Christian Science

Christian Science is a set of beliefs and practices developed by Mary Baker Eddy in the late 19th century, emphasizing the power of Prayer and the authority of the Bible. The movement is based on the idea that God is the only reality and that Sin, Disease, and Death are illusions that can be overcome through spiritual understanding and Faith. Mary Baker Eddy founded the Church of Christ, Scientist in 1879, and her book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures is the primary text of the movement, along with the Bible. The movement has been influenced by various Philosophers and Theologians, including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Jonathan Edwards.

● History of

Christian Science The history of Christian Science began with the experiences of Mary Baker Eddy, who claimed to have discovered the principles of Christian Science in 1866 after a near-fatal accident. She developed her ideas over the next several years, influenced by her studies of the Bible, Plato, and Immanuel Kant. In 1875, she published her book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, which became the primary text of the movement. The Church of Christ, Scientist was formally established in 1879, with Mary Baker Eddy as its first leader, and it quickly gained popularity, attracting followers such as Mark Twain and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The movement also drew criticism from Theologians such as Reinhold Niebuhr and Karl Barth, who questioned its Theology and Practices.

● Principles and Practices

The principles of Christian Science are based on the idea that God is the only reality and that Sin, Disease, and Death are illusions that can be overcome through spiritual understanding and Faith. The movement emphasizes the importance of Prayer, Meditation, and Study of the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. Christian Scientists believe in the power of Mind to heal and transform, and they often turn to Prayer and Spiritual Healing rather than Medicine or Surgery. The movement has been influenced by various Philosophers and Theologians, including William James and Friedrich Schleiermacher, and it has also been compared to other Religious Movements, such as Theosophy and New Thought.

● Organization and Governance

The Church of Christ, Scientist is the main organization of the Christian Science movement, with its headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts. The church is governed by a Board of Directors and a Committee on Publication, which oversees the publication of The Christian Science Journal and other Publications. The movement also has a number of Branch Churches and Societies around the world, including in London, Paris, and New York City. The Church of Christ, Scientist has been recognized by various Governments and Institutions, including the United States Government and the United Nations.

● Theology and Doctrine

The Theology of Christian Science is based on the idea that God is the only reality and that Sin, Disease, and Death are illusions that can be overcome through spiritual understanding and Faith. The movement emphasizes the importance of Jesus Christ as a Spiritual Teacher and Healer, and it also recognizes the authority of the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. Christian Scientists believe in the power of Mind to heal and transform, and they often turn to Prayer and Spiritual Healing rather than Medicine or Surgery. The movement has been influenced by various Theologians, including Paul Tillich and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and it has also been compared to other Religious Movements, such as Unitarianism and Universalism.

● Criticism and Controversy

The Christian Science movement has faced criticism and controversy over the years, particularly with regard to its Practices and Theology. Some Critics, such as Martin Gardner and James Randi, have questioned the movement's claims of Healing and Spiritual Transformation, and they have also criticized its Lack of Empirical Evidence. The movement has also been criticized by Theologians such as Reinhold Niebuhr and Karl Barth, who have questioned its Theology and Practices. Additionally, the movement has faced controversy over its Treatment of Children, particularly with regard to its Refusal of Medical Treatment in favor of Prayer and Spiritual Healing.

● Relationship with Medicine

The Christian Science movement has a complex and often contentious relationship with Medicine and the Medical Profession. While some Christian Scientists have been critical of Medicine and the Medical Profession, others have recognized the importance of Medical Care and the Advances of Medical Science. The movement has also been influenced by various Medical Professionals, including Norman Cousins and Bernie Siegel, who have written about the importance of Mind-Body Medicine and the Role of Spirituality in Healing. However, the movement's Refusal of Medical Treatment in favor of Prayer and Spiritual Healing has been criticized by many in the Medical Profession, including American Medical Association and the World Health Organization. Category:Christian denominations