Healing in Christian Science is based on the Scriptures, Christian in its very essence, and totally dependent on infinite Mind, God, for its restorative efficacy. For those accepting this way of life, it requires radical reliance on spiritual law and power. Therefore it is not a form of human "mind cure" dependent upon mesmerism, willpower, or psychological manipulation of the human mind. Nor is it an adjunct to physical medicine or therapy. It is the outward evidence of spiritualization of thought and scientific prayer—that is, of thought aligned with God, divine Mind. Healing comes about because scientific study and prayer bring spiritual awakening and a clearer realization in consciousness of God's presence, goodness, and all-power.
Our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, makes clear that the theology of Christian Science is indispensable to its healing practice. This theology, for those who choose to subscribe to it, requires following the example of Christ Jesus in healing the sick without reservation. She stresses that nothing can substitute for the demonstration of divine Truth and Love. She writes in No and Yes: "Christian Science involves a new language, and a higher demonstration of medicine and religion. It is the 'new tongue' of Truth, having its best interpretation in the power of Christianity to heal. My system of Mind-healing swerves not from the highest ethics and from the spiritual goal."No and Yes, p. 44
How can we define "the highest ethics," which are required of all Christian Scientists? A dictionary describes "ethics" as "principles of conduct governing an individual or a profession." Ethics include the professional standards of conduct that are upheld by any discipline.
