From time to time, the effort has been made to show that Christian Science is not original and that it has its source in the opinions and beliefs held by the philosophers the sages, the thinkers, and the teachers of various periods in the history of mankind. It may be said, however, that the system of Christian religious teaching and metaphysical healing discovered and founded by Mary Baker Eddy is distinct and unique. There is and has been no other comparable teaching since Christ Jesus. When properly understood, it will be seen that Christian Science differs radically from all other world religions, ancient or modern, except the one founded by Jesus. Christian Science stands alone on the modus operandi and rules formulated and proved by its Discoverer.
This Science is distinctly and uniquely Christian. Mrs. Eddy turned exclusively to the Bible as the source of her inspiration and revelation. The Scriptures were her only authority and guide. The life, the words, and the works of the master Christian, Christ Jesus, formed the basis on which she built her system. The words of St. Paul well describe Mrs. Eddy's revelation of Christian Science (I Cor. 3:10, 11): "According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon.... For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
The earnest and sincere student of Christian Science discovers that he is working with a system of teaching that requires demonstration, or proof. He finds that the evidence of what one knows appears in his ability to apply the rules of Christian Science successfully in healing. There is no other way. Actually, with anyone, Christian Science remains somewhat theoretical until he begins to understand and prove its truth in demonstration.
