Christianity and Christian Science are two distinct belief systems, both rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ but differing significantly in theology, practices, and interpretations of the Bible. This article explores these differences in detail, covering their origins, core beliefs, religious practices, views on health and healing, and perspectives on key theological concepts.
Origins and Historical Development
Christianity
Early Christianity
Christianity traces its origins to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ in the first century CE. Jesus, regarded by Christians as the Son of God and the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament, preached a message of love, redemption, and the Kingdom of God.
His crucifixion and subsequent resurrection are foundational events in Christian theology. Early Christianity spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire, despite initial persecution, and by the fourth century, it became the state religion of the Roman Empire under Emperor Constantine.
Development of Denominations
Over centuries, Christianity has branched into numerous denominations, each with its own interpretations and practices. Major branches include Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism, each further divided into various subgroups such as Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, and Anglicans.
Despite differences, these denominations share core beliefs such as the divinity of Jesus, the Trinity, and the authority of the Bible.
Christian Science
Founding by Mary Baker Eddy
Christian Science was founded by Mary Baker Eddy in the late 19th century. After a severe injury in 1866, Eddy experienced a profound healing, which she attributed to spiritual revelation. She dedicated her life to understanding and teaching what she believed to be the science of Christ’s healing methods.
In 1875, she published “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” which outlines the principles of Christian Science. Eddy established the Church of Christ, Scientist, in 1879, with the aim of reinstating primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing.
Growth and Establishment
Christian Science grew rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, appealing to many seeking alternatives to conventional medicine and traditional religious teachings. The movement established various institutions, including the Christian Science Publishing Society, which publishes the Christian Science Monitor, a respected international newspaper.
Christian and Christian Science Beliefs: Differences
Concept of God
Christianity
Christianity is monotheistic, believing in one God who exists in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This doctrine of the Trinity is central to Christian faith, encapsulating the belief in a single God with a triune nature.
Christian Science
Christian Science teaches that God is entirely good and all-powerful, referred to as divine Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, and Love. This interpretation emphasizes the omnipresence and omnipotence of God, transcending traditional anthropomorphic views.
The Bible and “Science and Health”
Christianity
Christians regard the Bible as the inspired word of God, comprising the Old and New Testaments. It is considered the authoritative source of Christian doctrine and practice. Different denominations may vary in their interpretation of the Bible, but its central role remains consistent.
Christian Science
While Christian Scientists regard the Bible as a significant text, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” by Mary Baker Eddy is equally important. This book provides a unique interpretation of the Bible, emphasizing metaphysical meanings and spiritual understanding.
Salvation and Redemption
Christianity
Christians believe in the concept of original sin, inherited from Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Salvation is seen as a gift from God, attainable through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for humanity’s sins and rose from the dead. This belief underscores the themes of grace, forgiveness, and eternal life.
Christian Science
Central to Christian Science is the belief in spiritual healing. Eddy taught that illness is a manifestation of incorrect thinking or a misunderstanding of God’s nature. Therefore, healing is achieved through prayer, a deeper understanding of God, and the realization of one’s spiritual perfection as God’s creation. Salvation, in this context, is seen as deliverance from all forms of error and material beliefs.
The Key Practices of Christianity and Christian Science
Christianity
Worship and Sacraments
Christian worship includes prayer, hymns, scripture readings, and sermons. Sacraments, considered outward signs of inward grace, are vital practices. The most widely observed sacraments are baptism and the Eucharist (or Holy Communion). Baptism symbolizes spiritual cleansing and rebirth, while the Eucharist commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper and his sacrificial death.
Community and Fellowship
Christian communities gather regularly for worship services, Bible studies, and fellowship activities. These gatherings foster a sense of belonging and mutual support among believers. Additionally, Christians engage in charitable activities, reflecting Jesus’ teachings on love and service to others.
Christian Science
Church Services
Christian Science church services include readings from the Bible and “Science and Health,” hymns, and silent prayer. There are no ordained ministers; instead, services are conducted by elected readers from the congregation. Testimony meetings, held weekly, provide members an opportunity to share experiences of healing and spiritual growth.
Healing Practices
A distinctive aspect of Christian Science practice is the reliance on prayer for healing. Christian Scientists seek the help of practitioners, individuals dedicated to healing through prayer. They avoid conventional medical treatment, believing that spiritual understanding and prayer are sufficient for addressing health issues.
Views on Health and Healing
Christianity
Role of Prayer and Medicine
Most Christian denominations view prayer as an important aspect of spiritual life and a source of comfort and strength during illness. However, they also recognize the value of modern medicine and encourage seeking medical treatment when necessary. Many Christians believe that God can work through doctors and medicine to bring about healing.
Faith Healing
Some Christian groups, particularly within Pentecostal and Charismatic movements, emphasize faith healing. They believe that divine intervention can miraculously heal physical ailments. While these practices are significant for some, they are not universally accepted across all Christian denominations.
Christian Science
Spiritual Healing
Christian Science teaches that true healing is spiritual rather than physical. Illness is seen as an illusion or error in thinking, and health is restored through understanding one’s spiritual perfection and aligning with God’s truth. This belief leads Christian Scientists to rely solely on prayer and spiritual means for healing.
Opposition to Medical Treatment
Due to their emphasis on spiritual healing, Christian Scientists generally avoid conventional medical treatments, including medication and surgery. This stance has led to controversies and legal issues, especially in cases involving children and life-threatening illnesses.
Comparing the Bible to the Works of Mary Baker Eddy
Christianity
Christians regard the Bible as the inspired word of God, comprising the Old and New Testaments. It is considered the authoritative source of Christian doctrine and practice. Different denominations may vary in their interpretation of the Bible, but its central role remains consistent.
Christian Science
While Christian Scientists regard the Bible as a significant text, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” by Mary Baker Eddy is equally important. This book provides a unique interpretation of the Bible, emphasizing metaphysical meanings and spiritual understanding.
What is “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” About?
“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” is Mary Baker Eddy’s principal work, outlining the principles of Christian Science. It presents a spiritual interpretation of the Bible, emphasizing that understanding God and one’s spiritual nature can lead to healing and salvation. The book is considered a companion to the Bible, offering insights into Eddy’s views on metaphysical healing and the nature of reality.
10 Key Events in Christian and Christian Science History
Christianity
- Birth of Jesus Christ: Marking the beginning of the Christian faith.
- Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus: Central events that form the foundation of Christian belief in salvation.
- Pentecost: The descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles, empowering them to spread Jesus’ teachings.
- Council of Nicaea (325 CE): Establishing foundational doctrines such as the Nicene Creed.
- Great Schism (1054): The split between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
- Protestant Reformation (16th century): Led by figures like Martin Luther, challenging Catholic doctrines and practices, leading to the formation of Protestant denominations.
- Council of Trent (1545-1563): The Catholic Church’s response to the Reformation, leading to significant doctrinal clarifications and reforms.
- Second Vatican Council (1962-1965): Modernizing the Catholic Church’s approach to contemporary issues and fostering ecumenism.
- Formation of the World Council of Churches (1948): Promoting Christian unity among different denominations.
- Rise of Pentecostalism (20th century): Emphasizing direct personal experience with God through baptism with the Holy Spirit.
Christian Science
- Mary Baker Eddy’s Healing (1866): The event that led Eddy to discover what she believed to be the principles of spiritual healing.
- Publication of “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” (1875): Outlining the core teachings of Christian Science.
- Founding of the Church of Christ, Scientist (1879): Establishing an organized body for the dissemination of Christian Science teachings.
- Opening of the Massachusetts Metaphysical College (1881): To teach Christian Science healing methods.
- Publication of the Christian Science Journal (1883): Providing a platform for sharing experiences of healing and spiritual insights.
- Establishment of the Christian Science Monitor (1908): An international newspaper promoting ethical journalism and global awareness.
- Eddy’s Passing (1910): Marking the end of the founder’s direct influence on the movement.
- Legal Challenges and Controversies (20th century): Addressing issues related to the refusal of medical treatment.
- Publication of “The Manual of The Mother Church” (1895): Outlining the bylaws and governance of the Christian Science church.
- Expansion and Decline (20th-21st century): The rapid growth in the early 20th century followed by a decline in membership and influence in the latter part of the century.