The first tenet of Christian Science is given in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy as follows (p. 497): "As adherents of Truth, we take the inspired Word of the Bible as our sufficient guide to eternal Life."
Some seventy-five years ago, when Science and Health was first presented to the public, a veritable storm of protest arose over it and its teachings. The clergy, physical scientists, medical profession, and people generally, declared that it was godless, blasphemous, unchristian, unscientific. And its author, Mrs. Eddy, was subjected to the most cruel and heartless criticism and persecution. Lovingly, wisely, patiently, she met the criticism, endured the persecution, and answered the many questions which inquirers asked.
One such question which was uppermost in the thought of many of these inquirers was this: "Have Christian Scientists any religious creed?" To it Mrs. Eddy replied with a brief but glorious exposition of the fundamental truths of Christian Science, called the Tenets of the Church of Christ, Scientist, the first one of which is quoted at the beginning of this article. Christian Scientists throughout the world accept the Tenets of The Mother Church and gladly and gratefully endeavor to obey them.
