Utilizing the Framework of Christian Science

By Cheryl Petersen

People say I’m not your typical Christian Scientist.

I started practicing Christian Science in college, and 25 years later, I revised and updated the
book most commonly linked to Christian Science, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,
written by 19th century icon, Mary Baker Eddy. I am not dedicated to church rituals, and I don’t
avoid doctors―typical stereotypes associated with the faith. However, being typical or atypical
doesn’t make me any more or less spiritual than my peers.
Religion serves as a framework for understanding and discovery, and the faith of Christian
Science, a.k.a. divine Science, has proven itself very useful to me. I can attend Churches of
Christ, Scientists, but I also can attend church services of other faiths and filter what I see and
hear through my faith. My faith is a foundation, whereas, religions and religious organizations
are only tools that twist and turn and loosen consciousness until metaphysical laws are
discovered as supreme to physical laws (yes, religion can twist the wrong way too, but that is
another article).
Christian Science is generally considered a fad church or New Age religion, first originating
in the 19th century by religious reformer Mary Baker Eddy, however, there is far more to this
faith than most people realize. Christian Science is not a church, but the study and witnessing of
spiritual manifestation. Its teachings impress upon me the ability to be fully accountable for my
life and to cultivate spiritual understanding.
As a tradition, Christian Science worships one Spirit, God. Person is likened to be the image
of divine Spirit. A mortal humanlike God does not resonate with the faith of Christian Science.
Divine Science acknowledges God as infinite Love and they are allied to the teachings of the
prophets and Christ Jesus. Answers to life’s questions are found, not in the materialist view, but
in the spiritual view of Principe, God, interpreting well-being and purpose to the universe and
humanity.
Despite the systematic teachings in texts, I’ve come to realize the knowledge of spiritual
Being and its accompanying power can be traced through all time and many faiths. History
echoes with the annals of people who have come face-to-face with glimpses of spirituality and
who have experienced transforming spiritual power and peace.
I’ve noticed that my framework of Christian Science coincides with the intent not to extend
mortality and not to be exclusive of humanity, but to become aware of immortality and unity. For
example, when I landed in a hospital emergency room after a severe accident and was told my
bleeding liver was fatal, and that they were preparing for an operation to stop the bleeding, I
referred to my understanding of God as my life. Nothing can kill life.
I felt the affirmation of Life operating in my consciousness, painlessly sealing my conviction
with gratitude and humility. The surgeon, or rather the monitors, confirmed that I was stabilizing
and surgery became less imminent. The surgeon continued watching the monitors, and later
agreed the liver surgery was unnecessary.
The surgeon and I had faith in healing. We met at the spiritual level of faith. Although our
understandings differed―and the surgeon’s religion (so to speak) is physiological science, and
mine is divine Science―we both witnessed healing, not only of the liver, but also of 2nd degree
burns on half of my face.
Faith and spirituality are not confined to religious teachings, nor are they restricted to set
religious habits. However, religion, when not overrated or underrated, can be helpful. The tenets
of divine Science as found in Science and Health are basic and straightforward and can be
explored extensively. However, a shred of divine Science has been potent enough to transform
human life, just as a shred of habanera pepper is potent enough to give a jolt to chili.

Cheryl Petersen lives in upstate New York. She is a freelance writer. Her book, 21st Century
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, can be found online. Cheryl blogs at
www.HealingScienceToday.com