Article August 5, 1985 Issue

Christian Science: religion, not a health-care system

J. DARROW KIRKPATRICK

In my early years Christian Science met every one of the physical difficulties I faced. And there were many healings—healings of measles, mumps, chronic indigestion, and various injuries from accidents. However, during these years I never fully realized the broader purpose of Christian Science to eliminate sin. In Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, states clearly of this Science, "Now, as then, signs and wonders are wrought in the metaphysical healing of physical disease; but these signs are only to demonstrate its divine origin,—to attest the reality of the higher mission of the Christ-power to take away the sins of the world."^{Science and Health, p. 150.}

As problems other than ones affecting my physical health came into my daily activities, I discovered that Christian Science was not a health-care system but a way of life in which physical healing is the natural result of inward spiritual regeneration.

Christian Science truly shows us the whole garment of Christ. Just as the Master's tunic at the time of his crucifixion was found to be without seam, the Christ, Truth, which Jesus lived and practiced, is not compartmentalized into specialty uses. Christ, Truth, when understood and demonstrated, regenerates life now as in Jesus' time, and this results naturally in physical healing. As Christ Jesus stated to Nicodemus, we must be born again—or regenerated. While healing of physical disease through spiritual means is a part of this, it is only the sign that regeneration is taking place, not the essence of regeneration.

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