The theology of Christian Science is being demonstrated today in the lives of many, liberating them from sin, fear, physical limitation, and disease. Mrs. Eddy says in Science and Health (p. 145), "The theology of Christian Science includes healing the sick."
Christian Science, or the Science of the Christ, has always existed. The early prophets caught glimpses of its liberating power. Our Way-shower, Christ Jesus, unveiled it to the people of his time. His theology brought hope to the world. The Master revealed God's healing love to suffering humanity. His understanding of God as divine Principle enabled him to unsee the material lie about man and the universe and to behold man as God's own image.
Jesus proved for all time to come that the power of God is an infinite, omnipotent force for good, instantly available and demonstrable when applied in a scientific manner. His demonstrations of Christian Science, proofs which defied all material laws, put the stamp of Truth on all that he said and did. Walking on the water, healing the sick, and raising the dead were all unquestionable evidences of his demonstrable understanding of the Principle which he taught.
Christ Jesus was keenly aware of his redemptive mission. He knew that the truth which he was to reveal must be kept alive in the hearts of men. The thought of his disciples had to be receptive in order to comprehend and utilize the theological facts which he imparted to them. He taught them that the divine Principle he revealed was universally available to all mankind to demonstrate. He said (John 14:12), "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."
The thought of the student of Christian Science, like that of Jesus' disciples, must be carefully prepared so that the seeds of Truth may abundantly grow. When the qualities of receptivity and expectation appear in the fields, the harvest of spiritual regeneration and healing must soon follow.
During his ministry, Jesus found that many of his students followed him only for the loaves and fishes that they were able to receive; that is, they were interested in having healthier bodies, but they cared little for the theology he taught. Handling this situation, he said: "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing.... No man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father" (John 6: 63-65). The effectiveness of his declarations was evident, for "from that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him."
When Jesus sent the twelve disciples out before him, he said to them: "As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give" (Matt. 10:7,8). It is interesting to note that the first requirement he gave them was to preach the gospel. In other words, he expected them to raise their thoughts to God first, and then they would be receptive to the healing manifestation of the Christ. Thus, healing was not the initial purpose but the result of spiritual regeneration and enlightenment. Jesus' mission was not primarily to make men better physically but to liberate them from sin.
Today, as in Jesus' time, the carnal mind tempts one to look to Christian Science only for physical healings, a better business, or more abundant possessions and to turn thought away from the real objective of this Science, spiritual enlightenment and regeneration, without which there can be no true healing. Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33). If our desire to understand and love God far outweighs the desire for physical healing, our motive is pure, and healing follows.
After referring to the earlier demonstrations of Christian Science, our Leader writes in Science and Health (p. 150), "Now, as then, signs and wonders are wrought in the metaphysical healing of physical disease; but these signs are only to demonstrate its divine origin,—to attest the reality of the higher mission of the Christ-power to take away the sins of the world."
Christian Science healing is based upon the understanding of the positive operation of divine Principle in human consciousness. It is important that we understand the theology with which we are working. In answer to the question, "Does the theology of Christian Science aid its healing?" Mrs. Eddy says (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 58), "Without its theology there is no mental science, no order that proceeds from God." Then she adds: "Take away the theology of mental healing and you take away its science, leaving it a human 'mind-cure,' nothing more nor less,—even one human mind governing another; by which, if you agree that God is Mind, you admit that there is more than one government and God. Having no true sense of the healing theology of Mind, you can neither understand nor demonstrate its Science, and will practise your belief of it in the name of Truth."
In Christian Science one soon learns that the mere reading of words or the repeating of phrases will not heal. It is the growth Godward, be it ever so small, that brings the Christ into human consciousness to heal and to free it from self-imposed bondage and sin. An increased understanding of the theology of the Science of the Christ enables one to remove the seeming penalties laid down by false laws. One learns, also, that the most important factor in any demonstration of Christian Science is not the healing itself, but the spiritual growth and understanding gained from the experience. When, through the teachings of Christian Science, a student becomes more cognizant of the allness of God and the nothingness of matter, he rejoices in the fruitage which proves that he has advanced a step Spiritward.
