About Christian Science
Christian Science was discovered in 1866 by Mary Baker Eddy. She is the Discoverer, Founder and Leader of Christian Science. Some ask how one person can be all three. She is considered Discoverer because she discovered the law of God that has always existed, — just as Newton discovered the law named after him that had always existed. As Founder she founded a church based on the teachings of Christ Jesus. And, as Leader she has outlined for the church and Christianity how to practice Christian Science, the law of God as it is applied to human needs, effectively and sufficiently.
Christian Science is biblically based, — founded on the teachings of Christ Jesus. It is established to reinstate primitive Christianity “and it’s lost element of healing” (Church Manual,17).
Primitive Christianity is based on Christ Jesus’ teachings, his healing works, and the early Church. The teachings of Christ Jesus demonstrate that the power of God to heal has not wained over the centuries, as evidenced by the healings his apostles and the Patristic fathers effected, as well as by healing occurring today.
Healing, as some believe, did not end with the death of the last apostle, but has carried on down through the centuries. So, today, Christian Scientists negate dispensationalism or cessationism through their present-day healing activity.
Christian Science teaches the law of God as applied to humanity. This law is now written down in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mrs. Eddy. This book is the denominational textbook of The First Church of Christ, Scientist and all of its branches. Combined with the Bible these two books act as our Pastor. Science and Health was written to elucidate a higher meaning of scripture, — an inspired Word. This inspired Word uplifts thought away from matter to divine Spirit, God. As thought is uplifted to a higher understanding of one’s relationship with God it’s only natural that healing results.
Thousands of individuals have been healed simply by reading this book along with the Bible. If interested, it can be purchased at any local Christian Science Reading Room, through me, or at www.christianscience.com.
In the early years of Christian Science, readers of Science and Health joined together to support each other. Mrs. Eddy saw the need for a church to hold these individuals together, to strengthen and support their spiritual growth, and to protect her teachings as written in her textbook so she established The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, MA.
The Study
Christian Scientists use two books as their primary method of study: the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. These two books together are the pastor of the church. Each day they study the Christian Science Bible Lesson from these two books. There are 26 topics that are repeated twice a year. In addition, there is a Thanksgiving lesson that is read at the church service on Thanksgiving morning.
Methods of learning about Christian Science and how to practice it may include:
- Reading the Bible Lesson.
- Reading Mrs. Eddy’s other writings found in
Prose Works. - Reading the periodicals of Christian Science, please click on “Articles” from the dropdown.
- Reading a biography of Mrs. Eddy.
- Visiting a Christian Science Reading Room in person or online.
- Attending a Christian Science lecture or watching one online.
- Attending services in person or online.
- Attending a Christian Science College Organization, if you are a student or
faculty member. - Attending Christian Science Class Instruction by an authorized teacher.
Questions About The Practice
What is a Christian Science practitioner? A practitioner receives patients in his/her practice for the purpose of healing through Christian Science treatment. Every practitioner conducts their practice differently. In general you should expect to have easy access to the practitioner through the media of your choice. You should expect to contact the practitioner each day that you would like treatment. You can feel free to ask questions about Christian Science and expect, in some situations, references of study. Be sure to ask the practitioner about their charges, statements, and expectations.
How can I learn to practice Christian Science? Practitioners are available to guide you in your reading and studying. They will also answer questions for you as you go along. Click here for more resources.
Can anyone be healed? Yes. Healing in Christian Science, when used without other healing or curative methods, is effective. It has been documented for over 150 years.
Can anything be healed? Yes. All types of problems have been healed. For encouragement, you might enjoy the last 100 pages of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, -– there you’ll find verified testimonies of physical healing that have occurred simply by reading this book. If you’d like a copy of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures please contact me. I’m happy to send you a free copy.
What if I’m not healed when I hire a practitioner to help me, what can I do then? Continue to study Christian Science on your own to deepen your spiritual sense of God and your relationship to Him. Also, you might find that another practitioner would be more helpful to you. Healing should occur quickly and easily.
What if I left Christian Science years ago and want to come back to it for healing –- is that possible? Of course. Any one who is seeking a deeper understanding of their relationship with God can call a Christian Science practitioner. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been away or what went on during those years, — it only matters that you’re wanting to take these steps again and are willing to lean solely upon God for healing. Please don’t hesitate to call.
I’ve never called a practitioner before but I’d like to. Do I have to know one personally to call? Absolutely not. Practitioner’s are always happy to hear from any one, any time. If you’re unsure whether or not you’d like or need Christian Science treatment you can always simply contact a practitioner and consult with them. To discuss your case with me please call (806) 796-1753, or text or email me.
Can I ask two or more practitioners to pray for me? No. The ethics of Christian Science require that a patient seek treatment from one practitioner at a time. It’s similar to asking a medical doctor for help, — having only one doctor on the case for a particular problem is the norm. Christian Science practitioners practice to be ethical and not intrude upon each other’s cases or patients.
Why do some healings occur faster than others? In my practice I’ve found a number of elements that lead to quicker healing, but it’s only fair to say that each case is different and unique. The burden rests upon the practitioner to prove this Science and effect the needed healing.
Can I call a practitioner to help me with a physical problem such as arthritis? Definitely! You can call a practitioner for help with problems including relationship, financial, business difficulties. or anything else that needs correction and normality.
What questions will the practitioner ask me? Each practitioner will ask different questions. There are no pat questions or answers when discussing your case with a practitioner. On a general basis, the practitioner may ask you how you’re feeling, how long you’ve explored Christian Science, if you have had other healings, what you believe has caused the problem that needs healing, or anything that might help the practitioner assess the situation and your understanding of God. He’ll also ask you practical questions like your full name, address, phone number, email, etc. You should feel free, also, to ask the practitioner any questions you may have such as fees, hours, or questions more pertinent to Christian Science and to your particular case.
Will the practitioner condemn me for doing something wrong? No, she shouldn’t. She should be very compassionate toward you, — wanting to help you out of the problem not create more of a problem. But, if you have done something wrong it’s helpful to tell the practitioner so it can be treated and healed.
How often should I call a practitioner? Every day if you wish to have treatment for that day. Or, occasionally as needed. The practitioner wants to know how you’re doing and loves hearing from you. You should also feel free calling a practitioner for more information any time you have questions or concerns.
How much does it cost to go to a practitioner? Each practitioner sets her fee individually. There may be charges for consultation, treatment, emails, office visits, etc. Please contact me and I’ll be happy to share my fees with you.
Does a practitioner ever reduce his fees? Absolutely! If the healing is not quick or complete the practitioner is actually required to reduce his fees. Often, a practitioner will reduce the fee if the patient cannot afford the practitioner’s normal fee, — make sure to ask prior to requesting treatment. Attending a Christian Science College Organization, if you are a student or faculty member
About Mary Baker Eddy
in her words…
“During twenty years prior to my discovery I had been trying to trace all physical effects to a mental cause; and in the latter part of 1866 I gained the scientific certainty that all causation was Mind, and every effect a mental phenomenon.
“My immediate recovery from the effects of an injury caused by an accident, an injury that neither medicine nor surgery could reach, was the falling apple that led me to the discovery how to be well myself, and how to make others so.
“Even to the homoeopathic physician who attended me, and rejoiced in my recovery, I could not then explain the modus of my relief. I could only assure him that the divine Spirit had wrought the miracle — a miracle which later I found to be in perfect scientific accord with divine law.
“I then withdrew from society about three years, — to ponder my mission, to search the Scriptures, to find the Science of Mind that should take the things of God and show them to the creature, and reveal the great curative Principle, — Deity.
“The Bible was my textbook. It answered my questions as to how I was healed; but the Scriptures had to me a new meaning, a new tongue. Their spiritual signification appeared; and I apprehended for the first time, in their spiritual meaning, Jesus’ teaching and demonstration, and the Principle and rule of spiritual Science and metaphysical healing, — in a word, Christian Science….
“I beheld with ineffable awe our great Master’s purpose in not questioning those he healed as to their disease or its symptoms, and his marvellous skill in demanding neither obedience to hygienic laws, nor prescribing drugs to support the divine power which heals….
“Our great Way-shower, steadfast to the end in his obedience to God’s laws, demonstrated for all time and peoples the supremacy of good over evil, and the superiority of Spirit over matter.
“The miracles recorded in the Bible, which had before seemed to me supernatural, grew divinely natural and apprehensible; though uninspired interpreters ignorantly pronounce Christ’s healing miraculous, instead of seeing therein the operation of the divine law….
“I wrote also, at this period, comments on the Scriptures, setting forth their spiritual interpretation, the Science of the Bible, and so laid the foundation of my work called Science and Health, published in 1875.”
Retrospection and Introspection, pgs. 24-29, by Mary Baker Eddy.
Christian Science Church Services
What should I expect when I attend a Christian Science service? Whether you are able to attend in person or online you will find that the order of service is the same in all services. This is unique to Christian Science and due to the Founder, Mary Baker Eddy, setting up the Lesson-Sermon topics each week. The first and second Readers will read from the Bible and the Christian Science textbook. These two books will correlate on the subject of the sermon. Included in the Sunday service is a scriptural selection, silent prayer, the Lord’s Prayer with its spiritual interpretation as found on page 16 of Science and Health, notices, three hymns, a solo, collection, all concluded with the reading of the Scientific Statement of Being (SH pg 468), and a benediction. All services last about 1 hour. And, of course, you will be warmly welcomed and can expect a small group of loving people seeking just what you’re looking for, as well.
We’d love to have you visit us for our online services!
Where are branches and societies located? All over the world. You can simply look them up locally or online to find one close to you or across the globe.
What is the difference between a branch and a society? A branch has at least 16 original members + one practitioner. Although, today the branch may have shrunk in size and have less. A society has less than 16 original members and may not have a practitioner. The difference between the two, originally, was simply the number of original members and the practitioner.
What is the difference between the Sunday service and the Wednesday testimony meeting? The testimony meetingalso includes three hymns, notices, and silent prayer followed by the Lord’s Prayer, but if differs in the readings. The readings in these meetings are compiled by the local first Reader from the Bible and Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures. They are on various subjects often pertaining to world events, local issues that may need prayer attention, or more specific topics in Christian Science. During the latter half of the meeting attendees are invited to give a testimony, make a remark on Christian Science, or share an experience they’ve had due to their study of Christian Science. Sharing is voluntary. It’s a great place to learn how people practice the ideas of Christian Science in their lives.
Is there a Sunday school? This will depend on where you are attending. Many branches and societies are hosting online Sunday schools, some are not. Some are able to meeting in person. Your student will learn the principles of Christian Science in Sunday school, sing a couple of hymns, and have an experienced teacher guiding them in their understanding. They are welcome up to the age of twenty.