32%
Confidence
Belief overview
Sacraments understood spiritually
Baptism and communion are read in a spiritual key, not centered on obligatory material rites.
1
Supportive
2
Contrary
0
Neutral
What it is: The tradition interprets baptism and communion primarily in a spiritual and interior way.
How the tradition understands it: The principal value of the sacraments does not depend on material elements, but on the spiritual reality they express. For this reason, ritual practice differs considerably from most Christian traditions.
Basis and context: This reading developed in coherence with the general view of the primacy of the spiritual.
Debates and variations: This is one of the points where Christian Science most clearly diverges from Catholics, Orthodox, and a large part of Protestants.
Documentary evidence
Supportive
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures
Mary Baker Eddy's central work for doctrine and hermeneutics of the tradition.
Reference: Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.
Content: The book develops the religious metaphysics of the tradition and its spiritual reading of the Bible, prayer, and healing.
Use in debate: The main doctrinal source after the Bible.
Contrary
Acts 8:36-38
Water baptism of the eunuch.
Reference: Acts 8:36-38.
Content: The narrative shows the water baptism of the eunuch after faith.
Use in debate: Used to tension the spiritualized reading of baptism in the tradition.
Matthew 26:26-28
Institution of the Lord's Supper.
Reference: Matthew 26:26-28.
Content: The text reports bread and cup at the last supper of Jesus.
Use in debate: Frequently cited by critics to tension non-material readings of the sacraments.