Spiritual well being is defined as an expanding sense of purpose and meaning in life, including one’s own morals and ethics. It may include religious practices and engagement in a community based on this, but can also include personal practices that are not defined by a religion or religious group. Spiritual wellness is widely known to have a significant impact on our day-to-day well being and ability to cope with the stressors of life. In fact, studies have shown that people who have a spiritual belief experience lower levels of depression, anxiety and experience better health.

Those affiliated with the Christian Science Church, as well as those who study the writings of Mary Baker Eddy on their own, have found their health and quality of life improved. They have found freedom from anxiety, experienced inner peace, felt a greater connection and appreciation for all life, and desire to be a better neighbor in all the aspects of their life.

There are many benefits to cultivating your spiritual well being. Some of these relate to yourself and your daily practices, while others relate to opportunities to shape the world around you. Some benefits of spiritual wellness include:

• A sense of purpose in life
• Comfort in times of uncertainty
• Tools to regain personal calm and center
• A pathway to make sense of grief in times of loss
• An increased capacity for love and forgiveness
• An unlocking of creativity and resourcefulness
• Reduction of stress and depression
• An overall improvement in health and wellbeing
• Motivation to be of service to others
• A sense of community in those with shared beliefs

YES, really! Everyone is welcome to visit a Christian Science Reading Room. These centers for spiritual living are devoted to the exploration of spiritual existence, prayer, and healing. They exhibit and sell the primary text of Christian Science, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, along with the author Mary Baker Eddy’s many other writings. Also available are the Bible, related reference books, and other inspirational publications written by students of Christian Science.

Hours differ from Reading Room to Reading Room and are staffed by volunteers. Reading Rooms ALSO offer 24/7 online service.

The prayer meeting begins with short readings on a topic of community interest, followed by participants sharing their stories of spiritual insights and healing. Meetings are very informal and usually include some music and group singing. They last only an hour and meet year round. Everyone is welcome to attend.

There are 26 Christian Science worship groups in the greater Chicago area.

“Christian Science in Metro Chicago” is a joint activity of Chicago’s worship groups. It promotes and provides information about Christian Science resources in the Chicago area.

No. Many times the press and social media confuse these two religions, primarily because of similarities in their names. However, there is no historical connection nor any commonality in basis or theology.