Questions

Some Frequently Asked Questions about Christian Science…

Why is it called Christian Science?

It’s Science because it’s based upon a set of spiritual principles—laws relating to the nature of God and His creation—that can be applied with expected, consistent results.

Is Christian Science the same as Scientology?

No. Other than a similarity in name, the two have nothing in common. (Please see About Christian Science for further information on the healing system discovered by Mary Baker Eddy in 1866.)

What is the Christian Science view of God?

You’ll find a thorough answer to this question in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. But, just for example, you might hear Christian Scientists refer to God as Father-Mother, as divine Love, or as infinite Mind.

Do you believe that Jesus is the same as God?

No. But Christian Scientists do believe that Jesus stands alone in his mission and purpose as the promised Messiah. Christian Science teaches that Jesus embodied the divinity of God but that he himself was not Deity—in keeping with Jesus’ own words that he was not the Father, and that God, the Father, alone should be worshiped.

Why do you call yourselves Christian?

Because Christian Science is based on the Bible, and Christian Scientists follow the teachings and ministry of Christ Jesus. In fact, the virgin birth, the crucifixion, the resurrection and ascension of Christ Jesus, and so on, are all central to Christian Science theology.

Is Christian Science faith healing?

No. Christian Science does not involve pleading with God to heal the sick and then accepting His will, good or bad. Nothing in Christian Science theology says it’s God’s will that anyone suffer, be sick, or die. Christian Science shows God to be entirely good, and therefore His will for each individual is only health and life.

Is Christian Science the same as a positive thinking?

No. Positive thinking relies on the human mind to think or effect a good result. Christian Science starts with God and the conviction that God’s goodness embraces each of us, all the time.

Do Christian Scientists believe in heaven and hell?

Not as places or as part of an afterlife, but certainly as a state of mind. Christian Science theology does not include a final judgment day. Every day each individual can make a new choice that determines the path he or she is on—a path away from God or towards Him.

Is Christian Science a cult?

No. There is no brainwashing, mind control, or blind following of a leader. Christian Scientists do have a deep respect and appreciation for the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, but they do not worship her.

Is it true that Christian Scientists don’t take any medication?

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 trust, not blind faith, in God, and from a conviction that God’s care continues under every circumstance.

An adult choosing prayer and not medical help is one thing, but how can you make that decision for a child?

Christian Science parents are like any other parents—they love their children and want the very best care for them. They also know they’re under a moral and legal obligation to ensure that their children receive this care. Parents who choose Christian Science treatment for a child do so because they’ve seen the effectiveness of this treatment in their own lives.

Do Christian Scientists carry health insurance or life insurance?

Some have health insurance, and most probably have life insurance. Every Christian Scientist makes his or her own financial and health decisions.

How can you claim “thousands of healings” when in most cases there’s no medical diagnosis?

There have been many Christian Science healings of conditions that have been medically diagnosed, and many medical confirmations of those healings. However, one does not need a medical diagnosis to know a person was ill and then healthy.

What is a Christian Science practitioner?

Christian Science practitioners are individuals who are self-employed, who have completed a course in spiritual healing given by an authorized teacher of Christian Science, and who devote themselves full time to helping and healing others through prayer. While practitioners do not offer counseling, diagnosis, prognosis, or any physical manipulation or treatment, they do offer Christian Science treatment—as explained in Mary Baker Eddy’s book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.

What’s involved in Christian Science treatment?

Christian Science treatment is the application of spiritual principles—who and what God is and what that means for each individual—to the specifics of any given situation. These spiritual principles, applied, have a tangible effect—restored relationships, financial well-being, physical healing, and so on.

What do Christian Science nurses do? What are their professional skills and qualifications?

Christian Science nurses provide skillful, non-medical physical care for anyone relying on Christian Science for healing. This care includes bathing, dressing wounds, assistance with mobility, feeding, and so forth. Preparation for the professional practice of Christian Science nursing often includes coursework provided by Christian Science nursing organizations, one-to-one training from an experienced Christian Science nurse, and/or experience with facility or private-duty Christian Science nursing.

How do you explain all the suffering going on in the world?

The desire of every Christian Scientist is to see the suffering in the world alleviated, and Christian Scientists take encouragement from Jesus’ example in healing even the most extreme suffering. He overcame poverty, hunger, severe weather, even incurable mental and physical maladies—and he promised his followers they could do the same.