Is Christian Science the same thing as Scientology?

No, they are very different.

 

Well then, what is Christian Science?

Christian Science is a system of healing as taught and demonstrated by Jesus and discovered by Mary Baker Eddy in 1866. She wrote a book to share her understanding of the Bible's teachings, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. Mary Baker Eddy understood her discovery of this Science-of-the-Christ to be the discovery of the law of God, good, which governs the universe harmoniously.

 

Christian Science is based on teachings found in the Bible, usually the King James version although other translations are used for reference. Christian Science teaches that God is good; that God is Love; and that this all-good God lovingly governs and cares for His creation. Mrs. Eddy proved, through teaching and healing thousands, that when we understand the divine Principle, and apply it, we have harmony and healing in our lives—in much the same way as when we understand the principles of mathematics we are able to find solutions to solve math problems. The purpose of Christian Science is to save not only from physical ills but also from sin and death through an understanding of God. In addition to those attending the Church of Christ, Scientist, who call themselves Christian Scientists, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures is studied by people of many faiths, including by those who have no particular religious doctrine but love to learn about God and spiritual understanding.

 

The full explanation of Christian Science can be found in the Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, written in 1875 by Mary Baker Eddy.

 

Why is it named Christian Science?

Christian, because it draws its authority squarely from the Bible, especially the life and teachings of Christ Jesus. Science, because it has provable, repeatable results of healing and regeneration.

 

Do Christian Scientists worship Mary Baker Eddy?

No, but they love and value her contribution to mankind.

 

Does a Christian Science church have a minister or pastor?

The founder of our church, Mary Baker Eddy, appointed the Bible and her textbook, Science and Health with the Key to the Scriptures, as the pastor of our church. The "sermon" part of the service is the weekly Bible Lesson, read from these two important books, by two members of our congregation. They are known as Readers and are elected from the congregation.

 

Each Bible Lesson consists of Bible verses, amplified and explained by related passages from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. The lesson topic changes each week. The same Bible Lesson is read at all Christian Science services around the world. The Bible Lesson is available for study during the week prior to the Sunday it will be read in church and is found in The Christian Science Quarterly.

 

What is a Christian Science practitioner?

Sometimes you are praying about a problem and you know you need help. There are many experienced Christian Scientists who, on a professional basis, devote their full time to the ministry of healing and praying for others. These dedicated religious workers are called Christian Science practitioners. Christian Science practitioners are available for you to call, send an email or letter, or visit in person. There are several thousand Christian Science practitioners around the world. All of these practitioners are certified by the church as qualified for the public practice. They are accepted for accreditation only after they have met basic Church standards, completed the required training, and given evidence of effectiveness in healing.

 

Practitioners devote their full time to this healing practice and their church work. Their ministry is carried out on an individual, professional basis. Christian Science practitioners are not part of the church structure and are not financially supported by the church. It is customary, for those asking for prayful help, to pay for the services given in the same way general practitioners of medicine are paid.

 

How do I find a practitioner?

Practitioners who have been certified by the church are listed in The Christian Science Journal, a monthly magazine about Christian Science. The Journal is available in the Reading Room. Some practitioners are also listed in the yellow pages of local phone directories.

 

Do you have to be a Christian Scientist to be healed, to pray, to use a Reading Room, or to call a practitioner?

Of course not! All who desire help or information are invited to contact the Reading Room or a Christian Science practitioner either by telephone, by email, by letter, or in person.