Why does Christian Science treatment heal and how does it work?
Allison W. Phinney, Jr. | from the Christian Science Sentinel
You don’t have to read much about Christian Science before you realize that when Christian Scientists speak of “treatment,” they are talking about a specific kind of prayer that heals. They are not just “hoping” prayer will bring a positive response from God but they are clearly expecting prayer, or treatment, to have a healing effect.
Interestingly, this conviction isn’t based on some kind of “holier than thou” outlook but actually on just the opposite. One of the things you soon learn about Christian Scientists is that they don’t believe you have to have achieved some incredibly saintly status in order to be healed or to deserve healing.
It’s true that genuine spirituality is involved in Christian Science healing—not some kind of esoteric assertion of mental control over the body, not some sort of hyped-up willpower. A deep love for God and a desire to make progress in drawing closer to Him are required. But Christian Scientists believe ordinary people can find healing through prayer because of all that God is rather than because of building up some special human deserving.
Christian Science gives a thoroughly new idea of who and what we are as ‘made in God’s image.’
Actually, Christian Science gives a thoroughly new idea of who and what we are as “made in God’s image.” It doesn’t consider a dark, undeserving, imperfect, and sinful mortal a fair description of man but takes man to be far different from that. Most people, even those who are temporarily mired in a self-image of weakness and evil, have caught glimpses of a better selfhood in moments of love and inspiration. Christian Science says that this glimpse of something better is an indication of the man God really made, a man who is full of goodness and light and who truly expresses what God is.
This is the “perfect man” the Bible refers to (see Psalms 37:37). It is not a mortal who is trying desperately to perfect himself but rather is the spiritual and wholly good man, the “perfect man,” whom it is reasonable to expect God would have created in the first place.
Jesus is the supreme example of this man who is wholly the reflection of what the Father is doing. He demonstrated actual spiritual manhood. John the Baptist, the prophet in Biblical times who was most perceptive about Jesus’ coming, said of Jesus: “A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven …. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him” (John 3:27, 34). Jesus himself confirmed this, saying, “He that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him …. I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things” (John 8:26, 28). The Master urged all who followed him to know themselves as sons of God, finding their lives in Spirit.
The reason that Christian Science treatment, or prayer, heals is that it opens human thought to what is actually there, to God’s infinite goodness, which includes no sickness, evil, or fear, and to God’s man, who is deserving of all good. Christian Science treatment persists in affirming the presence of God and the man made in His image and likeness.
A supremely good and intelligent God would not have created a man who right from the beginning was vulnerable to illness and bodily defect.
A supremely good and intelligent God would not have created a man who right from the beginning was vulnerable to illness and bodily defect, and the fact is that God did not create such a man. Therefore sickness is not a hopeless reality that has a right to overwhelm and destroy or that operates according to a genuine law of the universe. It is a lie and an unreality, without basis in God’s law of good. Because Christian Science treatment specifically opposes what is a lie, it uplifts thought so that one can become conscious of divine Truth, and this has a healing effect.
Mary Baker Eddy, who discovered Christianly scientific healing and established it through a lifetime of teaching and writing, tells of what is needed in this comment in Rudimental Divine Science (p. 9): “To heal, in Christian Science, is to base your practice on immortal Mind, the divine Principle of man’s being; and this requires a preparation of the heart and an answer of the lips from the Lord.”
Christian Science treatment could not possibly heal as it does if everything were as solidly material as it appears. But since it isn’t, and what we see and experience so vividly and sometimes painfully is a subjective mental impression, this fear and false impression about God and His man can be changed by the omnipotence of divine Mind.
Numerous instances of healing, in which so-called material disease does not follow its supposedly natural course after Christian Science treatment has been introduced to the case, help to make this more apparent. Malaria, typhoid fever, cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, for example, have been arrested and healed in this way. Or when massive injuries to the body have been far more quickly overcome than was predicted, through entirely spiritual treatment—not in a single rare instance but in hundreds of cases—it leads thought to become more willing to explore the possibility that the impression of matter ruling and determining all is not accurate.
God is more fundamental to us than we have ever imagined.
It is not accurate, Christian Science shows, because God is more real, more substantial, more fundamental to us than we have ever imagined. The Bible gives many hints of this Science of being and its spiritual law of restoration and healing in the acts of prophets and apostles and, above all, through the works of Christ Jesus.
The scientific direction of the future, far from making God an outmoded superstition, will more and more verify the significance of divine Spirit as having everything to do with the life and health of man. The present bias of science toward materialism will gradually change and give way to a better conception of man’s nature as spiritual and to Spirit as indispensable to mankind’s health and fulfillment. It is a change already underway.
Comments:
1. Agatha van Embden Says:
The above is a very clear and helpful explanation of what a Christian Science treatment really is!
2. BettyPierce Says:
What I’ve become aware of is how much fear plays a huge role in illness. For me it comes up over and over because of having been laid off and looking for a job. So I call my practitioner and get back on track when that happens!
3. Poonam Likhi Says:
Very good article for clearing the doubts about Christian Science Treatment.
4. Collier Butler Kaler Says:
I have witnessed numerous Christian Science healings so I know that prayer works. This article shows clearly HOW it works. It’s not blind faith but a scientific spiritual treatment. Thank you for posting this on your site!
5. Seeker Says:
It would be nice if the author gave an example of how to actually appy these ideas.
6. Blog Administrator Says:
Seeker–
Yes, examples are always good, and you’ll find lots of them showing how Christian Science works in many of the articles on the site as well as in all the testimonies posted in the News of healing section.
7. simona bayarri Says:
why does a healing take long in manifesting ?
8. Ernie Says:
Many, many healings in Christian Science occur very quickly. You can see examples in the testimonies of healing in the News of healing section of this site, and many of the articles in the Articles section include accounts of rapid healings as well. But sometimes healings do take a while. Each case is individual, so there’s no one reason, although one thing that comes to mind is the tenacity of mortal belief. Sometimes it’s harder than other times to realize that sickness or an injury isn’t the reality it appears to be; sometimes it seems harder than others to realize that God is always with us and that we’re spiritual, not material.
9. Caz Says:
How would a practitioner deal with a life/death situation where a person is on medication (for an organ which has been removed) so there is nothing there to be stimulated or calmed down…. but who is now relying on christian science for all other ills .. would they be able to treat as if not, there is nowhere to go except relying on oneself and God. Caz
10. Kevin Says:
Caz, your question is an important one. It goes to the heart of what Christian Science healing can and does accomplish. If I understand it correctly, your question asks how a practitioner might give prayerful treatment to someone using medication—though perhaps for something other than what the practitioner’s been asked to pray about.
It seems to me the practitioner would need some additional information before deciding whether or not to take the case. For example, is the person looking for the deeply spiritual regeneration that Christian Science brings, or just to “fix something” on the body? It’s difficult to apply Christian Science selectively since it addresses thought, rather than organs or other physical conditions.
The practitioner’s approach would depend upon whether the individual is taking medication voluntarily or at the insistence of others (family, physician, etc.) Is the person moving toward complete spiritual independence and freedom—seeing his or her identity as the very likeness of God—or holding onto the medication out of fear or limitation? The practitioner also may ask how the person is thinking about the wholeness of man—his or her own life as a spiritual idea.
“Life/death” wouldn’t necessarily be how a practitioner would describe the situation. Christian Science practice always begins with God’s allness, and stays with man’s present wholeness and perfection within that allness. In other words, the practitioner would start with God as Life—and stay with that fact alone.
As Christian Science touches people, it removes fear and doubt. Our trust in God’s ability to heal and save is regenerated. As the light of divine power dawns in thought we start to feel the transforming, saving effect of the Christ, Truth at work here and now.
11. Karen Says:
I have been a Christian (Protestant) for many years and have received many healings through prayer and faith in Jesus Christ.
While I have had these experiences, I see a lack of physical healings in believers. Why are so many people of faith not healed? I believe there has to be some kind of “disconnect” that prevents us from tapping into God’s healing.
Does Christian Science provide this bridge from believing in healing to healing manifestation?
I look forward to reading more about Christian Science.
12. Blog Administrator Says:
Karen–
Yes, Christian healing–the healing that Christ Jesus taught and practiced–is central to Christian Science. If you haven’t already found them, you’ll want to check out the testimonies of healing in the News of healing section of the site. Any number of videos and articles on the site talk about healing too. You also may be interested in knowing about Christian Science practitioners, who devote their full time to spiritual healing. The articles listed on the right side of that page about practitioners no doubt will be of special interest to you too. Finally, feel free to ask questions in the discussion forums on this site.
13. Mark (Los Angeles) Says:
Healing in Christian Science occurs at the moment of a chane of thought.
14. Chris Says:
How does a practitioner come into play when there is an emergency situation where medical testing is advised? And also how does the practitioner treat emergency health related cases as opposed to long term health related cases?
15. Kevin Says:
Chris, your two-part question touches on the spiritual ethics of Christian Science healing practice as well as its practical application.
Practically speaking, in an emergency case, where someone might be in an ambulance or a hospital ER setting, the practitioner could certainly be asked to give immediate prayerful treatment to help overcome fear and bring a sense of spiritual calm, loving comfort and support to the person and/or their loved ones.
How a practitioner might continue to pray beyond the immediate need may depend on whether the patient is a minor or an adult, since certain accommodations in health care laws could apply. It seems as if you’re referring to an adult’s case here, and so the practitioner would need answers to some important questions: Is the patient conscious or unconscious? Able to make informed decisions? If not, is there a health care power of attorney (advance directive) that specifies his or her wishes? What does the family want?
To be clear, the fact that someone is having a medical emergency does not preclude a practitioner from praying, but these and other factors could help determine whether the practitioner would give specific Christian Science healing treatment or offer more general prayers of support, love and comfort.
As to the spiritual ethics of Christian Science healing, a practitioner wouldn’t necessarily differentiate a healing need as “short-term” or “long-term” since the infinite power of God to heal is immediately available. In Science and Health, Mary Baker Eddy writes: “…decided types of acute disease are quite as ready to yield to Truth as the less distinct type and chronic form of disease. Truth handles the most malignant contagion with perfect assurance” (p. 176).
In every case, Christian Science practice begins with God’s allness, and stays with man’s perfection and completely healthy spiritual identity as God’s child. Starting on this basis, that God is the Life of each one of us, brings the healing light of divine Love into our lives here and now–and always.
16. Helen Says:
I’ve been studying Christian Science for about 18 months and attending church. I’ve needed healing throughout that time and have worked with three different practitioners. Unfortunately, I have not receive a healing through working with the practitioners, reading the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (as well as the Sentinel). I’ve become very discouraged and feel that for some reason, CS is not working for me.
Any suggestions? Are some practitioners more effective healers than others and if so, how does one find an “effective healer” to work with? I’ve just about given up working with CS.
17. Blog Administrator Says:
Helen–
The comments aren’t the place for an ongoing discussion, but I can assure you that healing is possible. You may find these threads in our discussion forum helpful: Discouraged … can you help?, What to do, if there is no improvement?, and Ready to give up. You may want to post in the discussion forum too.
18. gerd vogel Says:
How do you relate it to theory of karma?
It is all so false what you are saying.
19. Blog Administrator Says:
Gerd—
To get a Christian Science perspective on karma, you can read this: Is karma God’s law?
As for Christian Science being false, countless people for over a century have proved that it’s true. The healings people describe in the articles and testimonies on this site aren’t fantasies; they’re facts seen in improved lives.
20. Elisha Says:
How does CS address cases in which a child is born with a deformity, such as a missing limb or a cleft palate?
Also, what about things such as blindness, deafness, seizures from birth?
Do CS practicioners need to wait until the child is old enough to understand ALL GOD IS, or is there another way in which CS can provide help for them?
21. Mrs. Eickhoff Says:
I have heard rumor that Mary Baker Eddy died of complications arising from pneumonia. Did she lose touch with ALL GOD IS, or is there another explanation?
Also, what about things like starvation, dehydration, or lack of sleep- will connection with ALL GOD IS prevent these situations from causing health issues, and if so, why should we bother eating, drinking, or sleeping at all?
Please do not misunderstand my questions to be mocking or accusatory.
I am honestly wondering whether or not we even need these things in order to live if/when we learn to know and understand ALL GOD IS.
Thank you in advance for any answers you can provide!
22. Blog Administrator Says:
Elisha (Comment #20)—
No doubt you’ll be interested in this testimony: Child healed of medically diagnosed skull abnormality. Besides this family’s son being healed of a deformity, the mother also mentions that a daughter was healed of deafness in one ear. Although I can’t think of any accounts on the site of children who were born blind being healed, such cases would be approached the same way as described in that testimony.
The boy mentioned in that testimony was less than a year old, so healing isn’t put off until the child is old enough to understand Christian Science. As Mary Baker Eddy writes in Science and Health (p. 412), “If the case is that of a young child or an infant, it needs to be met mainly through the parent’s thought, silently or audibly on the aforesaid basis of Christian Science.”
Hope that helps.
23. Elisha Says:
I am fascinated by what I see/hear in your videos!
If I am reading all of this correctly, there is no need to worry about fitness or diet in this life & the only exercise one need practice that of being ones’ self, as created by God.
How does one become a Christian Science nurse and/or practicioner?
24. Elisha Says:
If we truly believe in ALL GOD IS, can we obtain victory over death itself?
Are there any cases of Christian Scientists who have lived long lives without aging or dying, and if so, why do we not hear more about them?
Do Christian Scientists believe in a second coming of Christ, and if so, is it possible for us to still be alive & well when He arrives to bring His own to be with God?
25. Blog Administrator Says:
Mrs. Eickhoff (Comment #21)—
I don’t think it’s accurate to say that Mary Baker Eddy lost contact with God—and God certainly didn’t lose contact with her! While Christian Science makes it possible to overcome death and there are numerous accounts of people who had died being restored to life, Mrs. Eddy never claimed that she wouldn’t die. Here’s how she put it in her book Unity of Good (p. 43):
“This generation seems too material for any strong demonstration over death, and hence cannot bring out the infinite reality of Life,—namely, that there is no death, but only Life. The present mortal sense of being is too finite for anchorage in infinite good, God, because mortals now believe in the possibility that Life can be evil.
“The achievement of this ultimatum of Science, complete triumph over death, requires time and immense spiritual growth.
“I have by no means spoken of myself, I cannot speak of myself as ‘sufficient for these things.’ I insist only upon the fact, as it exists in divine Science, that man dies not, and on the words of the Master in support of this verity,—words which can never ‘pass away till all be fulfilled.’”
Eating, sleeping, etc., all fit in with that. Yes, we can overcome the need to eat, for instance, but that too takes immense spiritual growth. Sort of like a child, we first crawl, then wobble a bit while taking tentative steps, and then we walk and finally run. Often our spiritual growth is something like that. We move ahead progressively, never losing what’s essential to life or what’s enjoyable and satisfying.
26. Blog Administrator Says:
Elisha (Comments #23 & #24)—
I think my earlier responses (#22 and especially #25) pretty much cover your two latest comments.
Here’s information about becoming a Christian Science nurse and a Christian Science practitioner.
I think you’ll find Christian Scientists agreeing that divine Science is the Comforter, the second coming of Christ. It’s here right now. If you’re alive and well, you’re here for it!
The comments sections of articles aren’t the best place for an ongoing discussion. You might want to register for and use the discussion forums on this site. You can ask questions, get answers, pass along insights, and communicate with the forum community.
27. Phil Says:
If God is All, then surely he created medicine and medical doctors. How does CS account for this?
28. Ernie Says:
Phil–
I think a Christian Scientist would say that God didn’t make pills, drugs, and medical doctors any more than He made your lunch yesterday. Mary Baker Eddy writes, “Spirit, God, has created all in and of Himself. Spirit never created matter. There is nothing in Spirit out of which matter could be made . . .” (Science and Health, p. 335). Christian Scientists don’t think God made matter or mortals at all, and it’s because God is Spirit that we as His creation must really be spiritual and governed by spiritual rather than material laws. Those spiritual laws override so-called material laws, which is the reason those spiritual laws heal.
That said, I’m very grateful for doctors and their methods of alleviating human suffering. Doctors and Christian Scientists use different methods but share the same goal: healing. I’ve found that Christian Science has met all my health-care needs; other people find that medical care meets theirs.
29. Mike Says:
I have heard Christian Scientists talk about realization, but never yet found one who could describe it to me. They tend to lose themselves in generalities, whereas a science should offer precise and comprehensive descriptions. Reading in Science and Health, I did not find these. I found endless denials of the reality of matter, but nothing which would lend a third dimension to such an assertion. It has been like standing in front of a high, concrete wall offering no door and no foothold. What is this thing called realization which gets one through the wall?
30. Blog Administrator Says:
Mike—
I’m not sure exactly what you mean by realization. I guess Christian Scientists I talk with don’t use the word as often as the ones you talk with do! A quick concordance check indicates that Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer of Christian Science, used the word only 12 times in her published work. Here’s one example, though, that might provide some insight: “The realization that all inharmony is unreal brings objects and thoughts into human view in their true light, and presents them as beautiful and immortal” (Science and Health, p. 276). It’s realizing that anything evil is ultimately unreal that leads to healing or the resolution of any problem. And far from presenting just generalities, the testimonies of healing and any number of articles on this site give precise accounts of how relying on God and understanding Him and His goodness leads to healing—a very concrete result. Take a look at some and see if they don’t clear things up for you.
31. Elizabeth A. Says:
I am so grateful for this article! It has helped me feel how much God really loves all of Her creation. Today I asked God what She wanted me to know about our relationship. The answer came, “I would never create anything that would cause you fear.” This article just explained to me in more depth what God was telling me. Thank you very much!
32. WhatTheHolyHeck Says:
How do you distinguish your results from the use of a placebo? Years of clinical research has proven the placebo effect, so I’m wondering how you explain that in the face of “proof” that God is the reason for any unexpected recovery that accompanies prayer-only treatment.
33. Ernie Says:
WhatTheHolyHeck—
Thousands and thousands of people have been healed by Christian Science treatment since the late 1800s. It seems to me that if all those healings are the result of the placebo effect, you’d have to conclude that the thousands of cures produced by standard medical means over such a period are the result of the placebo effect too. It can’t be definitively proved that no one receiving Christian Science treatment wasn’t healed simply by thinking effective treatment was being provided. By the same token, it can’t be definitively proved that no one taking a drug that was effective in other cases wasn’t cured just by thinking effective treatment was provided. I don’t think you can write off the vast majority of healings resulting from Christian Science treatment unless you also want to write off the vast majority of cures resulting from standard medical treatment. Christian Science has a long record of consistent, reliable healing.
34. curious…. Says:
Do people of this faith ever use established health care providers like dentists or the common hospital equiped with college educated nurses and physicians? I guess I just am curiuos about what kind of health care these people recieve. Is health care only provided by spiritual nurses and physicians within this community?
35. Blog Administrator Says:
Curious (#34)–
As noted in our FAQ, Christian Scientists can use whatever form of health care they want; they can go to dentists, doctors, and so on. Many regularly choose Christian Science treatment, however, because it’s been very effective for them, meeting all their health-care needs.
36. sue herhold Says:
I’ve had MS for 18 years, no longer walk, am very discouraged, am on medication. I’ve been studying Christian Science for many year, but healing doesn’t come. Can I be treated by a Practitioner ? Or, does God really reject healing me due to medication?
I’m confused and desperate. Please help with advise.
Sincerely,
Sue
37. levity Says:
Dear Sue,
I know it can seem like there are all these “rules” when it comes to practitioners, Christian Science treatment, and so forth, but the bottom line is that no one is beyond healing because no one is beyond God’s love.
Have you ever read the chapter called “Fruitage” in “Science and Health” by Mary Baker Eddy? I think you’ll find encouragement there, especially in the stories of individuals who were relying on medication for some pretty serious ailments, but just through reading “Science and Health” found such a conviction of God’s care and love for them that they no longer felt the need for the medication … and were healed. In other words, they didn’t give up medication because they had to give it up to get healing … they gave it up because they found it wasn’t necessary for healing, and because what had dawned on them was the realness of God’s power and love in their lives. The realness of God’s power and love are always the basis for healing.
I honestly can’t tell you how any particular practitioner will respond if you call them. However, it does sound to me as though there is plenty for any practitioner to help you with. You have a right to be free, not just of MS, but also of the confusion, discouragement, and desperation you’re feeling. Why not start by addressing those issues–along with any fear–and then see what the next step is? I’ve found for myself that the problem is never what it seems to be. In other words, a problem may feel so physical, so bodily, but inevitably, when I address what’s going on mentally–the fear I’m feeling, the discouragement, the belief that I’m cut off from God or unworthy of God’s help–the physical problem yields, too.
I hope some of these ideas help. My thoughts are with you–as is God’s comfort and love. No matter how dark things seem, God is right there with you, and acknowledging His presence is the pinprick of light that leads out of the darkness.
Much love to you.
38. Jamison Says:
Why does Christian Science heal? The placebo effect. How does it work? The placebo effect. Christian science is didn’t wipe the plague of small pox off the face of the earth, saving more lives already than any have ever been lost in every war in the history of mankind combined, it was real science.
Fact: Real medicine and treatment works whether you believe in it or not.
39. Blog Administrator Says:
Jamison–
Ernie posted something about the placebo effect in comment #33 above. Have a look.
40. Jamison Says:
“Thousands and thousands of people have been healed by Christian Science treatment since the late 1800s.”
I am severely skeptical of anything that cites “proof” before the 1920’s, even those from real medicine. You can’t verify “thousands” of cases more than a hundred years old.
“It seems to me that if all those healings are the result of the placebo effect, you’d have to conclude that the thousands of cures produced by standard medical means over such a period are the result of the placebo effect too.”
Yes, this is true, which is why it is called the -placebo- effect in the first place. For something to be incorporated in to real medicine, it must do -better- than the placebo effect first. It must work whether or not you believe in it. After that, -yes- there is always going to be a wild card patient who wills them-self back to health, but the majority get better because science works.
“It can’t be definitively proved that no one receiving Christian Science treatment wasn’t healed simply by thinking effective treatment was being provided. By the same token, it can’t be definitively proved that no one taking a drug that was effective in other cases wasn’t cured just by thinking effective treatment was provided.”
Yes, it can be proven, and it has. Christian science had thousands of years to tackle cystic fibrosis, and despite their best efforts, the average life expectancy in the 1950’s was 2 months. In only fifty years time, patients with cystic fibrosis typically live well into their forties thanks to the work of modern medicine and big evil pharmaceutical companies.
Again, small pox was eradicated from the planet thanks to modern medicine. In the time that it has been wiped out, more lives have already been saved than if you took the number of those lost in every war in the history of humankind combined.
“I don’t think you can write off the vast majority of healings resulting from Christian Science treatment unless you also want to write off the vast majority of cures resulting from standard medical treatment. Christian Science has a long record of consistent, reliable healing.”
I will embrace this statement the day you can find me a Type 1 diabetic(who is insulin-dependent from verifiable fibrosis of their pancreas via a pancreatic biopsy)
and you can cure them of their need for insulin to store excess blood glucose.
There is NO “long consistent record of healing”. There IS a record of “miracles” kept in confidence by the directors of christian science of all the cases where it worked(or at least, didn’t FAIL outright). I have spoke to many christian scientists and found there is no record that Christian scientists keep of all the times it DID NOT WORK. Real medicine does NOT have that luxury, every success is measured against every failure, and is continually -evolving- to improve, that’s why doctor’s “practice” medicine to improve it, whereas christian scientists “perform” it.
Real medicine gets better with every failure, christian science and other alternative medicines choose to cherry pick all their successes and ignore their failures and put lives in danger because of either willful-ignorance or blind faith.
Of course not everyone ignores them, especially the parents of dead children:
http://whatstheharm.net/christianscience.html
No amount of verbal-slight-of-hand will talk you out of this one, welcome to Medicine.
Fact: Real medicine -still- works whether you believe it or not.
41. Ernie Says:
Jamison—
I’m not going to debate you. I don’t think that’s what this site is about, and, frankly, I don’t think you’re open to being persuaded. But I’ll say a few things.
I don’t know of any Christian Scientists who deny that medical treatment has helped an awful lot of people. There’s no way to prove that it was the actual treatment that did the job in a particular case—that is, that it wasn’t the placebo effect, the compassion of the medical professionals, some other change in the person’s life, etc. But people generally accept that the treatment was effective. I think it’s only fair to accept the same thing about Christian Science treatment. It just isn’t any more fair to write off all successful Christian Science healing than it is to write off all successful medical treatment.
It’s true that not every Christian Science treatment is successful. Sometimes people die. It’s just as true that not every medical treatment is successful, even when a good outcome was expected. Sometimes people die. Neither Christian Scientists nor medical professionals are happy when they’re not successful, and they all try to learn and do better. But both systems are generally effective and deserve to be judged on their generally successful records. An Internet search will easily turn up horror stories about the cases in which one system or the other wasn’t effective, so there’s no need to trade such stories back and forth.
You can deny that Christian Science has a long record of consistent healing if you want to, but that denial just doesn’t agree with the facts. There certainly is no “record of ‘miracles’ kept in confidence by the directors of christian science,” to use your words. Testimonies of healing are published every week and month in magazines readily available to the public. A number are on this site too—some of medically diagnosed conditions, some of conditions for which medical treatment offered no hope.
Finally, people who don’t “believe in” or understand Christian Science have been healed by it. Spiritual laws work whether you believe in them or not, just as, on a physical level, the law of gravity works whether or not you believe in it or understand it.
42. Blog Administrator Says:
Ernie’s right, Jamison, that this isn’t the place for debate, so we won’t be posting any further comments along this line. There’s no need to anyway. You’ve made your point. People are free to consider it and to consider what’s said about Christian Science on this site, and they can draw their own conclusions.
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