Have you ever noticed how often the articles and testimonies in the Christian Science periodicals refer to the Bible and the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, especially Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures? These contributions have been written by fellow readers who are sharing what they have learned from these books and the resulting healings they’ve experienced. They mention the books so that other readers can go there too.
The Bible and the published writings of the Founder of Christian Science are often referred to informally by Christian Scientists as “the books.” It’s an affectionate shorthand for something that has become essential in their lives. They go to “the books” and healing results.
What is it that has this healing power? In the Bible Jesus asked a related question of his disciples—wanting them to understand the healings they had witnessed. He said, “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” Peter answered, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This reply was approved by Jesus (see Matthew 16:13–17). And “the books” to which Christian Scientists refer join with Peter in identifying the healing power as the Christ, the true idea of God.
