GENUINE Christianity cannot be adequately defined by an arbitrary human doctrine, or circumscribed within the bounds of a narrow human creed. Christianity is scientific, being based upon divine Science. It is a system of religious thought which makes known to mortals the truth about real being—the truth about God, man, and the universe. It states the relationship existing between God and His creation, man; sets forth the law of God, showing its entirely spiritual nature, and instructs mankind in obedience to that law. Further, Christianity makes clear to mortals that only through obedience to God's law can they be saved from sin, disease, and death. Being based on Science, it is a perfectly logical system, which has for its purpose the elevation of the human race, spiritually, morally, and physically. It is practical and efficacious as divine Science is understood.
When men are confronted with any subject, they are apt to inquire what the effect of an understanding of it will be upon themselves and others—how it will benefit them. They may think this way about Christianity. They may specifically ask, What are its ends or purpose? And it is reasonable that they should do so. If they would get the correct answer, they must follow up the question; they must investigate it for themselves. Here is where Christian Science comes to their aid, Christian Science which alone correctly interprets the religion of Christ Jesus by stating the Science which underlies it.
The full statement of Christian Science is contained in Mrs. Eddy's book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." There the truth about God, man, and the universe is revealed in terms which all may understand. There God's relationship with man is made clear; and there also the truth is made known that man, as God's image or idea, is always under the government of God's law—spiritual law. Christian Science also reveals that God is infinite and perfect Mind, and that His universe, including individual man, is spiritual, perfect, eternal. Further, in Science and Health the real is distinguished from the unreal—Spirit from matter; spiritual man from mortal man; Truth from error. And thus is the foundation laid upon which the structure of genuine, practical Christianity is reared.
