About Christian Science

In 1866, Mary Baker Eddy, a devout student of the Bible, had a quick recovery from a fall that doctors had deemed fatal by turning to Matthew 9:2. Longing to know more about what healed her, she withdrew from society and spent the next three years studying and pondering the Scriptures.

She went on to write a book about what she discovered, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, and to found a church, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, whose mission is to establish a world-wide healing ministry. Branches are located throughout the world.

Why is it called Christian Science?

It is Christian because its students are devout followers of Christ Jesus and it is “compassionate, helpful, and spiritual.” It is scientific because it is based on the principles and laws of God; therefore, practical and demonstrable.

Is it a cult?

No. Membership in The Mother Church in Boston requires applicants to be believers of the doctrines of Christian Science according to the teachings in the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. Neither The Mother Church nor its members assume control over branch churches or its members. Each branch church is democratic in its government.

Followers of Christian Science have a deep sense of gratitude and respect for the founder of Christian Science, but as she directed, they follow her “only so far as she follows Christ.”

Does Christian Science have creeds or do Christian Scientists practice material rites and rituals?

The Church Tenets may be found in the Church Manual or on page 497 of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. The Mother Church in Boston no longer holds communion services; however, branch churches observe Communion Sunday twice a year, but with no material accompaniments. The regular order of service changes somewhat and includes the reading of the Church Tenets, individual self-examination during silent prayer, and the closing of the service with the Doxology.

Prayer is practiced more as an affirmation and acknowledgement of God as ever-present, all-powerful, and totally good, than petition; baptism is seen as a purification of thought going on moment by moment; the Eucharist as spiritual communion with God; bread as Truth; wine as the inspiration of Love [God]; and healing as the outgrowth of an individual’s increased spiritual understanding of God and man in His image and likeness.

Christian Science Practitioners

Practitioners are individuals devoted to full-time spiritual healing. World-wide listings may be found in The Christian Science Journal or at any Christian Science Reading Room. They are happy to work with you on your spiritual journey. Find a practitioner.

Learn More

The best way to learn more about Christian Science is to read and ponder the textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. This textbook can be borrowed or purchased at your nearby Christian Science Reading Room.

Christian Science Lectures

Every Christian Science church holds at least one lecture every year. Current lectures being held this year are listed by state and are posted at Find a public lecture.

More Resources

You can find out more about churches and services, lectures and other resources in Washington State by visiting the website, Christian Science in Washington State.

Search for audio programs on a variety of topics through the archives of previously recorded programs at Christian Science Sentinel Radio, available 24/7

Christian Science Quarterly

Bible Lessons

October 5 – 11

SUBJECT: Are Sin, Disease, and Death Real?

Golden Text: Job 32:8 there

…there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

Our services are held in our church on Sundays and our mid-week meeting is held on Wednesdays. The church is located at 204 East Fourth Plain Boulevard, Vancouver. Our regular Sunday service is at 10:00 a.m. Sunday School is from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday meetings are at 7:00 p.m. Childcare for very young children is provided both Sundays and Wednesdays.

We invite you to attend our church in person on both days.

On Wednesday nights, you have the option to phone in to join those attending our meeting at the church in person. To connect by phone, call (267) 807-9601 then enter PIN 639291# Calling in is not available for the Sunday service. To listen in to a Sunday service, click on the Spiritual Resources section of the Links page, then find the website of The Mother Church and information listed there.

The regular hours of the Reading Room, which is located on the west end of the church building, are from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It is closed on national holidays as well as on church meeting dates or for other special events. See the tab on the Reading Room for more information or scroll down for contact information.