Faces on Faith: The same or different?
Question: Is Christian Science and Scientology the same thing?
Answer: No. Actually, they’re really quite different.
Christian Science was founded in 1879 as a Christian denomination by a New England woman named Mary Baker Eddy. Scientology was founded in 1953 as an independent religion by a man from Nebraska named L. Ron Hubbard.
Christian Science is based on the Bible and Jesus’ teachings in conjunction with the Christian Science textbook, “Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures” written by Eddy. Scientology is based on the belief that man’s past negative emotional experiences can be depressive.
Christian Science is based on one infinite God, the creator of all good, and man created in God’s image and likeness. With Scientology, the “thetan” or person completely freed from their imprisoning ways is a creator. The concept of one God does exist, but it’s of much less importance in Scientology.
Both seek healing through mental means, but in Christian Science, God’s allness is the focus of healing. In Scientology, the person is being relieved of “engrams,” but healing comes from the godlike nature of the human person. Neither encourages the use of drugs. While Christian Science prayer acknowledges God’s entirely good creation, it is most effective when not combined with medical practices, and leaves each individual free to make their own medical decisions.
The Sanibel Christian Science church holds hour long services two days a week, and services are conducted by two elected readers and include readings from the Bible and the Christian Science textbook. The church of Scientology is open 24/7 and is always staffed with someone to help with the study of the current ongoing training course.
But finally, the big question: Have we seen Scientologists Tom Cruise or John Travolta yet? No, but I’m sure they would find one of our Christian Science services quite interesting. Of course, we never saw Christian Scientists Doris Day, Alan Shepard or Ginger Rogers either. But we sure would love to see Val Kilmer at one of our services.
Mary L. Miller is affiliated with the Sanibel Christian Science Church.