in us which was also in Christ Jesus; to do unto others as we would have them do unto us; and to be merciful, just, and pure.

What is a Practitioner? 

A practitioner is an experienced Christian Scientist who devotes themselves to the healing ministry. Individuals may call upon a practitioner for prayer when requiring help in time of need. Christian Science practitioners are listed in the monthly edition of the Christian Science Journal or at https://www.christianscience.com/additional-resources/christian-science-practitioners.