When I began blogging last September, I asked a few people what they knew of Christian Science and if they’d like to subscribe to a blog designed to explain it. The following unscripted video is of one of these individuals:
Thanks Brooke! Below are my brief answers to your questions:
Why are we here?
Of course, this is one of the profound questions of the ages. I think Jesus answered it best in the Bible, Matt. 7: 25-34. Briefly, he noted, “…seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Christian Science teaches that life is eternal and that our days on earth are best spent gaining a greater insight into the spiritual nature of God and and the practical benefits that come from this understanding.
What is God?
In Christian Science, God is Love, Spirit, Truth—the all-powerful, all-knowing Creator of the universe, including us. In fact, He created us in His image and likeness, as the Bible says in Genesis. God is all good, is always with us and wants only the best for each of us.
How can Christian Science help me know what I’m supposed to do with my life?
I believe God is sending divine thoughts to guide each us all the time. Christian Science teaches us to humbly listen to this direction. It teaches the importance of maintaining a spiritually-receptive thought and to avoid being side-tracked by our human will.
Jesus has a wonderful answer to this question about seeking direction. He notes in Matt. 6:6, “…when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy father in secret; and thy father shall reward thee openly.” And then he goes on to give us the greatest prayer of all–the Lord’s Prayer in Matt. 6: 9-13. The first chapter in Mary Baker Eddy’s, Science in Health with Key to the Scriptures is entitled, ‘Prayer’. It’s a great resource for a fuller explanation of this question.
Do Christian Scientists go to doctors? Can they go to doctors?
Reliance on prayer for healing is a central focus of Christian Science theology. The daily practice of our faith is a form of self-care that is both preventative and curative. It is also in line with the teachings and practice of Jesus who never prescribed drugs for healing.
Yet, there is no church mandate that prevents a church member from seeking a doctor’s help. For instance, when it comes to childbirth, the Christian Scientists I know have always sought the help of a midwife or a physician. And I currently wear glasses, because it is practical to do so. Yet, I’m inspired by friends who wore glasses for many years and have been completely healed of this need through their practice of Christian Science.
I don’t know if I’d be comfortable calling a practitioner for help?
I can understand feeling a little uncomfortable about reaching out to someone you’ve never met. But, if it results in healing, isn’t it worth it?
My father was not a Christian Scientist, but he had a brief visit with one back in the 60’s. Nearly 35 years later, he brought this visit up in conversation with me and I was surprised that he said she was the most loving person he’d ever met.
Christian Science practitioners devote their life to healing others. Their prayer is called Christian Science treatment. It involves the application of spiritual principles—who and what God is and what that means for each individual—to a given situation. These spiritual principles, applied, have a healing and restorative effect.
I have called on practitioners for help many times—resulting in complete healings of illness, employment & financial problems, challenges with relationships and many more difficulties. You don’t have to be a Christian Scientist to call one for help and the communication between a Christian Science practitioner and a patient is always strictly confidential.
Brooke, I appreciate and respect your spiritual journey to find answers in your life. Thanks for your questions about Christian Science. I’m grateful to have you as a regular reader!
Kay Stroud says
Hi Bill, I really like this post, so will be reposting it during the next couple of weeks. Many thanks, Kay. [ Thanks Kay – Bill ]
James Early says
Hey Brooke,
Thanks for your great questions. I was not brought up as a Christian Scientist but started looking into it when I was in high school. I’m a member of the church now, but I’m still learning more about God all the time because Christian Science makes me really think at a deep level and not just on the surface. It has answered my questions about who God really is and my relationship to Him. Just get to know God and follow where that leads you. [Thanks James! -Bill]
Susan says
Thanks Brooke for asking the questions, and thanks Bill for having such a great forum to answer these questions for not only Brooke, but for the rest of your readers! The practical application of Christian Science is available to everyone who reaches for the truth. I am especially inspired when I hear of healing of the need to wear glasses. A subject not touched upon in the questions is the availability of sharing healings at the weekly Christian Science Testimony meetings that are open to the public. They are a great resource in understanding Christian Science. And an inspiration! [Thanks Susan! -Bill]