First Church of Christ, Scientist, Greater Lansing

Simply put, it is the Science of Christianity -- the practical application of Christian ideas to daily life.  It's both a religious teaching and a system of healing founded on the Bible's universal truths.  It is Christian because it's based on the law of God as taught and practiced by Christ Jesus.  It is Science because it is spiritual knowledge operating through God's law, available for any sincere seeker to learn and experience.  The study and practice of Jesus' teachings as God's law result in salvation from sin and healing of sickness.

The Science of Christ's teachings was discovered in 1866 by Mary Baker Eddy, a devout New England woman. Instantaneously cured of the effects of an accident through reading one of Jesus' healings, she realized that healing was God's law operating in human experience. She began to perform healings that appeared miraculous, and found she could teach others to do the same.

Christian Science is a Protestant religion, based on the King James Version of the Bible. Bibical marvels are accepted as fact, including Jesus' virgin birth, bodily crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. Jesus is acknowledged as the phsyical incarnation of Christ, the Son of God, and Savior of the world.  Salvation is gained through spiritual baptism, regeneration, and following the way of Christ as demonstrated by Jesus.

The full explanation of Christian Science is in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mrs. Eddy. Written as the result of Scriptural study, revelation, and actual experience in spiritual healing, the books seeks to change the reader's perception from a material to a spiritual foundation.

Church Services are held each Sunday and Wednesday. They are conducted by Readers elected from the church membership. A uniform Bible Lesson is studied by Christian Scientists around the world the week before it is read at the Sunday service. Wednesday evening meetings include testimonies of healing spontaneously shared.

Churches are houses of prayer only, so there are no fellowship halls, kitchens, or secular activities. Each church operates a Christian Science Reading Room to provide information, publications, and study rooms to all who are seeking such services.

Christian Science practitioners (CS) listed in the Christian Science Journal are men and women devoted full-time to helping others through the prayer-based system of Christian Science.  They have documented experience in the healing ministry of Christian Science and are available to give treatment through prayer for life's challenges.  Additional services may include visits to home or care facilities, and providing answers to questions about Christian Science by phone, e-mail or written correspondence.  You do not have to be a Christian Scientist or attend church in order to engage their services.  They are self-employed, setting their own fees and services, which should be discussed prior to engaging their services.  

Christian Science teachers are practitioners whose Journal listings identify them as CSB.  If you are interested in learning an in-depth and systematic approach to practicing the method of healing explained in Science and Health, you can apply to a teacher for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Class Instruction.  Application requirements, as well as when and where instruction is given, the format of the class sessions, and costs should be discussed directly with the teacher. 

Christian Science nurses listed in the Journal are specially trained to provide skillful physical care consistent with the theology of Christan Science, to those who are depending on the practice of Christian Science for healing.  The nursing includes practical care, such as bathing, dressing wounds, assistance with mobility, modification of food, and so forth.  It does not include any form of medical treatment, such as diagnosis, drugs, or physical therapy.  They set their own fees, which should be discussed prior to engaging their services.

Ways to learn more:

Read Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy

Visit a Christian Science Reading Room and an attendant will guide you to products and information appropriate to your level of discovery and practice.

Links to other online sources of information about Christian Science:

www.spirituality.com

www.tfccs.com