Christian Science is a system of healing that is based on the words and works of Christ Jesus. Jesus was the most effective healer ever. His healing effectiveness came from his understanding of man’s unchangeable connection with God. He promised, “The kingdom of God is within you.” Jesus understood that both God and man are in the kingdom of heaven—of Spirit–right now. Even though it appears we are living in a matter-based world, we are actually perfect spiritual beings right here and right now. Jesus proved this countless times through his healing work. And it continues to be proved today.
Christian Science does much more than heal mental, moral, and physical problems. Christian Science encourages a way of thinking and acting that brings greater meaning, peace and joy to one’s life. It seeps into every aspect of one’s life. It affects both one’s thought and actions. It makes our activities and our relations with others more lively and vibrant.
Christian Science was discovered in the late 1800’s by Mary Baker Eddy. Mary Baker Eddy didn’t have an easy life. As a child Mary was often ill. She would read her Bible and often find temporary relief but never permanent healing. As a young woman her desire to be healed drove her to try many of the remedies of the day. Then, when she was about 45 she fell on the ice and sustained an injury that many considered life-threatening. After several days in bed, she read one of Jesus’ healings from her Bible and had such an insight into God’s healing power that she was healed to the point where she could get up, get dressed and go about her day. Over the next couple of years she was completely healed—both from the effects of the accident and from her lifetime illness.
During this time she was determined to find out what it was that was healing her. Through study and prayer, she found that there were spiritual laws which Jesus knew that enabled him to heal so consistently. Besides healing herself, she found that she could also heal others. She became a well-known, prolific healer. But then she realized she couldn’t keep this to herself. She had to show others that they could heal, too. So she wrote a book that explained her healing method. This book is Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.