How to Find a Christian Science Church Near Me
Seekers of truth and happiness turn to the Christian Science church to provide them with a foundation of spiritual healing. But if you are new in town or can’t find a church in your neighborhood, knowing where to start your search can be difficult. So to help you navigate your way to a congregation near you, we’ve created this guide about CSC. We’ll show you what to expect from Christian Scientists and how to find a Christian Science church near you.
What is the Christian Science church?
Christian Science is a religious movement established by Mary Baker Eddy in 1879. The founder’s struggle with illness and the death of family prompted her to find a healing system of spiritual practice. Between 1862 and 1865, Phineas Quimby’s therapeutic treatments inspired her to reject modern medical practices by identifying the natural laws governing life from Scripture.
What denomination is the Christian Science church?
The Christian Science church is a branch of protestant Christianity and belongs to the non-trinitarian, non-doctrinal group of churches known as the Church of Christ, Scientist. Their teachings are founded on the practicality of spiritual healing and Jesus’ moral teachings. For more information, read this article that answers, What is a non-denominational church?
How is the Christian Science church different from other Christians?
1. Meetinghouses are simplistically decorated
Plain walls in Christian Science churches are a sign of truth and the simplicity of the higher spiritual life, which is not cluttered by material representations. Therefore, unlike other Christian congregations, there are no religious paintings, pictures, or prayer books in the Christian Science church. Instead, the Bible is the only image for worship.
2. It doesn’t use any rituals
The ritualistic practices of Christian churches are products of the psychic system and have no place in the ideal church. Baptism of the Spirit and celebration of the Eucharist are the only sacraments administered by Christ’s ministers. Churches of Christ, Scientist, as they are called, sing hymns but do not use organ, choir music, or bells to call the congregation to worship.
3. There’s no clergy system
Priestly hierarchy is a great obstacle to spiritual advancement. The Christian Scientists provide no place for the clergy or pastoral status requirements because the ministers are not ordained. Instead, the universal pastor is the Bible and Eddy’s book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. Readers only use the two books for sermons during the Sunday church service.
4. Easter is not celebrated
Commemorating the resurrection of Christ at Easter is not in accordance with the Scriptures. However, adherents of Churches of Christ, Scientists recognize the Sabbath as one of the Ten Commandments. Other than that, Christmas is observed “in quietude” with such things as eloquent silence and prayer.
5. Belief in the healing power of divine ideas, not doctoring
Although healing is a spiritual development, it is not done through the ideas of man, which are limited and not perfect. The disease is a thought, an error of the mortal mind cast out through the spiritual understanding that God does not make mistakes. Therefore, there is no need to practice medicine or use surgery and drugs to cure health problems.
6. There is no such thing as a trinity
Gen. 1:26: “Let us make man in our image,” overshadows the idea of the Trinity. Without asserting that God is a three-headed being, this verse declares one God who is in conversation with a separate entity(ies) when deciding to create a man in their image. This instance does not describe God in triple terms but separates persons in a single act.
7. Christian Science is synonymous with reading rooms
A reading room is a sacred space for silent, meditative study and spiritual growth. It serves both as a bookstore and a prayer room. Church members gather to read, pray, draw inspiration from the Bible lessons and strengthen their relationship with God.
8. No belief in hell
Eternal punishment is not a concept of the Christian Science church because it does not believe God would inflict such pain upon a person. God is described in the Bible as one who loves unconditionally and is patient and gentle towards His creations. Our lives are under the control of the divine Spirit, so we are all going to heaven, and nobody will suffer everlasting agony in hell.
What does the Christian Science church believe in?
Before you join a local branch, it’s important to understand the Christian Science faith. The Christian Science church has a worldview grounded in the belief that God is the one true being whose omnipotent presence and power supersedes evil and sin. They believe this world and everything in it is not real, as they exist only on the spiritual plane. As such, Christian healing is not only a channel for spiritual assistance but is the natural way God brings divine goodness into the material world and eradicates physical ills. Prayer, worship, spiritual reading, and reflection became the core pillars of the Christian Science healing ministry.
Does the Christian Science church believe in Jesus Christ?
Apart from the theological tenets associated with the foundational belief in God, Christian Science also holds a Christology based on its emphasis that Jesus was a divine teacher and healer, who is the way to salvation, both in this world and the next. In other words, Jesus Christ represents the embodiment of God’s healing power and an example for mankind to follow. Christian Scientists believe that through crucifixion, Jesus led the way to spiritual unity with God and transcendental love.
Does the Christian Science church believe in medical treatment?
Ideally, the Christian Science church does not accept the medical view of illness since all sin; therefore, sickness is a delusion. Instead, the church teaches that God’s manifestation in His creation is real, infinite, and perfect. Making the truth known about these facts restores man’s identity as God’s likeness and makes sickness and the mortal fear of death disappear.
Who leads the Christian Science church?
The Mother Church in Boston directs the Church of Christ, Scientist through the Christian Science board of directors. Christian Science practitioners who constitute this body are overseers of the principal officers they appoint and their local churches. All their professional healing services are conducted under the board’s guidance and the church Manual By-Laws provided by Mary Baker Eddy.
Will the Christian Science church welcome me? Is it a good religious environment for children?
Yes, the Christian Science church is a place of hospitality where anyone seeking to be healed can find spiritual and practical help. The church opens its doors to anyone who comes with an open heart and a sincere desire to apply the Christian Science healing methods in their lives. Sunday school classes are designed to meet children’s character, moral and spiritual needs.
Where can I find a meetinghouse and congregation to join?
- Active members of the Church of Christ, Scientist attend Sunday and Wednesday services in more than 65 countries worldwide.
- You can find a database of Christian Science Reading Room programs, churches, societies, and informal groups at: https://directory.christianscience.com/.
- If you can’t find a Christian Science church near you, you can apply to become a healing member here: https://www.christianscience.com/membership-application.
- Also, stay on top of current or upcoming events and new ways to engage the Christian Science society by reading the Christian Science Journal and the Christian Science Sentinel (https://sentinel.christianscience.com/)
How can Church.org help answer my questions?
The process of finding a local Christian Science church and congregation can sometimes be very overwhelming. That’s why we created Church.org, to help you discover the healing message of Christ Jesus. The search function and filtering features on Church.org will help you find a church service near you or add a meeting to the directory. An online library of Christian-related resources and sermons will show you how to dig deeper into the science of your spiritual understanding and connect with other believers.