Science and Health, With Key to the Scriptures

by Mary Baker Eddy

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Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Christianity, Christian, Health, Science

598 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1875

About the author

Founder of the new religious movement, Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist).

Her name is also written as:

Mary Baker Glover
Mary Baker Glover Eddy
Mary Baker G. Eddy

Reviews

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took a serious read of this book when I was 19 and it brought much healing. Freedom from smoking, drinking etc., was moved to go back to college and resources became available to do so...wonderful physical and other financial healings as well. Most importantly this book teaches you how to have an on-going relationship with God...how does one connect with God, effectively pray, feel the presence and love of God etc. It opens up the spiritual teachings of the Bible, especially those of Christ Jesus showing that spiritual healing wasn't miraculous but natural. That there are laws of God that can be applied with consistent results...a Science of Christianity (capitalization b/c it's God based). Or Christian Science which Mary Baker Eddy called her discovery. So check it out, and take up the prayer challenge and see what happens in your life. I did and the result was progress, healing, and a deep sense of joy and peace.

[Brett C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was written in 1875 and adheres to the beliefs and principles of Christian Science. From what I gathered Christian Science is synonymous with Church of Christ, Scientist. My understanding is Christian Science beliefs center on healing. This is found through the power of prayer in tandem with competent medicine and a competent medical practitioner based on Christian-based ethics. This was explained in the Christian Science Practice chapter from pages 362-442.

The main section of the book explained various topics. These included:

Atonement and Eucharist
Marriage
Christian Science versus Spiritualism
Animal Magnetism Unmasked
Science, Theology, Medicine
Physiology
Footsteps of Truth
Creation
Science of Being
Some Objections Answered
Christian Science Practice (which explains how healing is undertaken)
Teaching Christian Science
Recapitulation (the text used for class instruction in Christian Science healing)

The last section Fruitage consisted of 84 testimonials of the healing power derived from reading the text. There were descriptions of addiction, asthma, broken bone, cataract, cancer, deafness, eczema, a fibroid tumor, and rheumatism.

Whoever practices the Science the author teaches, through the Mind pour light and healing upon this generation, can practice on no one from sinister or malicious motives without destroying his own power to heal and his own health. pg 446

I thought this was an interesting read spelling out the core beliefs of the Christian Science faith denomination. Nonetheless it was interesting and recommended for readers of religious texts. Thanks!

[Michael Gardner-Bey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is high law and a work for seasoned masters. These lessons are truly from on high and a unpolluted nor watered down dialog of spiritual importance. This is a must read, but don't for one second peruse this like a mere novel. This is a life time study and will reveal more and more as your mind expands and your understanding becomes the rock on which you build yourself. The key to scripture will unlock many doors and take you into the mansions of eternal felicity in the paradise of GOD. This is the true economy of human life.

[Janet Jay · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have never read a holy book yet that made me feel like shit, nor one I actually threw across the room... until S&H! It just repeated over and over how awful a person I am. I will have to pick this up & read the last third when 1. I'm not in debilitating unending physical pain & 2. I can better afford to get mad. As it is... I've never read a holy book that made me feel this utter lack of hope. But that may be zany ol' disabled me. Also the prose is rubbish *even for a religious book.*

[Carlos Alberto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book that changed my life. Together with the Bible, is my textbook, my'pastor', my only 'preacher'It can change yours too(nobody is excluded)What do you have to lose?.I have red it many, many times and study from it every day. I have experienced many healings, physically, morally, mentally and in all possible aspects. It has given me a better understanding of God, who is really Love, Truth and Life. It has opened my eyes to perceive that whatever is good can be achieved now. It has given me the 'key' to understand the Bible as never before. It is a book that can only bless, even if one does not understand at first try. Just keeping my consciousness clean and full of ONLY good thoughts has helped me under very difficult conditions to survive and go ahead with my life. It teaches me that the power to experience and do good is available now to everybody who is sincere and honestly seeks a different way of approaching the whole of human experience. This is a book that cannot be read just once. it is a constant fountain of goodness and inspiration.

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nonsense, and badly written nonsense at that, but the book is influential. It's more readable in little bits, and some quotes are sensible, though some of the anecdotes are laughably dubious, such as the supposedly true story of the father who held his baby underwater until it grew comfortable enough to play there. Mothers should remember this story, Eddy admonishes her readers, so that they can prepare their babies properly. Yikes!

[Joseph Schlesinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

[Reply to another reviewer on Visual Bookshelf who referred to the religion as "Christian Scientology":] Not Christian Scientology, Justin. Christian Science. It has nothing to do with Scientology.

[Mikalito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very healing. Embrace this book with an open heart and mind. Once you understand some of the truths and ideas, you cannot go back to your old way of thinking. Strengthened my awareness of my oneness with God. One thing; you must be seeking wisdom or fulfillment to understand this book. If you are not ready, don't waste your time. Keep the book on the shelf for when you are ready because you WILL need it someday. Then read it over and over and over. Great compliment to the Bible especially the Gospels (New Testament in General) and Psalms and Proverbs. This is a book you keep for a lifetime of reference. There is also a CONCORDANCE book which is a 619 page Index for Science and Health allowing you to search by topic.

[Margy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read from this book every day along with the Bible. But to read it straight through is a delightful experience. This book and the Bible are the pastors of the First Church of Christ, Scientist. (Christian Science)The last chapter is exclusively testimonies from people who were healed by reading this book.

[Aprillaurenwilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best Book I've ever read! I'm reading it again and again!

[Kiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most profound metaphysical book I have ever read.

[Joanne Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life-transforming! I never finish with it.

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

As far as spiritual books go i thoroughly enjoy pulling this book out to look up everything from marriage to sin to child rearing. Science and Health was written by Mary Baker Eddy and created a Christian sect called Christian Science. This book is read alongside the Bible by millions of people throughout the world. Eddy does a wonderful job at explaining things how they are, like she has a third eye that is all knowing. She explains things from the Bible in terms that everyone can understand. This is a very long book as it is the foundation of a religion, some people pick it up and read it front to back, while others read it in areas as needed. A person who is part of this faith would likely have read the entire book and they would live their lives based on the fundamental pricipals (virtues and morals) that the book explains so clearly.

[Jim Miotke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you love the Christ? Are you looking for healing of any kind? Do you just love to explore insights and seek truth?

This is a powerful work, by a woman who had a great healing in 1866 and went on to found a world-wide religion, start an international newspaper, and so much more.

The central idea is that the healings of Jesus are scientific, repeatable, demonstrable.

I and my family have gained so many blessings, had numerous great healings, and have been inspired to learn and grow to become better people.

I'm half-way through this reading of it (having read it several times in the past) and I'm gaining new insights in the Bible, Jesus, and the healing love of God.

I could not recommend it more.

[Pamela Hawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Science and Health is an invaluable book teaching us to think beyond the way our minds usually do. It makes us question what is “reality." We know that when we look into the distance and see what looks like water, it's actually a mirage and it plays on our physical senses. Therefore, we know that all appearances don't hold true.

What this books hints at is there is a higher power of Love and Truth that are guiding us which are beyond out senses. This can affect our lives in career choices, family, even physical healing. It is a wonderful read!

[Seth Kenlon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book on why health, both physical and spiritual, is a matter of the mind, not the subject of a wrathful or fickle humanlike godhead. This shows the abstraction between Truth and, well, not-Truth, or Falsity, and how it in fact defines Reality. Also shows how Time deos not really exist; for more on that, read Hawking's Brief History of Time.

[Ankhshi]

This Book is the most amazing book I have ever read . . It is saving my life and helping me to understand scripture and be positive about myself. . this is logic without being fear and cuts through lots of misunderstandings. This is the Book that my church Christian Science has along with the Bible. I am needing to read it more often when I am feeling afraid. .or having anxiety.

[Moniquedupre · Rating 5 out of 5]

A life changing book!

[Kara Merry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Science and Health and this was a reread. I am understanding it fully now.

[Gloria Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not enough stars in the sky to rate this book properly.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I use for daily meditation. The ideas are transformative. It stays on my currently reading list perpetually.

[Blaze Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I, for one Reccomend this book o anyone who needs some help, whether it be addiction, pain, financial, or anything else. I've had many great hearings thanks to Mary Baker Grover Eddy.

[Aboud Shehab · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rubbish.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and uplifting text. Will give the reader a whole new outlook on the spiritual nature of life. Mary Baker Eddy was visionary in her outlook. Even if the reader is not inclined toward a particular religious belief system it is still interesting from a historical standpoint and because her explanation of the spiritual import of the bible is so different from other writers. If you've ever been interested in metaphysics it's a must read!

[Esquimaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

how Christ did his "miracles" and of God's lovingkindness and good comfort

[Cheryl Petersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book all the time. Quite insightful, so much so I put it in today's language with updated information.

[Wesley Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

[Alexandra Chauran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most spiritual books from this era are harder to read. I found this fascinating and engaging. Insight into a movement.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a constant comfort to me. I can turn to it anytime I need an uplifting thought or just need to put my thought straight.

[Farida Grewal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life and thought transforming