If you’re a student of Christian Science, and someone walked up to you and asked, “What is Christian Science?” what would you say in ten words or less?
There are a number of answers that work, but a definition I’ve found very helpful in the last year or two is, “Christian Science explains how God governs the universe spiritually.”
In the past I’ve given answers such as:
It is God’s laws
It is a spiritual method of healing
It’s the spirituality Jesus Christ taught and practiced
It’s a prayer-based method of healing anyone can practice.
But recently, I’ve found great satisfaction and inspiration from thinking about Christian Science from the point of view that it explains how the universe works spiritually—according to God’s plan.
I like this answer because it takes me right to the essence of what Christian Science teaches.
It explains that we live in a universe of Mind, of divine Mind, where things are thoughts and ideas are substance, and where divine law reigns, not chance or chaos.
I like to remember that what the mortal mind calls a material universe is but a limited view of what ultimately exists in the Mind of God. What mortal mind calls lack is but an idea in the Mind of God waiting to be understood better.
I’ve seen from experience that as the sincere seeker of truth gains a better understanding of God’s idea, healing happens. Solutions appear. Obstacles to progress disappear and the human experience improves coming more into line with the spiritual reality that was in place all along.
And that’s what Christian Science is all about—explaining to its student how to find more of heaven right here on earth, more of God’s goodness in every moment of life. It explains how God governs the universe spiritually and how each of us fit into it.
Now that’s a discovery to get excited about!
I know you’ve hit the mark (for me) when I just have to print your comments out so I can review them throughout the day. This one is a keeper. Thanks, Evan.
I was first introduced to CS about 6 years ago by a neighbor friend with whom I had been having some highly interesting, very agreeable discussions on topics in new physics, spirituality and, operation of apparent universal laws. Previously, anyone I’d ever told of one quantum physicists conclusion, that the universe was now proving to be more a great thought than a great thing, would look at me oddly, roll their eyes, and look suspiciously at me — concluding, I suppose, I was an alien nutjob.
But as to that physicists conclusion, which I’d first read around 1985? …. Well, darned if he hadn’t pretty well summed up the case for God, and he’d done it in just about ten words. My friend, upon hearing it put that way, suggested that maybe I would like to read a book that she had found comforting when mulling over matters such as we had been discussing. That’s how I came to Science and Health, and from it began to use it’s treasure trove of spiritual nuggets in “…ten words or less” to fill in the blanks in my understanding of the God driven universe.
Out with the material, and in with the spiritual, in ten words or less!! That’s one of the generic mantras of S&H. Mrs. Eddy was the undisputed champion at getting the most bang for the buck out of each word in her writing. No where else have I ever read anything quite so beautiful and concise as her ontological conclusion, “Christian Science disentangles the interlaced ambiguities of being, and sets free the imprisoned thought.”
Well, that’s a little long at 14 words… but we can give Mrs. Eddy a break. There are people out there who need to hear that, who we can say that to, and maybe they won’t think you’re an alien, either. They may not even roll their eyes at you.
Oh, and as for my newfound friend? Well, we married! You can’t just walk away when you find a soul mate like that now can you??
Thank you, Evan, for your concise explanations of what Christian Science is. They are even shorter than the “elevator speeches” I have thought up and are still understandable. I will share these at church and forward to friends.
I love this topic Evan! Your concise definition of Christian Science is excellent. I discovered CS about 5 years ago, like Ken above, and I really appreciate his comments. It’s helpful for me to hear from others who did not grow up in CS. Thanks to all!
Christ Truth!
Thanks Evan, for your lovely definition of what C Sc is.
Very helpful to explain to people new to C Sc.
These are so good, I would like to use them on some websites I am designing for branch churches. Is that okay with you, Evan?
Hi Evan – Thank you for your GREAT blog, as always. I could relate to this topic, because… the other day, on my way to The Mother Church from Northeastern Univ area, three young people before me were talking about Christian Science. “What is Christian Science?” One asked, and the other person said, “Well, I know it is not Scientology.” Then the original questioner asked, “Why Christianity Science?” At that point, with a discreet yet friendly approach, I caught up with them and said, “Um – I happen to hear your conversation. I am a student of Christian Science. Can I help you?” They giggled a bit, but the girl asked, “So, what is Christian Science?” I said, “It’s the practice of God’s law that you can prove, as Science that operates universally.” We then parted at an intersection, but .. that was a nice, spontaneous encounter. I ALWAYS wonder how many “sincere seekers of Truth” are looking up to The Mother Church, as they walk by that area… The divine Love is embracing ALL HER CHILDREN! 🙂