Christian Science is based on the word and works of Christ Jesus, and draws its authority from the Bible. Its teachings are set forth in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. Although a distinctive part of Christian Science is the healing of disease by spiritual means alone, its higher purpose is universal salvation from every phase of evil – including sin and death.

Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910) is the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, and author of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, a perennial best-selling book on healing. She was raised in New Hampshire, USA, by parents who were devout Congregationalists, and the Bible was central to her religious and educational upbringing. Her early adult life included more than its share of serious personal tragedies and poor health, and over a twenty year period of chronic illness she was led to explore many curative methods. Though none of these methods resulted in permanent healing, the earnest desire to understand the healing science underlying Biblical texts led her to discover the laws of healing used by Christ Jesus, which she named Christian Science.

Following the discovery of Christian Science Mary Baker Eddy found she was able to teach others how to heal. In 1868, she was asked to help a woman dying from pneumonia. The doctor in attendance informed her that there was no hope for the patient. However, through Mrs Eddy's prayers the woman was immediately cured. The doctor urged her to write a book about her system of healing and share it with the world. Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures is the result.