Is Christian Science related to Scientology?

Christian Science is sometimes confused with Scientology, New Age practices, faith healing, and Eastern religions. It has also been called un-Christian or labeled a cult.  Actually, Christian Science is none of these things.  Christian Science is deeply Christian, and Christian Scientists strive to follow the teachings of Christ Jesus through understanding and practicing the laws of God.

Why do you need another book besides the Bible?

The Bible is absolutely foundational to Christian Science.  In fact, the first tenet of our church reads, “As adherents of Truth, we take the inspired Word of the Bible as our sufficient guide to eternal life.”  The Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, helps us to understand the Bible and put its teachings into practice.

Who was Mary Baker Eddy?

Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910) was raised in a Puritan home and loved and studied the Bible. Throughout her life, she questioned conventional views about science, theology, and medicine and continually searched the Bible for answers. One overarching question she sought to answer was: How was Christ Jesus able to heal the sick? She found the answer in 1866 when she had a severe fall and was not expected to live. Reading one of Jesus’ healings, she found herself suddenly well.  This led her to years of intensive scriptural study and the discovery that there is a spiritual “science” that underlies the universe, the laws of which can be relied on for healing today – just as they were over 2,000 years ago. She went on to become a widely-known speaker, healer, teacher and author, establishing the Christian Science Church and its many publications, including the award-winning newspaper, The Christian Science Monitor.

Christian Scientists refer to Mary Baker Eddy as “Leader” and as “the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science.” They love and revere her, but do not worship her.

Is it true that Christian Scientists don’t take medicine?

Generally, a Christian Scientist’s first choice is to rely on prayer for healing, and in most cases, this means that a medical remedy is unnecessary.  There is no biblical or church mandate to forgo medical intervention, nor do Christian Scientists believe that it’s God’s will that anyone suffer or die.  A Christian Scientist’s decision to rely on prayer comes from an understanding trust in God, and from a conviction that God’s care continues under every circumstance.

Why don’t Christian Science churches have an ordained clergy?

When the church was founded, services were much like those of other Protestant churches, with a sermon delivered by a pastor.  Mary Baker Eddy eventually found, however, that those sermons included too much personal opinion and often deviated from the absolute truth of the Science she had discovered.    In 1895, she ordained the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures to be the pastor of the Christian Science denomination.  A great advantage is that our pastor is available 24/7!