Practicing Christian Science

Before discovering Plainfield Christian Science Church Independent, I felt like a wanderer “in a beleaguered city, forced to seek the Father’s house.” (Mis., page 326)

A Sunday Roundtable titled “Faith” brought back memories of when I struggled to understand why I wasn't experiencing the healings I knew Christian Science was capable of, even after being in it for decades. In my heart, I knew something was missing. Little did I know what I didn't know! I am grateful for the clear, explicit, and practical instructions offered at this church, which lifts the veil of confusion, especially regarding bringing your life in tune with God. One of these is watching the thoughts we entertain.

Several weeks ago, a sentence in Science and Health stood out to me.

“Our proportionate admission of the claims of good or of evil determines the harmony of our existence, — our health, our longevity, and our Christianity.” (S&H, p. 167)

In our textbook and other writings, Mrs. Eddy clearly instructs us to watch thought. Still, it wasn't until I arrived at this church, attended the classes, and worked consistently with an infinitely patient practitioner, that I began to grasp that we are responsible for our own experiences. For so long I believed I was the victim. It is work and requires discipline to practice Christian Science correctly, because it is a science. I had to become like a child, leave behind old habits, and relearn how to live Christian Science. I had to face many bad habits/sins, such as people pleasing, that were interfering with my ability to feel and know God. I had to become more Godly.

The Bible classes here were a huge help. As a testifier said a short time ago, Science and Health, and Christian Science taught here have opened his understanding and love for the Bible. What a blessing it is to have access to all the writings by the early workers. I hope this helps someone to persist in correctly learning how to live, not just theorize this sacred Science. When I look back to where I was before I came here, I am amazed at the transformation God has worked in my life and continues to do so.

A few days ago, I came across Mrs. Eddy's early writings before Science and Health was published, titled “Science of Man.” In it she writes, "God helps only those who help themselves, ... Science is a straight and narrow road you must strive to enter in. It is a battle with old positions of belief, and you must fight the good fight, in order to conquer them.” (Essays and Other Footprints, “The Red Book,” page 214)

There is no feeling of, “I will call and have someone fix my problems, hopefully quickly, so I can go on with my life as it is,” which was my old sense. It clearly requires preparation and a change of heart, not an intellectual exercise — casting off wrong thinking and sins, or as Mrs. Eddy wrote, “give up thy earth-weights.” Without changing my thinking that got me into the problem in the first place, I have not grown spiritually. I began to practice what I was learning, which was removing the veil over my thinking that had blinded me. Step by step, I did see all kinds of healings, some fast and some slow, all of which aided in my walk with the Father.

It is a blessing to be learning these truths and to be able to support our world. I thank our good God, Christ Jesus, and Mary Baker Eddy. They loved God and the Bible, surmounted tremendous resistance, and left volumes of instruction on this Science of Being so that all may learn to put off the old man for the new, and also for this faithful Independent Church.