I was a student in college when I learned of Christian Science, and there were many challenging theological concepts I was considering for the first time. Yet one of the things that I found most appealing was the essential practicality of its teachings. From the very beginning, it was clear that the basic purpose of this Science of Christ was regeneration and healing.
The Christian Scientists whom I met were devoutly Christian men and women who were putting into active practice their religious view of life. They were obviously thinkers. Yet Christian Science wasn't a speculative theology aimed at fruitlessly arguing theological points. Rather, this divine Science was about the very real, transforming activity of Christ, Truth, at work in the world to help, to heal, and to redeem. Intellectual ramblings or scholastic wrangling were never part of the original Christianity taught by the Saviour. And, in fact, Christ Jesus was constantly turning his followers away from pharisaical arguments and toward a straightforward, practical discipleship.
Jesus primarily taught through parable and example. He told stories the people could relate to—stories that had firsthand meaning for their daily lives, as well as lessons for eternity. And then he made certain that what he taught was demonstrated—by healing the sick and raising up sinners to a life of renewed purpose and goodness. For Jesus, theology was fundamentally about bringing people into a realization of their basic unity with God. And it was also about the direct effect this powerful relationship would have in a person's immediate experience.
