Is Christian Science Compatible with Biblical Teaching?

Understanding the Origins of Christian Science

To address the compatibility of Christian Science with the Bible, it is crucial to begin with an understanding of the origins and foundational beliefs of Christian Science. Christian Science was founded by Mary Baker Eddy in the late 19th century, with her seminal work, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, published in 1875. Eddy claimed to have discovered the "Science of Christ," which she believed restored the healing practices of early Christianity. Christian Science emphasizes spiritual healing and denies the reality of physical illness, asserting that sickness is an illusion that can be overcome through prayer and spiritual understanding.

Eddy's teachings diverge significantly from orthodox Christian doctrine. For instance, she rejected the traditional understanding of the Trinity, the atonement, and the resurrection of Christ. Instead, Christian Science promotes a metaphysical interpretation of Scripture, where the material world, including the human body and physical ailments, is viewed as a manifestation of erroneous thinking. Healing, in this context, is achieved not through medical intervention but through correcting one's thoughts and aligning them with divine truth as understood by Eddy.

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The Nature of God in Christian Science vs. the Bible

One of the most significant differences between Christian Science and biblical Christianity lies in their understanding of the nature of God. The Bible presents God as a personal, transcendent, and immanent being who is actively involved in His creation. In Genesis 1:1, the Bible declares, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This statement establishes God as the Creator of all that exists, including the physical world.

Christian Science, however, posits a different view of God. Eddy described God as "Principle," "Mind," "Life," "Truth," "Love," and "Spirit," but she rejected the traditional biblical understanding of God as a personal being. In Christian Science, God is more of an abstract principle than a personal, relational God who interacts with His creation. This impersonal view of God stands in stark contrast to the biblical portrayal of Jehovah as a loving Father who desires a relationship with His people (Isaiah 64:8; Matthew 6:9).

Moreover, Christian Science's denial of the material world as real contradicts the biblical account of creation. The Bible affirms that God created the physical world and declared it "very good" (Genesis 1:31). The material world is not an illusion, as Christian Science teaches, but a real creation that reflects God's glory (Psalm 19:1). To deny the reality of the physical world is to deny the goodness of God's creation and the biblical teaching that God sustains all things by His powerful word (Hebrews 1:3).

The Person and Work of Jesus Christ

The person and work of Jesus Christ are central to the Christian faith, and any deviation from the biblical teaching on Christ is a serious departure from orthodoxy. The Bible teaches that Jesus is the eternal Son of God, who took on human flesh to redeem humanity from sin (John 1:1, 14; Philippians 2:6-8). His atoning death on the cross and bodily resurrection are foundational to the Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Christian Science, however, presents a different view of Jesus and His work. Mary Baker Eddy taught that Jesus was not God incarnate but rather a man who fully demonstrated the Christ principle. In her view, the "Christ" is an impersonal idea or divine principle that all people can attain, rather than the unique Son of God. Eddy wrote in Science and Health, "The Christ is incorporeal, spiritual—yea, the divine image and likeness, dispelling the illusions of the senses."

This denial of the incarnation undermines the biblical teaching that Jesus is both fully God and fully man (Colossians 2:9). The Bible teaches that Jesus' death on the cross was a substitutionary atonement for the sins of humanity, satisfying God's justice and reconciling sinners to God (Romans 3:25-26; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Christian Science, however, rejects the concept of atonement as understood in orthodox Christianity. Eddy argued that Jesus' crucifixion was not a sacrificial atonement for sin but rather an example of overcoming the false belief in death.

Furthermore, the resurrection of Jesus is a cornerstone of Christian faith, proving His victory over sin and death and guaranteeing the future resurrection of believers (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). Christian Science, however, spiritualizes the resurrection, viewing it as a demonstration of the unreality of death rather than a literal, bodily event. This interpretation directly contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture, which affirms the physical resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24:39; John 20:27).

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The Doctrine of Sin and Salvation

Another critical area where Christian Science diverges from biblical Christianity is in its understanding of sin and salvation. The Bible teaches that sin is a fundamental problem that separates humanity from God (Isaiah 59:2; Romans 3:23). Sin is not merely a physical or mental error but a moral rebellion against God's holy law. The penalty for sin is death, both physical and spiritual (Romans 6:23).

Salvation in the Bible is presented as God's gracious act of delivering sinners from the penalty and power of sin through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Salvation is a gift that is received by faith in Christ, not something that can be earned or achieved through human effort.

In contrast, Christian Science denies the reality of sin as an objective moral issue. Eddy taught that sin, like sickness, is an illusion—a false belief that can be corrected through proper understanding. In Science and Health, she wrote, "Man is incapable of sin, sickness, and death." According to Christian Science, salvation is not about being forgiven and reconciled to God but about realizing one's true spiritual identity and overcoming the illusions of sin and sickness.

This view of sin and salvation is fundamentally incompatible with the biblical teaching. The Bible clearly teaches that sin is a real and serious issue that requires divine intervention. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22). By denying the reality of sin and the necessity of Christ's atoning work, Christian Science undermines the very heart of the gospel.

The Role of Scripture in Christian Science

Christian Science claims to be based on the Bible, yet it interprets Scripture through the lens of Mary Baker Eddy's teachings in Science and Health. Eddy viewed her book as a "key" to understanding the Bible, suggesting that her interpretations were necessary for correctly understanding Scripture. This approach effectively places Science and Health on par with, or even above, the Bible in authority.

In contrast, the Bible asserts its own sufficiency and authority. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 declares, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." The Bible is the inspired Word of God, fully sufficient for teaching and guiding believers in all matters of faith and practice.

The Bible also warns against adding to or altering the teachings of Scripture. In Revelation 22:18-19, a stern warning is given against adding to or taking away from the words of the prophecy: "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book."

By introducing an additional "key" to Scripture, Christian Science effectively diminishes the Bible's authority and subjects it to human interpretation. This approach is contrary to the biblical principle that Scripture is the final and ultimate authority in all matters of faith.

The Reality of Sickness and Healing

One of the most distinctive aspects of Christian Science is its teaching on sickness and healing. Christian Science denies the reality of physical illness, viewing it as a manifestation of erroneous thinking. According to Eddy, sickness is an illusion that can be overcome through prayer and the realization of one's true spiritual nature. As a result, Christian Scientists typically reject medical treatment in favor of spiritual healing.

The Bible, however, presents a different view of sickness and healing. While the Bible acknowledges that sickness is a consequence of the fall and a result of living in a fallen world, it does not deny the reality of physical illness. Jesus Himself healed many who were physically sick, demonstrating both His compassion and His divine authority (Matthew 4:24; Mark 1:34). These healings were real, physical events, not merely corrections of mental errors.

Moreover, the Bible teaches that while God is able to heal, not all sickness will be healed in this life. The Apostle Paul, for instance, experienced a "thorn in the flesh" that God chose not to remove, despite Paul's repeated prayers (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). This example demonstrates that while God is sovereign over sickness and healing, He may choose to allow sickness to persist for His purposes.

Christian Science's denial of the reality of sickness and its rejection of medical treatment can have dangerous consequences. While the Bible encourages believers to pray for healing (James 5:14-15), it does not prohibit the use of medicine or medical intervention. In fact, the Bible includes references to the use of medicine and medical care, such as the use of oil and wine for treating wounds (Luke 10:34) and Paul's advice to Timothy to use a little wine for his stomach ailments (1 Timothy 5:23).

The Christian view of healing acknowledges both the spiritual and physical aspects of sickness and recognizes that God can work through both prayer and medicine to bring about healing. Denying the reality of sickness and refusing medical treatment, as Christian Science advocates, is not supported by Scripture and can lead to unnecessary suffering and harm.

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The Importance of Discernment

Given the significant theological differences between Christian Science and biblical Christianity, it is important for Christians to exercise discernment when evaluating the claims of Christian Science. The Bible warns believers to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). Discernment involves comparing the teachings of any religious movement or philosophy with the clear teachings of Scripture.

Christian Science presents itself as a return to the healing practices of early Christianity, but its teachings deviate from the foundational truths of the Christian faith. By denying the personal nature of God, the incarnation and atonement of Jesus Christ, the reality of sin, and the authority of Scripture, Christian Science departs from orthodox Christianity in fundamental ways.

Christians are called to hold fast to the truth of God's Word and to reject teachings that distort or deny the gospel. As Paul wrote to the Galatians, "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:8). The gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16), and any teaching that undermines the gospel must be rejected.

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Conclusion

Christian Science, with its metaphysical interpretations and rejection of core biblical doctrines, is not compatible with the teachings of the Bible. While it claims to offer a deeper understanding of Christian truth, it ultimately presents a different gospel—a gospel that denies the reality of sin, the necessity of Christ's atonement, and the sufficiency of Scripture. For these reasons, Christians must exercise discernment and remain faithful to the truth of God's Word as revealed in the Bible.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).