What Does Christian Science Teach About Alcohol Consumption?
Christian Science teaches that alcohol is not in harmony with the faith. Mary Baker Eddy wrote in Science and Health that the use of tobacco or intoxicating drinks is not in harmony with Christian Science, and a church journal notice says use in any degree is inconsistent with its teaching and practice.
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The Mary Baker Eddy Library quotes Science and Health: “the use of tobacco or intoxicating drinks is not in harmony with Christian Science.” The Library also reports that Eddy wrote that “Strong drink is unquestionably an evil” and that the only temperance is total abstinence.
The church’s own statement
A 1961 notice in The Christian Science Journal says use of alcohol and tobacco in any degree is “inconsistent with the teaching and practice of Christian Science.” It repeats the same Science and Health sentence.
Is it a ban?
An early Christian Science Sentinel article (1906) says the church’s tenets do not specifically prohibit these things, and that its teaching leads to a state of mind that removes the desire for intoxicants. Later church writing is firmer, so practice is generally abstinence. For what a member must do today, check the Manual of The Mother Church or ask a local Christian Science church. We did not read the current Manual.
Health and drinking problems
If you or someone you know has a drinking problem, talk to a doctor as well as your faith community. See our laws and travel guides for other rules about alcohol.
People also ask
Do Christian Scientists drink alcohol?
Church sources say alcohol use is inconsistent with Christian Science teaching, and the usual practice is abstinence.
Where does Christian Science teach this?
In Mary Baker Eddy's Science and Health, which says the use of intoxicating drinks is not in harmony with Christian Science.
Is alcohol strictly forbidden in Christian Science?
A 1906 Sentinel article says the tenets do not specifically prohibit it, while a 1961 Journal notice says any use is inconsistent with the teaching. Ask the church for its current rule.
Sources
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