It is sometimes said, by those unfamiliar with the teachings of Christian Science, that this teaching lacks a theological basis, and for this reason it should not be considered on a par with Christian religion. All students of Scripture will agree that the Founder of Christianity, Christ Jesus, upheld but one standard for his true followers. We find this standard in the Sermon on the Mount, a sermon presenting a summary of the Master's teachings. In it we find these significant statements: "Judge not, that ye be not judged. ... A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit. . . . Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them;" also, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
The word "theology" is defined in part as follows: "The science of God or of religion; the science which treats of the existence, character, and attributes of God, and of His laws." And one writer comments: "Many speak of theology as a science of religion (instead of 'science of God') because they disbelieve that there is any knowledge of God to be attained." Christian Science removes any mystery from the teaching of Christ Jesus, our Way-shower and Exemplar, and shows the divine naturalness of all he did for the benefit of mankind. Any mystery lurking in the thoughts of men concerning Christ Jesus' teaching and works will prevent them from discerning that the theology of Jesus is the Science of God, the divine law which, when correctly applied, bears fruit in saving men from self-imposed bondage to false material sense. Jesus' miracles were based on the divine Principle of healing. He made it plain that it was on the rock, Christ, Truth, that he would build his church.
Jesus presented a definite code of Christian ethics to be emulated by his followers. He knew that scientific healing is never guesswork, but is the power of God, good, made manifest in human lives. In her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy writes (p. 138), "Jesus established in the Christian era the precedent for all Christianity, theology, and healing." It is well for us to remember this statement in our healing work. These three, "Christianity, theology, and healing," must go hand in hand, since they constitute the healing power which was and is the cornerstone of the church. Mrs. Eddy says further (ibid., pp. 138, 139): "It was this theology of Jesus which healed the sick and the sinning. It is his theology in this book and the spiritual meaning of this theology, which heals the sick and causes the wicked to 'forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts.' It was our Master's theology which the impious sought to destroy."
