Class instruction is an intensive two-week course that explores in depth Christ Jesus' teachings and Mary Baker Eddy's discovery of the Christ power to heal as promised by Christ Jesus. It is based exclusively on the Chapter entitled "Recapitulation" in Mrs. Eddy's textbook of Mind healing, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, which includes questions and answers about God, Christ, and man; the mesmeric but illusory nature of sin, disease and death; and how to give effective healing treatments for oneself and others. Students gain a practical understanding of how the Christ enables them to demonstrate this healing power.
The two-week course includes 4-5 hours of class each day in addition to many hours of study and preparation before and after each class, as well as opportunities to put the teaching into practice. Mrs. Eddy has also provided for on-going support of students at the end of class with annual day-long Association meetings at which the Teacher gives an address on a particular metaphysical topic and answers questions about the healing practice. In preparation for the Association, students research the metaphysical topic and apply the new insights they gain to their healing practice.
Mrs. Eddy writes in her textbook of scientific Mind healing, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 496:15, "Hold perpetually this thought, — that it is the spiritual idea, the Holy Ghost and Christ, which enables you to demonstrate, with scientific certainty, the rule of healing, based upon its divine Principle, Love, underlying, overlying, and encompassing all true being."
People from a wide diversity of backgrounds in religion, science, and medicine are discovering the relationship between our thinking and our health, and this sometimes leads to improved physical conditions. However healing methods that rely on material means or a material view of man, even if coupled with prayer, will never be reliable or capable of replicating the healing works of Christ Jesus.
Christian Science alone is able to heal with scientific certainty. Being a Science, it must be faithfully studied and followed in order to heal with consistency. Christian Science is not the privilege of a select group; nor is it magic, mysticism, or blind belief; nor can it be mixed with other methods. It is rather the Comforter promised by Christ Jesus enabling us to heal as Jesus did - through obedience to the two great Commandments: 1) Love God, Spirit, with all your heart, soul, strength and mind; 2) love your neighbor as Christ Jesus loved us.
Mrs. Eddy recommended that pupils "have good past records and promising proclivities toward Christian Science." (Man 83:10-11). It is only possible to take Christian Science class instruction once in a lifetime, so it is not recommended for those who are dabbling in a variety of healing methods or simply looking for comfort in matter. In order to gain the most from this teaching, it is important to have read through the textbook, Science and Health, before the beginning of class; to be familiar with its author; to have tested its healing potential; and most importantly, to have the humility of Christ and the Christ-like love which embraces all mankind.
If you have a sincere deep desire to know God better as omnipotent, everpresent Love and to serve him by being a healer for the world, then you will find the divine Mind guiding you to the Christian Science Teacher who is best for you. God's plan for your spiritual progress includes right timing, location, and financial support for taking class. The first step in preparing to take class is to trust that God is taking you every step of the way and that divine Love overcomes all barriers.
Christine's class is held in Princeton, NJ once a year—the time depends on the needs of the students). Please contact Christine for the dates of the next available class (617-680-6066 or driessencsb@gmail.com).
The cost of the two-week course is set by the Church Manual and is $100. There is also a nominal fee for the copying of the daily handouts with references for further study. If you would like more information about class, or would like to apply for admission to the next class, please contact Christine. You may download an application, fill it out and send it by e-mail, together with a photo of yourself, but you will also need to send a hard copy by snail-mail with your signature and check for $100 to the address listed at the bottom of the form. Thank you for your interest in class!