Those contemplating Christian Science and its applicability to their own circumstances or lives might be helped by pondering the following four points:
First, consider the definition of the word "Science." Although current usage has largely pictured science as relating to the goings on in sterile laboratories filled with glass beakers, test tubes, Petrie dishes and white-coated staff with safety glasses and clipboards. That image is far from the original meaning of the word.
For example the 1828 Webster's (the edition which was current when Mary Baker Eddy the Discoverer and Founder of the Christian Science religion was writing her seminal work Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, includes this as the primary definition of the word "Science": "1...knowledge, or certain knowledge; the comprehension or understanding of truth or facts by the mind." And then gives this example of usage: "The science of God must be exact." Nothing about test tubes or white coats there.
The 1913 Webster's gives this definition of Science:
"Accumulated and established knowledge, whic has been systematized and formulated with reference to the discovery of general truths or the operation of general laws; knowledge classified and made available in work, life, or the search for truth;"
Webster's eleventh edition collegiate dictionary gives this primary definition of Science:
"the state of knowing: knowledge as distinguished from ignorance or misunderstanding:
Slightly different, but still no test tubes.
We can therefore consider that the key factors in Science are mental, not physical.
Second, consider the fact that has apparently largely escaped the consciousness of the world today, including even a large percentage of devout Christians: although the healing work of Jesus is considered miraculous it is largely identified with the personal Jesus. However in fact, Jesus TAUGHT his followers how to "perform" those miracles on their own. His disciples were after all just what the word "disciple" really means, learners or students. (1828 Webster's again):
"Disciple: A learner; a scholar; one who receives or professes to receive instruction from another; as the disciples of Plato"
The disciples LEARNED from Jesus. And they were generally successful when Jesus sent them forth to practice what he had taught them. "And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name." Luke 10:17
Besides the twelve disciples, Jesus is generally credited with approximately 300 other students of varying degrees of diligence and accomplishment including those seventy he sent forth at once. One point is important to consider here: Jesus' disciples were not educated intellectuals. They were generally common fishermen and laborers without any paraticularly advanced level of education. Thus apparently worldly learning was not necessary for the understanding and practice of what Jesus taught.
Therefore we can deduce there was a basic body of knowledge or truth behind Jesus' works which he himself could teach his disciples. The Science of Christianity. And this truth or Science would be discovered in his words and works by anyone who sincerely sought it out. Mary Baker Eddy was such a person. After her discovery of the Science of Christianity in 1866, Mrs. Eddy devoted the final forty-five years of her life to the study, practice and dissemination of that body of knowledge and truth to the world. Over a period of seven years she taught over four thousand students the rudiments of primitive Christian healing at her Massachusetts Metaphysical College.
Third, consider the degrees of achievement covered by the word student. For example, an inspired or gifted teacher will have some students who easily grasp the materials he is imparting to them. Some may go on to excel in the field themselves, perhaps even furthering the field of knowledge itself. The majority of the students, however will simply absorb the rudiments and even if they understand its practicality will do little or nothing with that knowledge. A few may even challenge or deny the truth or practicality of what is being taught. However Science can only be affirmed. Being truth, Science cannot actually be denied. Therefore these non- practitioners or deniers have no effect on the essence of Science or truth. Sometimes they can actually highlight or demonstrate its truth.
Consider Jesus' experience. Peter, James and John were exemplary students. Despite his denial of Jesus before the crucifixion, Peter went on to do and accomplish much good in the early Christian era. Even the dull and doubting Thomas was able to accomplish some healing once he understood better what Jesus was imparting.
Then of course there was Judas Iscariot whose denial of Jesus' teachings led him to betray the Master leading to his crucifixion. However Judas' denial and betrayal only enabled the Master's final and complete demonstration of the Science he taught in what we call the ascension.
Mary Baker Eddy also had different degrees of students over the years. A few accomplished much, some little and some turned on her and worked diligently to destroy her and her lifework. The key point here is this: However few students actually grasp an instructor's teaching and despite students' lack of accomplishment or denials of the teachings, the non-practice and denials cannot alter the actual truth of what the instructor imparts. Science, if it is Science cannot actually be denied, it can only be affirmed, practiced and demonstrated. Or not. Your choice. But you cannot deny what is Science.
Fourth, and finally, considering that Science is truth or true knowledge that can be organized, preserved and taught or transferred, there is actually a practical Science of the primitive Christianity which Jesus taught and practiced. It is that Science which Mary Baker Eddy sought out, discovered, recorded and preserved in her work, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. Because of Mrs. Eddy's selfless dedication, that Science is available to anyone today. Thus the Science of Christianity can be learned and practiced with healing results to a greater or lesser degree by any sincere seeker who is willing to earnestly strive for its acquistion. Even you!
