About Christian Science
Christian Science can change every aspect of your daily life. It can answer the question “Who am I and what is my purpose here?” It can give you a new identity – a spiritual identity. It can relieve you of the bondage of self, of physical and mental disabilities through an understanding of who you truly are. It can empower you to go far beyond anything you have ever before experienced.
Today there are over 1800 branches throughout the world. You are welcome to visit any branch. You'll find a friendly atmosphere, music, singing, Scriptural readings, prayer, and a sermon based on a weekly Bible Lesson.
Mary Baker Eddy established The First Church of Christ, Scientist in 1875, in Boston, Massachusetts. She ordained the Holy Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures as Pastor of the Church of Christ, Scientist.
Mary Baker Eddy
Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910) is the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, and author of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, the essential book on spiritual healing, which has sold more than 10 million copies since it was first published in 1875.
A remarkable woman clearly ahead of her time, she challenged mainstream beliefs about the nature of man's existence and the power of prayer to heal. Recently honored in the National Women's Hall of Fame, her accomplishments include establishing a worldwide church and The Christian Science Monitor, a highly respected international newspaper. She is also the founder and original publisher of the weekly and monthly periodicals Christian Science Sentinel and The Christian Science Journal.
Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy
From the back cover of Science and Health:
"Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures has been improving the health and changing the lives of millions of readers around the world for the last 125 years. Today it remains one of the most enduring books on spirituality and healing and was chosen as one of 75 books by women whose words have changed the world."
- Women's National Book Association
"This is a book for thinkers. Whether you are exploring the power of prayer, yearning for health and well-being, or seeking life's deeper meaning, this book can enrich your life. To think and live from a spiritual standpoint is to improve everything - your outlook, health, ethics, relationships. Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910) continues to be one of the most influential authors on the relation of mind, body, and spirit. She was a remarkable lecturer, reformer, spiritual healer, and religious figure whose ideas challenged mainstream beliefs about the nature of existence and the power of prayer to heal."
A Self-Understanding of Christian Science
Shirley Paulson
Head of Ecumenical Affairs
The First Church of Christ, Scientist
Basic History and How the Christian Science Movement has Evolved
All Christian churches have one bond of unity, one nucleus or point of convergence, one prayer, – the Lord’s Prayer. It is matter for rejoicing that we unite in love, and in this sacred petition with every praying assembly on earth, – “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
– Mary Baker Eddy
The Church of Christ, Scientist – known commonly as the Christian Science Church – understands itself to be a denomination within Christianity. Its members welcome everyone to its worship and ministry. God is “the Alpha and Omega, the centre and circumference” in Christian Science theology. Thus God’s loving embrace for the whole creation is all-sufficient and all-pervading. It is epitomized in Christ Jesus, God’s beloved Son, who was sent to announce the good news.
The founder of the Christian Science Church, Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910), envisioned a church that would revive the early Christian spirit through a humble and sincere commitment to the reconciling power of Christ. The Bible is the sacred scriptural authority for the Church, and Christian Scientists look to Mary Baker Eddy’s interpretation of it for its spiritual meaning. Other scholars and interpreters are acknowledged insofar as their insights lead to spiritual understanding.
FAQ'S
Question: What is Christian Science?
Answer: Christian Science is based on the words and works of Christ Jesus, and draws its authority from the Bible. Its teachings are set forth in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. As the theology and ministry of Christ Jesus included spiritual healing, the same is true for Christian Science. In fact, Christian Scientists do not believe their theology to be new; they see it as a rediscovery of the teachings and practice of Christ Jesus, as relevant today as they were 2,000 years ago.
Question: Is Christian Science truly Christian?
Answer: Yes. Its foundation is the teaching and example of Christ Jesus. Christian Scientists take Christ Jesus' promises and commands seriously, including that Christians should heal the sick as well as the sinning in his name.
Question: Why do you use the word "Science"?
Answer: It is Science because it is the systematic application of rules based on divine laws. Each individual therefore has unimpeded access to God's love and the consistent operation of God's laws.
Question: What is the Christian Science view of God?
Answer: We believe that God, Spirit, is the Supreme Being, the creator and governor of the universe. God is ever-present, all-knowing, all-powerful, and wholly good. God's nature is seen through synonymous names for God used or implied in the Bible, including divine Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love.
Question: How does mankind relate to God?
Answer: Every individual is actually the spiritual child of one Father-Mother, God. The true spiritual identity of everyone is the image and likeness of God, as the first chapter of Genesis makes clear (see especially verses 26 and 27). God's children are His reflection, or expression, and are always under His infinite care.
Question: What is a Christian Science Reading Room?
Answer: A Christian Science Reading Room is a place where anyone can go to:
* Read and study the Bible (It's probably one of the best Bible study resource centers in the community, with Bibles, Bible dictionaries, concordances, and Bible commentaries available for use.)
* Read the Weekly Bible Lesson (Each week a Bible Lesson on a timely topic is available to read. It consists of citations from the King James Bible and from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy.)
* Read other books and magazines about spirituality (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy is among the books available to read and study.)
* Read or Purchase The Christian Science Monitor (The Monitor is a highly respected international daily newspaper. You can read the "paper" edition in our study room, or read the "treeless" edition on-line.)
* Use our computers (Log onto the Internet to visit http://christianscience.com/ and other Web sites with articles and information of interest to spiritual seekers; search for articles from past editions of "Christian Science Sentinel" and "The Christian Science Journal"; use our computerized concordance to the Bible and writings of Mary Baker Eddy.)
* Learn more about Mary Baker Eddy -- the remarkable woman who discovered Christian Science and wrote Science and Health.
* Pray (The study room is a quiet place -- a perfect place to pray.)
* Purchase literature to fuel your spiritual journey (The Bible, Science and Health, the Weekly Bible Lessons, books and magazines about spirituality, and biographies about Mary Baker Eddy are available to purchase. Some are also available to borrow in our Lending Library.)
Question: Do you have to be a Christian Scientist or attend Christian Science church services in order to use the Reading Room?
Answer: The Reading Room is for everyone. It isn't just for Christian Scientists or those who attend Christian Science church services. Everyone is always welcome. It as a perfect place to ask your questions and find others who enjoy discussing issues related to God and our spiritual nature.