As Christian Science became part of the religious landscape during the transition into the twentieth century, its practice of healing through prayer gained significant public attention. The movement grew because people were being healed.

Some today have speculated that many who turned to Christian Science did so in those days because the medicine that was practiced in the late 1800s was relatively primitive. One had about as good a chance to be helped with Christian Science as with the guesswork practiced by doctors of the day—so the reasoning goes.

Those who adopt this view are puzzled that intelligent people in our present era of "medical miracles" would still find it logical to seek prayer as a more dependable form of healing. And yet, just as a century ago, thoughtful people are turning to Christian Science and not only finding it an effective method of caring for their health needs but, more important, seeing it as a way of life that is deeply fulfilling, challenging, and satisfying.

Those unacquainted with this denomination may have assumed there is some sort of church rule that prevents an individual from turning to medicine. But gradually people are learning that Christian Scientists look to prayer not because of church compulsion but because, from experience, they've found it has best met their needs. Actually, they are probably less rigid and dogmatic in turning to Spirit for healing than the rest of society is in turning to matter for healing. Their decision is not the result of blind faith but of deeply reasoned spiritual understanding and the practical test of living that understanding.

Some have thought that perhaps it's considered a sin for a Christian Scientist to see a doctor. But this is hardly the view a Christian Scientist would hold about anyone's visit to the doctor's office. Although seeking medical treatment would be a departure from the practice of Christian Science, each individual must work out his experience in accord with what he himself feels ready to demonstrate. Frankly, in light of society's present emphasis on medicine, one would almost think it was a societal sin to turn away from doctors!

Of course, relinquishing deep spiritual convictions can be difficult. This would be true for any individual in any denomination. But if a Christian Scientist were to turn to medicine, the step he would not want to take is to combine medicine and Christian Science. The two different modes of treating disease are so incompatible that they tend to act against each other.

A phenomenon probably at least as puzzling to those who have noted that in this modern era credible people still do turn to Christian Science for healing is that there are people who are returning to Christian Science after a "stint" under conventional medical care. Some of those returning have perhaps been disillusioned after buying into the current media hype that would almost imply the world of medicine will make everything perfect if people everywhere, with all their resources, will just get on board.

But there are other thoughtful people who weren't really disillusioned. And yet they are earnestly working their way back to the Christian Science teaching of radical reliance on God for healing. What underlies the decision to return, especially if medicine seemed a necessary step at a very difficult moment in a Christian Scientist's life? The rededication to spiritual healing probably has to do with what God means to that person.

One of the most basic facts in the life of a Christian Scientist is his or her profound belief in the reality of God and His allness. As much as the world urges the view that matter constitutes the basic substance of existence, the Christian Scientist is drawn to the revelation Mary Baker Eddy received. She insists the Bible teaches that Spirit, instead of matter, is actually the ultimate substance of reality.

The world of medicine tends to draw an individual toward matter as basic reality. The world of Christian Science tends to draw an individual toward Spirit as basic reality. Those two views are not reconcilable. While some Christian Scientists might have turned to medicine, they haven't necessarily lost entirely their original vision that God is All, that Spirit is authentic reality, and that Spirit's creation is wholly spiritual.

This vision, even if it has dwindled to only flicker instead of an original burning torch, is enough to result eventually in a return to Christian Science. Such a deep intuition about God's nature and the implications for man deserves the fullest respect and nurturing. Yes, there are obstacles that may stand in the way. The individual may be receiving a drug considered, from a medical viewpoint, essential to keep him alive. Or the patient may be experiencing a sense of guilt for having decided to turn away from Christian Science. Or he may fear his fellow Christian Scientists didn't understand his decision to take the steps he took.

However baseless some of the issues are that seem to make a return difficult, they may loom pretty large for people. And yet it is happening. People are returning. Perhaps an individual struggling to regain his commitment feels the supportive and encouraging assurance of Christ Jesus' reasoning, "No man can serve two masters." And he may be responding to Mrs. Eddy's firm insistence in Science and Health, "There is but one real attraction, that of Spirit."

For those who have glimpsed the liberating truth of Spirit's allness, a matter-based view of life—even at its best—eventually leaves a very empty feeling. That's because matter itself is ultimately very empty. To begin realizing that man is spiritual instead of material, and that God holds this spiritual identity forever in His care, gives immense hope to a world that seems so bound to disease, sin, and death, which are inherent in materialism. It's no wonder that sooner or later every individual feels a deep longing to relate his life to the healing presence of Spirit.

Such a longing helps the flame burn brighter. This healing power of Spirit can dissolve the shadowy belief that a drug is essential; it frees from guilt or fear. All of those obstacles are a kind of darkened state of thought that recedes as the light becomes brighter.

Fellow Christian Scientists can be an invaluable support to those who are returning. They can cherish the light, support its growing radiance, recognize its transforming effect. They can compassionately nurture the divine right of every individual to break through the imprisoning belief that matter is substance and break into the freeing light of Spirit.

Nathan A. Talbot