Christian Science Origins: 6 Things That Led to Development of Church

Christian Scientists believe in using prayer to resolve the many challenges in life. They believe prayer is a powerful tool that should be valued, especially when dealing with health issues, relationships and many other personal troubles. Members of Christian Science are also free to make their own choices regarding these issues.

The Church of Christ, Scientist is based on the teachings of Christ Jesus, who said, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also ..." (John 14:12).

Here are six things that led to the development of the Christian Science Church:

ALERT: When Do You Think Christ Is Returning? Vote Now

1. The Life of Christ: Christian Science teaches that Jesus' relationship with God, his Father, enabled him to do marvelous works of healing. On at least three occasions he raised those who had died.

2. Christ's Resurrection: Jesus' resurrection from death three days after he was crucified provides the ultimate evidence for Christian Scientists of the power of Christ over the world's opposition to spiritual reality.

3. The Sufferings of Mary Baker Eddy: Born in 1821, on a New Hampshire farm, Mary Baker Eddy was often ill and sought help from various popular "cures," none of which brought lasting relief. One night, Eddy fell on an icy street and was seriously injured. After three days of bed rest and no signs of improvement, friends and family expected her to die.

VOTE NOW: Is Christ Returning?

4. Mary Baker Eddy is Healed: While laying in bed, still in critical condition, Eddy asked for her Bible. While reading an account of Jesus' healing, she found herself suddenly well and believed she was healed because of what she had read in the Bible. "Her conviction grew in the coming weeks and months as setbacks were met with even stronger proofs of spiritual healing. Eventually, she referred to this as the moment she discovered Christian Science," says the Mary Baker Eddy Library.

5. Mary Baker Eddy's Book: Eddy then spent three years studying her Bible and taking extensive notes on the scientific basis of Christ's healings. She came to apprehend the principle of spiritual science and metaphysical healing — which she called "Christian Science" — and explained her beliefs in a book published in 1875 called "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." According to Mary Baker Eddy Library, the book has sold more than 10 million copies

6. Eddy Receives Credit for Healings: In 1867, Eddy was reported to have healed her dying niece, as well as another woman who was suffering from pneumonia in 1868. Asa Gilbert Eddy — who had a heart condition, was also cured by Eddy. Asa and Eddy were married the following year. In 1879, Eddy secured a charter for the Church of Christ, Scientist, after her Christian Science Association voted to "organize a church designed to commemorate the word and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing."

URGENT: When Do You Think Christ Will Return? Vote Here Now!

Related Stories