I am a Student of Christian Science

By Cheryl Petersen
Are you a Christian Scientist?
When I am asked this question, more often than not, I answer, “I practice Christian Science.”
Christian Science is a practice, a system of divine healing that can be applied to everyday life.
Basically, to pigeonhole myself as a Christian Scientist can be misleading. For example, I know
a few people who categorize themselves as farmers, but really are practicing golf, while their
hired managers practice the farming.
Christian Science, as defined by Mary Baker Eddy, is “The law of God, the law of good,
interpreting and demonstrating the divine Principle and rule of universal harmony.” (Rudimental
Divine Science, Mary Baker Eddy) The healing law of good has existed forever; it is not a
mystery when scientifically analyzed.
On the other hand, Christian Science is a mystery when it is defined as a church organization,
a dogma, or a human way of life. But, this wandering around in definitions doesn’t change the
facts. Christian Science, when juxtaposed with Eddy’s terminology, is a “system of Mind-
healing.” (Science and Health, Mary Baker Eddy, Trade Edition)
Christian Science is not a practice of rituals or a system of beliefs. There are metaphysical
rules to follow in Mind-healing. I have found that when I follow the spiritual rules, I can
experience both emotional and physical improvement.
Problem is, it feels counterintuitive to follow spiritual rules. The human mind can only grasp
so much, and it is easily confused by abstract ideas. However, there is an unseen force that
compels human beings to understand, to break barriers, and courageously defeat anything that
goes against God, good. Consequently, spirituality is pursued and those very spiritual rules are
glimpsed and recognized as beneficial.
The propaganda surrounding Christian Science, or any religion for that matter, needs to be
dismissed in order to embrace the inspiration that correctly interprets the spiritual rules taught.
Religion should not morph into a series of human rules that override spiritual rules. It is
important to remember that spiritual rules are impartial, discoverable to everyone, just as we all
are exposed to the law of gravity.
So as not to get too hung up on the word Christian, Eddy also used the terms spiritual Science,
Mind-science, divine Science, or the Science of Spirit, while explaining this “pathological
system of Christianity.” (ibid)
Of course, there is than the temptation to get hung up on the word Science. However, if a
scientist of physics can discover how a law of matter works by means of using the scientific
method, why can’t a scientist of divine Mind discover how the law of God heals by means of
using the scientific method? Therefore, Eddy, theorized, experimented, and concluded. “God is
Mind, and God is infinite; hence all is Mind. On this statement rests the Science of being, and the
Principle of this Science is divine, demonstrating harmony and immortality.” (Ibid)
The study of the law of God is not only healing, but also interesting and uniting. I am better
able to see similarities, instead of differences, between religions. The student’s knowledge of
divine Being is mind-opening, however, “Their knowledge of Mind-healing may be right
theoretically, but the moral and spiritual status of thought must be right also.” (Miscellaneous
Writings, Things to be Thought of)
As a student of divine Science, I continue to apply the law of God, revealing the one Cause
and effect that includes Christlike healing. People really can’t be pigeonholed as if we are
separate from one another or separate from God and God’s rule of natural healing. Our status is
oneness. Mind is one and infinite Mind includes us, a principle worthy of study and practice.

Bio: Cheryl Petersen lives in New York with her husband. Cheryl freelance writes on spiritual
healing. Her blog is www.HealingScienceToday.wordpress.com