The discovery of Christian Science was born from experience
Mary Baker Eddy is known as the Discoverer of Christian Science. The path that led to this discovery was the result of a lifelong search for health and the truth Jesus said would make us free. From childhood through adulthood, Mrs. Eddy struggled with ongoing illness and tragedy. She tried various treatments to restore her health, from diets to water cure to homeopathy to various other cures. None of these remedies resulted in permanent healing. She also struggled with other non-health related issues. Her first husband died while she was pregnant, her child was removed from her care due to a combination of financial hardship, widowhood, and health issues, and her second marriage ended in a divorce due to abandonment. The one consistent source of comfort and support in Eddy’s life was the Bible.
The Bible was her only guide
In 1866, she experienced a very significant recovery from a life-threatening accident after reading one of Christ Jesus’ healings. From that moment, she wanted to know how she had been healed. She read the Bible and prayed for answers. Her notes from this deep study of the Bible turned into Science and Health, first published in 1875. It was clear to her that spiritual healing was based on the spiritual laws of God, divine Love. She taught these laws to others, proving that anyone can heal through this Christian Science.
Mary Baker Eddy’s role in Christian Science today
Christian Scientists have deep gratitude for Mrs. Eddy because of how her life’s work has blessed their own lives. The Science she discovered continues to bring comfort, health, and well-being to individuals. Eddy was also very clear that she was not to be personally worshiped. She asked that people follow her “... only so far as she follows Christ” (Message to The Mother Church for 1901, p. 34:25–26 only). We look to her as the leader of this Christian movement, and appreciate what she did to help humanity experience healing. She does not replace the unique role of Christ Jesus, whom we look to as the Savior.
What she accomplished through church and publishing
Mary Baker Eddy established Christian Science to be a healing and saving ministry. Her accomplishments include:
The discovery of Christian Science
Founding the Church of Christ, Scientist, which has branch churches all around the world
Being the author of 17 books, including Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures
Establishing several weekly and monthly magazines that include articles from people around the world with contemporary examples of how they’ve been healed through Christian Science
Establishing a daily newspaper that is committed to providing a discerning view of important issues of the day