Science and Christianity can co-exist
in God's laws
A few weeks ago Andy Rooney, in a“60 Minutes" segment, made reference to Christian Science, saying he didn't know anything about the faith tradition, but thought that using these two words together seemed like a contradiction in terms.
However, several documentaries and commentaries of late have asked if Christian explanations of life and all phenomena are truly at odds with science, suggesting that perhaps there is more common ground.
This may be a new and intriguing discussion for some, but in the 19th century, Mary Baker Eddy wrote, "The two largest words in the vocabulary of thought are 'Christian' and 'Science.' "She reached this- conclusion after discovering what she understood to be the divine Principle.
She had experienced a healing while reading an account of Jesus' acts in her Bible. Not fully understanding how she was healed, she spent many years in intensive scriptural study and healing activity, culminating in the publication of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." In this book she marked out what she understood to be the science-behind Jesus' healing works.
As she saw it, his works were divinely natural and repeatable. She believed the science she discovered puts into practice Jesus' own words, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth in me, the works that I do shall he do also ..." (John 14:12)
"Christian" is defined by many as a religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus. The word also speaks to the Christ-like qualities exemplified by Jesus and those who try to live up to his ideal. Eddy defines "Christian" as the "highest style of man."
'"Science" is often defined as the theoretical explanation of phenomena based upon observation, investigation and knowledge gained through experience. Eddy defines "science" as that which "reveals and interprets God and man."
To Eddy, Christian Science refers to "the laws of God and to his government of the universe, inclusive of man." So, she saw these two words as very compatible indeed. Rather than a contradiction in terms, she saw "Christian" and "science" as a confirmation of each other, the Christ Science, science validating and affirming the laws of God in each Christian life practice.
My personal journey to prove science as divine laws that could be trusted and practiced began many years ago when I thought I was going to die. I had swallowed a -fish bone. I was taught that this could kill a person and I was fearful because I believed it was true, and I was having alarming symptoms.
Through study and prayer, I gleaned a better understanding of who I was as God's beloved daughter and I began to feel safe. I affirmed that God, who is good, love, omnipotent and omnipresent, was taking care of me. I was, and still am, his loved one.
Jesus said that we could "know the truth and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). Believing, knowing and affirming with all my heart that God was with me; that he loved me and was forever caring for, protecting and sustaining me, helped me overcome the fear of death. This was the truth that freed me from believing that I could die from swallowing a fish bone.
Surveys regularly show that millions of Americans pray regularly. And millions believe prayer can have a healing effect. Even university medical studies are testing the medicinal power of prayer on recovery from illness or injury.
Jesus instructed, “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." (Matthew 21:22)
In her writings on prayer in "Science and Health" Eddy wrote, "The Hebrew verb to believe means also to be firm or to be constant." She explains the Biblical injunction, "Believe ... and thou shalt be saved!" as demanding "self-reliant trustworthiness, which includes spiritual understanding and confides all to God."
So why do I pray?
Because I believe Christ Jesus' words are not only a promise, but a law of God. A promise and a law true for all people in all times. And surely for all conditions and situations. I mean, Jesus did say, ''And all things ..." I'm praying daily to understand more fully what this means.
Renee J.
Sutton is a student of Christian Science and member of Third Church of Christ,
Scientist.
Renee J. Sutton
Printed in the Austin American Statesman, June
16, 2007.