Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.  Is Christian Science the same as Scientology?
A.  No, there is no connection whatsoever.  Christian Science was discovered in the late 1800's by Mary Baker Eddy.  It is based on the Bible and a love of God.

Q.  Is Christian Science really Christian?
A.  Yes.  It is firmly based on the Bible and the teachings and works of Christ Jesus.

Q.  Who is Mary Baker Eddy?
A.  Mrs. Eddy was born in 1821 in New Hampshire.  In 1866 she was healed of serious internal injuries while reading her Bible.  This led to her discovery of what she named Christian Science.  In 1875 she published the first edition of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, the textbook of Christian Science.

Q.  What is Mary Baker Eddy's role in Christian Science?
A:  Leader, Discoverer, and Founder.  The author of the textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.  Although we are extremely grateful to Mrs. Eddy for her discovery, she is not deified or worshiped in any way.

Q.  Does the textbook Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures take the place of the Bible?
A.  No.  Both are studied daily by Christian Scientists around the world and are used in Christian Science church services.  Nothing can take the place of the Bible.

Q.  Why is the word "Science" used to describe your religion?
A.  Because it can be demonstrated.  It has rules and laws (the laws of God), just like mathematics or music.  When these laws are understood and applied, healing happens!  These are the same laws that Jesus put into practice 2,000 years ago. 

Q.  What is Jesus' place in Christian Science?
A.  Son of God, Way-shower, Savior.  Jesus was not God in a human form, but he embodied the Christ, or Divine nature of a spiritual, Father-Mother God.

Q.  Do Christian Scientists believe in the Virgin Birth?
A.  Yes.

Q.  Do Christian Scientists believe in the resurrection of Christ Jesus?
A.  Yes.

Q.  Do Christian Scientists believe in a Heaven and Hell?
A.  To us, heaven and hell are states of thought, not places.  Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:21)  No one is destined to spend eternity suffering in hell.

Q.  Is it true that Christian Scientists don't go to doctors?
A.  Christian Scientists appreciate the dedication that most medical professionals have towards improving the lives of their fellow man.  However, because good health is a natural outcome of spiritual growth, students of Christian Science tend to seek the services of a doctor infrequently.

Q.  Is a Christian Scientist allowed to go to a doctor?
A.  A Christian Scientist may choose any method of healing that he or she wishes.  Spiritual healing is usually the first choice because it is a natural result of learning more about God and how to apply His laws.  But there is no condemnation to anyone that might, for whatever reason, choose to consult a medical doctor.

Q.  What is Christian Science treatment?
A.  Christian Science treatment is a focused form of prayer for the purpose of bringing about a corrective action in a person's experience.  Treatment can be used to effect physical healing, address financial lack, handle employment-related  issues, resolve difficult relationships, and more.  You can ask any student of Christian Science for treatment, or seek out a full-time Christian Science practitioner.

Q.  What is a Christian Science practitioner?
A.  A Christian Science practitioner is an experienced student of Christian Science that maintains a full-time professional practice helping others through prayer. The Christian Science Journal (which is available at any Christian Science Reading Room) includes a directory of practitioners located around the world.

Q.  How do I locate a Christian Science practitioner?
A.  Visit, call, or e-mail any Christian Science Reading Room.  The staff there will be able to give you names of practitioners in your area, or you may look in The Christian Science Journal for a complete listing.  On-line directory of practitioners.  Some practitioners also advertise in their local telephone directory under "Christian Science".

Q.  What is a Christian Science Reading Room?
A.  A Reading Room is a bookstore, reference library, and a peaceful study area open to the public.  Our Reading Room is located in our church building and is open before and after Sunday morning and Wednesday evening services.  (more information)  Or you may e-mail our Reading Room staff at info@practicalprayer.org

Q.  What is your church location and hours?
A.  Our church is located at 1755 Rolling Hills Drive in Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States
Sunday -- 10:30am    Sunday School -- 10:30am    Wednesday evening -- 7:00pm  (more information)
Visitors are welcome at every one of our services!  A directory of Christian Science churches in other cities throughout the United States and throughout the world can be found in The Christian Science Journal or in this online directory.

Q.  What activities do you have for young people?
A.  Young people from age 3 through 19 are welcome in our Christian Science Sunday School.  There they are taught Bible stories and lessons they can apply in their lives today, including the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, the loving nature of God, and the teachings and healings of Jesus.

Q.  Must one join your church to be a student of Christian Science?
A.  Not at all.  Everyone has their own unique spiritual journey.  People of many religious affiliations--or no affiliation--apply the ideas found in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures to their lives.  Jesus didn't require membership in a particular church, and neither do we!

Q.  Do you celebrate Thanksgiving?
A.  Yes.  Annually, each Christian Science church (in the USA, Canada, and wherever Thanksgiving is a national holiday) holds a special church service on Thanksgiving Day.  The Bible Lesson sermon that day is about gratitude, and those attending are invited to share their gratitude outloud.  Giving thanks is so important to us that every midweek meeting all year long at Christian Science churches and societies throughout the world includes time for the sharing of gratitude by those in the congregation who tell of healings through prayer and of proofs of God's care.   All services are open to the public.

Do you have a question that is not addressed in our site?  Or would you like more information about what you've read on this site?  E-mail us at info@practicalprayer.org