Article March 6, 1995 Issue

Why Christian Science is practical in healing children

Margaret Coleman Brown Poyser

During the past several years I've often been asked about the care of children in Christian Science. Sometimes the questions have been prompted by doubts and fears of people who believe that the only way to take care of children (as well as adults) is through material remedies. I used to think this way myself before I learned of Christian Science and its healing through prayer. In fact, I can remember waiting for hours in a medical clinic for my sick child to be examined and treated.

Introduction to Christian Science was the turning point in our family's way of life; and as I began to study it and apply its teachings to everyday living, I found it to be entirely practical. As I learned to turn to God instead of persons or material remedies in time of trouble, I found that my help was right at hand. (Sometimes healing was instantaneous.) My children were sick less often, and healthier and happier in general. Certainly, there is no criticism of those who choose another way, but I speak of the practicality of Christian Science from my own experience in raising three children.

Christian Science is practical because it is founded on the teachings—and works—of Christ Jesus. He certainly proved that relying on Spirit is effective! Speaking of Spirit versus matter, Mary Baker Eddy writes in the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: "Jesus reasoned on this subject practically, and controlled sickness, sin, and death on the basis of his spirituality. Understanding the nothingness of material things, he spoke of flesh and Spirit as the two opposites,—as error and Truth, not contributing in any way to each other's happiness and existence. Jesus knew, 'It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing'" (p. 356).