Does Christian Science forbid medical care or attention? 

Mary Baker Eddy investigated medical and other healing systems of her time before discovering that adherence to laws of God alone can cure. As a matter of fact, many people have turned to Christian Science when medical care failed them, or when doctors said there was no hope for a cure. Does Christian Science forbid medical care or attention? Here is our response.

The study of spirituality and health is often included in modern medical school curriculum. The research of David McClelland, PhD, of Harvard Medical School demonstrated that

“the power of love and spirituality makes the body healthier.” 

Please read the question regarding Drinking and Drugs for more detail. Also, many of your questions can be answered by reading the chapter on “Physiology” in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 165.

Christian Science and the Teachings of Jesus

Christian Science follows the teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing healing, love, and spiritual growth. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, speaks about Jesus in the Tenets of Christian Science which outline key beliefs that guide Christian Scientists in their daily lives.

Here are three tenets that further answer the question, “Does Christian Science forbid medical care or attention?”

1. We acknowledge Jesus’ atonement as the evidence of divine, efficacious Love, unfolding man’s unity with God through Christ Jesus the Way-shower; and we acknowledge that man is saved through Christ, through Truth, Life, and Love as demonstrated by the Galilean Prophet in healing the sick and overcoming sin and death.
2. We acknowledge that the crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection served to uplift faith to understand eternal Life, even the allness of Soul, Spirit, and the nothingness of matter.
3. 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.
   
   Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 497:24

Understanding Key Christian Science Terms

In Christian Science, certain terms are understood in a spiritual context:

• Mind: Refers to God, the omnipotent Creator of the universe, rather than the human intellect.
• Matter: Represents the physical body and environment as perceived through the five physical senses.

For a deeper understanding of Christian Science and its relationship to Christ Jesus, you can read all of the Tenets of Christian Science and learn More about Christ Jesus. We hope this information helps answer your question, “Does Christian Science forbid medical care or attention?”

Christian Science Healing Testimonies

There are thousands of recorded healings in the Bible and in Christian Science publications.  Many Christian Science healings have occurred by simply reading the book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. This healing book is Eddy’s main body of work and a companion to the Bible. It contains sections on Genesis and Revelation, and is part of the Christian Science Weekly Bible Lesson. It also has a chapter called Fruitage, consisting of healing testimonies.

You will find a lot of love and support for your spiritual journey at any of our Churches or Reading Rooms. Churches hold services twice weekly, including a healing testimony meeting on Wednesdays.

Reading rooms are open varied hours according to location. We love visitors and are available to answer questions, and offer resources such as Bible study lessons and other publications from the Christian Science Publishing Society.

Please Contact Us with questions or call your local church, reading room or Christian Science Practitioner.