Discover the Religion of Christian Scientists: What You Need to Know

Have you ever heard of Christian Science, but didn’t know much about it? Or perhaps you’ve never even heard of it before. Either way, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll dive into the religion of Christian Scientists and everything you need to know about it.

Christian Science is a religious movement that began in the late 19th century in the United States. It’s a unique religion that combines elements of Christianity with a belief in the power of the mind and spiritual healing. Christian Scientists believe that sickness and disease can be healed through prayer and a deeper understanding of God’s love for us.

In this article, we’ll explore the history of Christian Science, its beliefs and practices, how it differs from traditional Christianity, famous Christian Scientists throughout history, and controversies surrounding the religion. So, whether you’re curious about Christian Science or just want to learn something new, keep reading!

Get ready to discover a fascinating and little-known religion that has impacted the lives of millions of people around the world. Let’s jump in!

History of Christian Science Religion

Christian Science is a religious movement that was founded by Mary Baker Eddy in the late 19th century. Eddy, who was born in 1821 in New Hampshire, had a lifelong interest in health and spirituality. She experienced a significant healing in 1866, which she attributed to a spiritual understanding of the Bible. This event led her to write “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” a book that became the cornerstone of Christian Science.

Christian Science grew rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, attracting followers in the United States and beyond. Eddy established the Church of Christ, Scientist, in 1879, and by the turn of the century, there were Christian Science churches in many major cities around the world.

One of the key beliefs of Christian Science is that illness and suffering can be overcome through prayer and a deeper understanding of God. This approach to healing has attracted both praise and criticism over the years. Some Christian Scientists have reported remarkable healings, while others have been accused of neglecting medical treatment in favor of prayer.

Despite some controversies, Christian Science has remained an influential religious movement. Today, there are approximately 1,200 Christian Science churches and societies in 70 countries around the world, and the movement continues to promote healing through spiritual means.

In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at the beliefs and practices of Christian Scientists and explore how they differ from those of other Christian denominations.

The Life of Mary Baker Eddy

1. Early Years: Mary Baker Eddy was born in Bow, New Hampshire, in 182She grew up in a devout Congregationalist household and was deeply interested in religious matters from a young age.

2. Illness and Healing: In 1866, Eddy experienced a severe fall that left her with serious injuries. It was during her recovery from this incident that she discovered the principles of Christian Science, which she believed had healed her.

3. Founding of Christian Science: Eddy spent years developing and refining the teachings of Christian Science, and in 1875 she published her major work, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. This book is still considered the foundational text of the Christian Science religion today.

4. Later Years and Legacy: Mary Baker Eddy spent the rest of her life traveling, lecturing, and overseeing the growth of the Christian Science movement. She died in 1910, leaving behind a religious tradition that continues to inspire and influence people around the world.

Despite facing many challenges throughout her life, Mary Baker Eddy’s unwavering faith and dedication to the principles of Christian Science enabled her to leave a lasting impact on the world of religion and spirituality.

The Publication of “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures”

Mary Baker Eddy published “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” in 187The book is considered the foundational text of the Christian Science religion. In it, Eddy presented her views on the relationship between God, spirituality, and healing.

The publication of “Science and Health” was a pivotal moment in the history of the Christian Science religion. The book has been translated into numerous languages and has sold millions of copies around the world. It is still widely read and studied by Christian Scientists today.

Eddy’s ideas, as presented in “Science and Health,” were controversial at the time of publication and continue to be so today. Some critics have accused Eddy of plagiarizing the ideas of others, while others have questioned the scientific validity of her ideas on healing.

Despite the controversy, “Science and Health” remains a cornerstone of Christian Science teachings, and its publication is a key moment in the history of the religion.

The Christian Science Church was established in 1879, ten years after Mary Baker Eddy first discovered Christian Science. The church was founded with the intention of providing a community for individuals interested in practicing Christian Science and supporting the growth of the religion. Initially, the church was small, but over time it grew in size and influence. Today, there are thousands of Christian Science churches and reading rooms worldwide, with a strong presence in the United States, Europe, and South America.

One of the unique features of the Christian Science Church is the way in which it is structured. Each church is autonomous, with its own board of directors, but all churches are united by a common set of beliefs and practices. This allows for a great deal of flexibility in terms of how individual churches operate, but also ensures that there is consistency in the teachings and practices of Christian Science.

The growth of the Christian Science Church was largely due to the popularity of Mary Baker Eddy’s book, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.” The book provided a comprehensive explanation of the principles of Christian Science and became a central text for practitioners of the religion. As interest in the book grew, so too did interest in Christian Science as a whole, leading to the establishment of new churches and reading rooms around the world.

Today, the Christian Science Church continues to be an important spiritual community for many individuals around the world. Whether attending church services, reading from “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” or participating in online study groups, Christian Scientists remain committed to the principles of their faith and the growth of their church.

Beliefs and Practices of Christian Scientists

Healing through Prayer: Christian Scientists believe in the power of prayer to heal physical and spiritual ailments. They view illness as a result of incorrect thinking and believe that prayer can correct this thinking and lead to healing.

Importance of Bible and “Science and Health”: Christian Scientists believe that the Bible and “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” by Mary Baker Eddy are essential to understanding God and His healing power. They study these texts regularly and believe that they offer a spiritual interpretation of the Bible.

Non-Medical Approach to Healing: Christian Scientists generally do not use medicine or medical treatment to heal illness, instead relying on prayer and spiritual healing. However, they do not discourage others from seeking medical care, and each individual is free to make their own choices regarding medical treatment.

The Power of Prayer in Christian Science

Prayer is a central tenet of the Christian Science faith, and it is believed to have healing power. In Christian Science, prayer is viewed as a way to align oneself with God and to better understand His divine nature. Practitioners of Christian Science believe that through prayer, they can overcome illness, pain, and other challenges.

Silent prayer is an important aspect of Christian Science. It is a time to reflect on God’s love and presence and to ask for His guidance. During silent prayer, individuals focus on the spiritual, rather than the physical, aspects of their being. They seek to connect with the divine and to find healing and comfort.

Prayerful treatment is another form of prayer used in Christian Science. It is a specific type of prayer that is practiced by Christian Science practitioners to help others overcome illness and other challenges. Prayerful treatment is based on the idea that God is the only true power, and that by aligning oneself with Him, one can experience healing and wholeness.

The Emphasis on Spiritual Healing

Spiritual healing is one of the core beliefs of Christian Science, and it is practiced in the form of prayer. Christian Scientists believe that illness and disease can be healed through prayer and a deep understanding of God’s love and power.

According to Christian Science teachings, physical healing is a natural result of spiritual healing, and it is often the case that the complete healing of an individual’s physical body occurs when their spiritual nature is healed.

Christian Scientists also believe that individuals have the power to heal themselves through prayer and a better understanding of their relationship with God. This emphasis on self-healing is a central part of Christian Science practice and is encouraged by the Church.

Christian Science vs Christianity: What’s the Difference?

Distinctive Beliefs: While both Christian Science and Christianity have their roots in the Bible, Christian Science teaches some unique beliefs that differ from traditional Christian teachings.

Approach to Healing: One of the biggest differences between Christian Science and Christianity is their approach to healing. While Christianity may utilize medical care and prayer, Christian Science places a stronger emphasis on spiritual healing through prayer and the study of Christian Science texts.

View of Jesus Christ: Christian Science and Christianity both view Jesus Christ as a central figure, but their views of his nature and role differ. Christian Science views Jesus Christ as a divine teacher and healer, while traditional Christianity believes that Jesus is the Son of God who died for the sins of humanity.

Role of the Church: Christian Science and Christianity also differ in their views of the role of the church. In traditional Christianity, the church is viewed as a place of worship, community, and guidance. In Christian Science, the church is viewed more as a place for spiritual growth and learning.

As you can see, while Christian Science and Christianity share some similarities, there are also distinct differences in their beliefs and practices. Understanding these differences can help you gain a better understanding of the Christian Science religion and its place within the broader Christian faith.

The Belief in God and Jesus Christ

Christian Science: Believes in one God, who is infinite and all-encompassing. Jesus Christ is considered to be the Son of God, but not God Himself.

Christianity: Believes in one God in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is considered to be both fully God and fully human.

Christian Science: Believes that the teachings of Jesus are important, but that they are often misunderstood or misinterpreted.

Christianity: Believes that the teachings of Jesus are central to the faith and are to be followed as a way of life.

The Role of the Bible in Christian Science and Christianity

Bible Interpretation: Both Christian Science and Christianity rely on the Bible as a foundation for their teachings, but they differ in their interpretation of it. Christian Science interprets the Bible in a spiritual sense, emphasizing the metaphysical meaning of its passages, while Christianity interprets it more literally.

Authority: Christian Science regards Mary Baker Eddy’s book “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” as a companion to the Bible, providing further understanding of its teachings. In contrast, Christianity sees the Bible as the sole authority on matters of faith and doctrine.

Salvation: Both Christian Science and Christianity believe in salvation, but they have different views on how it can be achieved. Christian Science teaches that salvation is achieved through the understanding of spiritual reality and the healing of physical and moral ills through prayer and spiritual understanding. Christianity teaches that salvation is achieved through faith in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice on the cross.

Famous Christian Scientists Throughout History

Mary Baker Eddy: As the founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy is one of the most famous Christian Scientists in history. She wrote the seminal work “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” and established the first Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, Massachusetts.

Thomas Alva Edison: Although he is better known for his inventions, Thomas Edison was a devout Christian Scientist. He often turned to prayer and Christian Science principles to help him in his work and personal life.

Mark Twain: The celebrated author and humorist was a member of the Church of Christ, Scientist in his later years. He credited Christian Science with helping him overcome health issues and find inner peace.

Mary Baker Eddy: Founder of Christian Science

Early Life: Mary Baker Eddy was born in New Hampshire in 182She had a difficult childhood, with her father’s early death and her own health problems. She turned to religion and spiritual healing as a way to cope.

Discovery of Christian Science: In 1866, Eddy experienced a dramatic healing that she attributed to her understanding of the spiritual nature of reality. She spent the next few years developing her ideas about Christian Science and writing her seminal work, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.”

Establishment of the Christian Science Church: Eddy founded the Christian Science Church in 1879 in Boston. She trained others in her teachings and worked to spread Christian Science throughout the United States and beyond. Today, the church has branches all over the world and continues to promote Eddy’s teachings.

Mark Twain: A Critic of Christian Science

Mark Twain was a well-known American writer and humorist who was critical of Christian Science. In his essay “Christian Science,” Twain called the religion “a curious medley of pantheism and sickness.” He also mocked some of the beliefs and practices of Christian Scientists, such as the idea that sickness is an illusion and that prayer alone can cure all ailments.

Twain’s criticisms were not well-received by the Christian Science community, but his views were shared by many others who were skeptical of the religion’s claims. Despite his criticisms, Twain remained interested in religion and spirituality throughout his life, and his writings on the subject continue to be studied and debated today.

Twain’s criticisms of Christian Science highlight the tension between science and faith in American culture, and the ongoing debate over the role of religion in modern society.

J.D. Salinger: A Devout Christian Scientist

J.D. Salinger, the author of the famous novel “The Catcher in the Rye,” was a devout Christian Scientist. He was raised in the religion by his mother and attended Christian Science schools throughout his childhood.

Salinger’s belief in Christian Science had a profound impact on his writing. His characters often grapple with spiritual questions and the search for meaning, which reflects his own exploration of Christian Science beliefs.

Despite his private nature, Salinger was known to attend Christian Science services regularly and even served as a reader in his local church. His faith played a significant role in his life and writing, and he once said that Christian Science “is the best way of life for me.”

Controversies and Criticisms Surrounding Christian Science

Lack of Medical Treatment: One of the main controversies surrounding Christian Science is the belief that prayer is the only acceptable form of healing, which often results in individuals refusing medical treatment for serious illnesses or injuries.

Child Neglect: Christian Scientists have faced criticism for neglecting their children’s medical needs due to their belief in spiritual healing. In some cases, this has resulted in tragic consequences.

Questionable Practices: Some former members have raised concerns about the practices and teachings of Christian Science, including the pressure to conform to strict guidelines and the influence of the organization over members’ personal lives.

Lack of Scientific Evidence: Critics of Christian Science argue that there is a lack of scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of spiritual healing, and that reliance on prayer alone can be dangerous in certain situations.

The Rejection of Medical Treatment in Favor of Spiritual Healing

Christian Science beliefs dictate that illness is an illusion and can be healed through prayer and spiritual means. This has led to controversy and criticism of the religion’s rejection of medical treatment, especially in cases of life-threatening illnesses.

Opponents argue that Christian Science’s reliance on spiritual healing over medical treatment can be dangerous and life-threatening, particularly in cases where medical intervention is necessary to save a person’s life.

Christian Scientists maintain that spiritual healing is the only effective and lasting method of healing, and that relying on medical treatments is a form of materialism that distracts from one’s spiritual growth.

Frequently Asked Questions