Many people gain inspiration and comfort from contemplating the human personality of Jesus. How much better it is, though, to gain a practical understanding of the Christ, or Truth, he expressed.
The purpose of Jesus' unequaled example was not merely to inspire mankind but to show us how to be free from every form of material bondage, physical suffering included. He promised, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also." (John 14:12).
This can be accomplished, however, only as one understands the spiritual laws underlying his words and deeds. Would we expect to succeed in applying the laws of mathematics simply by admiring the professor's personality or even his instruction? In like manner, the changeless Principle of Jesus' healing and teaching has to be learned.
This is explained fully and clearly in the textbook of Christian Science, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, who discovered and founded Christian Science. The law of Spirit, God, is available for everyone to learn and use in his daily life. When the spiritual truths are brought into contact with one's particular problem through prayer and purified living -- and it makes no difference whether the problem is physical, financial, emotional, or moral -- the result is the restoration of harmony, healing.
The first chapter of the Bible states that God created man in His own image and likeness. In accordance with this original, true account of creation, students of Christian Science pray with the understanding that man and the universe are spiritual and perfect, here and now.
In the measure that one is able to see himself and others in this spiritual likeness, he is employing the Master's method, who healed sin, disease, and discord through spiritual means alone. Mrs. Eddy writes: "The physical healing of Christian Science results now, as in Jesus' time, from the operation of divine Principle, before which sin and disease lose their reality in human consciousness and disappear as naturally and necessarily as darkness gives place to light and sin to reformation." Then she continues, "Now, as then, these mighty works are not supernatural, but supremely natural". (Science and Health, p. xi)
I've experienced more benefits from Christian Science than I have time to relate to you. If I had merely felt admiration or reverence for Christ Jesus' teachings (which I do in great abundance, let it be said), this would not have freed me from difficulties. But spiritual understanding and application of the scientific, spiritual rules of Jesus' teachings have had power to bring a return to normalcy and freedom for me countless times. I believe with all my heart that well-being is normal for every one of us. And the religion I am happy to practice makes this possible for you!
