Bible is primary scripture; Science and Health is the essential companion
Christian Science affirms the Bible as Scripture but holds that its spiritual meaning is unlocked only through the lens of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. The Bible is not self-interpreting; without the interpretive key provided by Science and Health, the Bible's deeper spiritual sense remains hidden.
Science and Health is regarded as divinely inspired revelation that completes and clarifies biblical teachings. For Christian Scientists, Bible study without Science and Health is incomplete; the two works together constitute the authoritative source of doctrine and practice. Mary Baker Eddy stated that she had no successor and that Science and Health represents the final revelation for this age.
Key Distinctions
- Ot canon:
- Bible used (specific canon not enumerated); Science and Health provides the interpretive key
- Deuterocanonical status:
- no formal position
- Additional scripture:
- Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy (1875)
- Canon open:
- closed — Eddy stated she had no successor; Science and Health is the final revelation
Scripture References
Sources
- Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy
- Manual of The Mother Church