Mary Baker Eddy started Christian Science in 1867 to promote divine mind healing for spiritual and physical health. This has since expanded into a global church that currently covers 130 countries. Many recognize Christian Scientists by their reading rooms that are open to members and non-members alike.

While often considered a new age approach to health more than a Christian religion, it is clear that Christian Scientists are not among the usual Bible believers.

Here are four beliefs that set Christian Scientists apart from other Christians:

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1. Rejection of Original Sin:

In the Christian Scientists' perspective, the divine is completely good and all creations reflect that perfection. Humans are not born in sin, as ordained in the Bible, but are part of a divine and flawless reality.

Disease, death, and sin arise from distance from God. To return to the divine good, one must indulge in prayer to close that separation and start healing physically and spiritually. Many congregations emphasize spiritual healing sessions for that reason.

2. The Church Does Not Ordain Pastors:

Since everyone has divine characteristics, there is no need to ordain leadership. Ministers are replaced with studying the Bible and the doctrine work, "Science and Health."

Members democratically elect a First Reader to run church services. That individual reads passages from "Science and Health." A Second Reader, who is normally appointed, not elected, shares passages from the Bible, according to the church's website.

The First Reader also runs a Wednesday meeting which is an informal church service addressing the needs of the congregation. Participants share insights and healings they believed were facilitated by God.

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3. Salvation Is An Everyday Process:

While salvation in other Christian religions is a sanctification of the soul to guarantee ascent into heaven, for Christian Scientists, it is a process that happens every day in life. The primary goal of salvation is to preserve inner good through actions performed each day.

Principles of this salvation-by-action include Life, Truth, and Love. They seek reform rather than a pardon for sins. The end result from these efforts is a life supported by harmony, health, and holiness, according to Beliefnet.

4. Emphasis on Spiritual Health Care:

Prayer is the first line of treatment when one suffers disease. There is controversy as some believers completely rejected modern medical treatment and replaced it with spiritual healing, putting them at odds with government authorities — especially when it came to their children's medical treatment.

However, the church does not specifically reject Western medicine. Christian Scientists believe it is up to individuals to choose their health care and the church emphasizes that it does not oppose professional medical intervention. It should be noted that its emphasis on 80,000 spiritual healings over 140 years strongly suggests a preference for spiritual health care that some may misinterpret, according to the church's website.

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