Christian Science is a Protestant religion founded in the United States by Mary Baker Eddy in the last part of the 1800’s. The headquarters of the church is in Boston, Massachusetts and there are branch churches of Christ, Scientist around the world.

Mary Baker Eddy started the Christian Science Monitor as a daily print newspaper in 1908. The Monitor has been widely recognized for its unbiased national and international reporting over the years since and has won several Pulitzer Prizes for excellence in journalism. It is now published daily online and also has a weekly print magazine. More information can be obtained here: www.csmonitor.com

The church publishes weekly and monthly magazines with articles of interest to spiritual seekers, publications, online magazines, and current accounts of healing here: ChristianScience.com

Is Christian Science the same as “faith healing?”

Faith in God along with an understanding of His law of love is an essential part of Christian Science practice. This, however, differs from what is commonly referred to as faith healing. Christian Science is founded on the basis of the laws of God, applicable to all, not merely on a request to God to heal in a particular case. Mary Baker Eddy teaches:

“The Christian Science God is universal, eternal, divine Love, which changeth not and causeth no evil, disease, nor death” (SH 140:25–27).

For more information, click on this link: christianscience.com.

Copies of the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, which explains its method of healing, can be obtained at any Christian Science Reading Room, or by clicking on this link.

Is Christian Science the same as Scientology?

Although the names are sometimes confused, Christian Science is not the same as Scientology and has no relation to it. Christian Science is based on the Bible and on Christ Jesus’ teachings. It was founded as a Christian denomination by Mary Baker Eddy in 1879. Scientology was founded by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard in the middle of the 20th century.

Does the Christian Science church forbid its members from using medical means?

Most of our church members normally rely on prayer for healing. It’s a deeply considered spiritual practice and way of life that has meant a lot to us over the years. But our practice isn’t a dogmatic thing. Church members are free to make their own choices on all life-decisions, in obedience to the law, including whether or not to vaccinate. These aren’t decisions imposed by their church.

Is Christian Science a “science”?

Christian Science is based on an understanding of the laws of God, eternal Good, and their application to humanity for healing and saving. These laws are universal and can be understood and applied by everyone. Christian Science is the Science of God and man and is provable and demonstrable. There are many thousands of authenticated cases of healing of diseases of all kinds and of lives improved through these teachings.

Is Christian Science actually Christian?

Yes! It is centered on the Bible and the life and teachings of Christ Jesus. The first two “tenets” of the faith read;

1. As adherents of Truth, we take the inspired Word of the Bible as our sufficient guide to eternal Life.

2. We acknowledge and adore one supreme and infinite God. We acknowledge His Son, one Christ; the Holy Ghost or divine Comforter; and man in God's image and likeness (SH 497:3–8).

Christian Scientists endeavor to live the teachings of Christ Jesus on a daily basis. The sixth “tenet” of this faith is:

6. And we solemnly promise to watch, and pray for that Mind to be in us which was also in Christ Jesus; to do unto others as we would have them do unto us; and to be merciful, just, and pure (SH 497:24).

The “tenets” of Christian Science can be found on page 497 of the Christian Science Textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy here.

What is the Christian Science view toward vaccination?

Christian Scientists share a concern for public health and safety in society. For over 100 years we have sought to conscientiously live in obedience to the laws of the land. We see this as a matter of basic Golden Rule ethics and New Testament love. In fact, Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of the religion, said:

“Rather than quarrel over vaccination, I recommend, if the law demand, that an individual submit to this process, that he obey the law…” (My. 219:29–1).

For more information about the church’s stance on vaccination, click on this link.

How can I learn more about Christian Science?
You can visit a local Christian Science church or Reading Room here.

There are also online resources available here: www.christianscience.com.