Some Questions and Answers About Christian Science
Who are Christian Scientists?
Ordinary people. They include parents, single people, auto mechanics, students, teachers, secretaries, Astronauts, business people, farmers, musicians, diplomats, elected officials. Perhaps your neighbor.
Is a Christian Scientist a Christian?
Yes, and working to be a better one every day. Christian Scientists are expected to live their Christianity
seven days a week. One tenet of Christian Science reads: “ 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.”
seven days a week. One tenet of Christian Science reads: “ 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.”
How widespread is Christian Science?
There are Christian Science churches in more than 75 countries. Local churches & societies are branches of the Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts; however each church is locally and democratically run by its members. All church services are open to the public.
Who established your church?
Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, established the church in 1879 in Boston to “commemorate the word and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing.” Mrs. Eddy grew up in New Hampshire in a devout Congregational family, and always had a great love of God and the Bible.
What is the Christian Science view of God?
“The great I AM; the all-knowing, all-seeing, all-acting, all-wise, all-loving, and eternal; Principle; Mind; Soul; Spirit; Life; Truth; Love; all substance; intelligence." (S&H 587:5). As stated in Psalms, “ God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” The Apostle Paul said; “In Him we live and move, and have our being.”
What place does Jesus Christ have in your teaching?
His words and works, as described in the New Testament, are the very basis of Christian Science. Jesus furnished humanity with the perfect example of what it means to be the Son of God.
What is Christian Science healing?
A distinctive part of Christian Science is the healing of physical disease as well as sin by spiritual means alone, as Jesus himself taught and practiced. Christian Science draws its authority from the Bible and its key teachings are set forth in “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” by Mary Baker Eddy.
Is a Christian Scientist allowed to go to a doctor?
Like anyone else, a Christian Scientist is a free moral agent. When an individual joins the Church of Christ, Scientist, he or she makes a voluntary choice to rely on God instead of medicine for healing as did Christ Jesus. We have found this method of healing and way of life consistently effective and deeply fulfilling.
There have been occasions when individual Christian Scientists have chosen to depart from reliance on Christian Science. Certainly no one is condemned or ostracized by the Church for making such a choice.
There have been occasions when individual Christian Scientists have chosen to depart from reliance on Christian Science. Certainly no one is condemned or ostracized by the Church for making such a choice.
What is your record of success with spiritual healing?
It is exceptionally good, but not perfect. Many families have relied on Christian Science healing successfully for several generations. In some cases there are hospital records, X-rays, insurance reports and other types of medical evidence that corroborates the nature of healing.
Why not combine Christian Science with medical treatment?
The distinctive Christian Science approach to prayer has demonstrated that relying completely on God is most effective for us. Christian Scientists appreciate the humanitarian work of doctors, and respect the choice of those who avail themselves of that form of treatment, which depends on medicine, surgery and other types of physical therapy. The Christian Science method of prayer for healing disease, however, is purely spiritual. From this standpoint, material and spiritual means are incompatible.
Is your reliance on spiritual healing of physical ailments outdated in the 21st century?
From the Christian Scientist's perspective, the healing work accomplished by Jesus continues to be effective today as it was almost 2000 years ago. Therefore, we have to answer that question with a question, and it is this: "Could working every day to get closer to God ever become outdated?"
In summary, what is Christian Science?
To it's adherents, Christian Science is a way of life based on the laws of God. It is devoted to lift the burdens of suffering and sin from all of humanity. Christian Science is well established and this denomination is a deeply committed Christian church whose theology rests on a profound understanding of the inspired teachings practiced by Jesus and his disciples.
