Christianity and Christian Science, despite their similar names, hold distinct beliefs and practices. This article will explore the key differences and similarities between these two faiths.
If you’re seeking to understand the nuances of these religious traditions, this article will provide you with valuable insights.
With so many variations of religious beliefs around the world, understanding the unique tenets of each faith can be an enriching and informative experience.
We invite you to read on and deepen your understanding of Christianity and Christian Science and compare the different ways they approach spirituality and religious practice.
Comparing Christianity and Christian Science: At a Glance
“Christianity” is derived from “Christ,” referring to Jesus Christ, the central figure in the religion, combined with the suffix “-ity,” meaning quality or state.
“Christian Science” combines “Christian,” referring to the religion, with “Science,” representing the application of systematic methods to understand spiritual truths and heal.
| Criteria | Christianity | Christian Science |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Christianity | Christian Science |
| Size | Approximately 2.3 billion | Approximately 100,000 to 400,000 |
| Date Started | Circa 1st century AD | 1879 |
| Founder | Jesus Christ | Mary Baker Eddy |
| Key Beliefs | Belief in the Holy Trinity; salvation through faith in Jesus | Belief in the all-powerful nature of the Divine Mind; rejection of the material world as an illusion; belief in spiritual healing |
| Key Practices | Prayer, worship, communion, baptism | Prayer, spiritual healing, study Eddy’s writings |
| Divisions | Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant | No major divisions |
| Central Location | Vatican City (Catholic); None for Protestants and Orthodox | The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, MA |
| Sacred Texts | The Bible | “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” by Mary Baker Eddy, the Bible |
What is the Divine Mind in Christin Science?
The Divine Mind is a term for God, who is understood as the infinite intelligence governing the universe. It represents the source of all true understanding, and Christian Scientists believe that aligning one’s thoughts with the Divine Mind leads to spiritual healing and insight.
What is spiritual healing in Christin Science?
Spiritual healing refers to the process of overcoming physical and mental ailments through prayer and a deeper understanding of God. It is believed that aligning one’s thoughts with the Divine Mind can result in the removal of negative beliefs and the restoration of health.
Christian and Christian Science Beliefs: Differences
Christianity teaches the belief in monotheism, asserting that there is one God who exists in three distinct persons. Known as the Trinity, God is comprised of Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit.
| Criteria | Christianity | Christian Science |
|---|---|---|
| God or gods | One God in three persons (Trinity) | One all-powerful Divine Mind |
| The Universe | Created by God; physical and spiritual realms exist | Spiritual reality is true; the physical world is an illusion |
| Ultimate reality | God is the ultimate reality | The Divine Mind is the ultimate reality |
| Human beings | Made in God’s image; have a physical and spiritual nature | Essentially spiritual, true identity is in Divine Mind |
| Problem with the world | Sin and separation from God | False belief in material reality and the existence of evil |
| Solution to the problem | Faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and salvation | Spiritual understanding and realization of the allness of the Divine Mind |
| Nature of the afterlife | Heaven and Hell; eternal life with God or separation | Not emphasized; focus on understanding spiritual reality here and now |
Why does Christian Science say the world is an illusion?
Christian Science teaches that the physical world is an illusion and that true reality is spiritual.
It is based on the belief that the Divine Mind, or God, is the only true reality and everything else is a distortion of this spiritual truth.
Illness and suffering are seen as the result of a misunderstanding of this truth. Healing occurs when one recognizes the spiritual reality and aligns oneself with the Divine Mind.
The Key Practices of Christianity and Christian Science
| Criteria | Christianity | Christian Science |
|---|---|---|
| Worship | Regular church services with singing, prayers, and sermons | Church services with readings from the Bible and Science and Health |
| Prayer | Individual and communal prayers to God for guidance, strength, and forgiveness | Affirmative prayer |
| Healing | Prayer, anointing of the sick in some traditions, and the use of modern medicine | Spiritual healing through prayer and understanding of spiritual truth |
| Communion | Sacrament of the Eucharist (Communion) to remember Jesus’ sacrifice | No equivalent in Christian Science |
| Baptism | Baptism with water as a sign of initiation into the Christian faith | No equivalent in Christian Science |
| Bible Study | Study of the Bible for spiritual guidance and understanding of God’s word | Study of the Bible, along with Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures |
| Fellowship | Fellowship and community activities to strengthen bonds among believers | Church meetings and group discussions about Christian Science teachings |
Comparing the Bible to the Works of Mary Baker Eddy
| Criteria | The Bible | Mary Baker Eddy’s Works |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Sacred text, inspired by God | Inspired writings, interpreting the Bible |
| Composition | Written by multiple authors over centuries | Written by Mary Baker Eddy |
| Language | Originally in Hebrew (Old Testament), Greek (New Testament) | English |
| Main Book | The Bible (Old and New Testament) | Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures |
| Other Writings | Commentaries, interpretations, etc. | Other works including “Miscellaneous Writings,” “Retrospection and Introspection,” etc. |
| Role in Religion | Foundation of Christian beliefs and practices | Explains the metaphysical ideas behind Christian Science and offers guidance on applying them |
| Used in Worship | Central to sermons, hymns, and liturgy | Used alongside the Bible in church services |
| Theological Focus | Revelation of God, life and teachings of Jesus Christ, and moral guidance | Explanation of spiritual healing and the divine laws of life |
What is Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures about?
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures outlines the core teachings of Christian Science, including the belief that spiritual understanding can lead to physical healing.
The book interprets the Bible in a way that emphasizes the spiritual nature of reality and the potential for healing through prayer and understanding of the Divine Mind.
10 Key Events in Christian and Christian Science History
| Christian History | Christian Science History |
|---|---|
| 1. Birth of Jesus Christ (c. 4 B.C.) | 1. Mary Baker Eddy’s healing experience (1866) |
| 2. Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus (c. 30 A.D.) | 2. Publication of “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” (1875) |
| 3. Conversion of Paul (c. 33 A.D.) | 3. Establishment of the Church of Christ, Scientist (1879) |
| 4. First Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.) | 4. Incorporation of the Massachusetts Metaphysical College (1881) |
| 5. Great Schism (1054) | 5. Establishment of the Christian Science Publishing Society (1898) |
| 6. The Crusades (1096-1291) | 6. Establishment of “The Christian Science Monitor” (1908) |
| 7. Protestant Reformation (1517) | 7. Passing of Mary Baker Eddy (1910) |
| 8. English Reformation (1534) | 8. The Church Manual is published posthumously (1911) |
| 9. The First Great Awakening (1730-1755) | 9. The building of The Mother Church Extension (1906) |
| 10. Vatican II (1962-1965) | 10. Legal recognition of spiritual healing practices (various dates) |
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