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[[File:Science_and_Health_(Christian_Science)_and_the_Bible.jpg|thumbnail|320px|left|<i>Science and Health</i> by Mary Baker Eddy, and the <i>Holy Bible</i>.]]

==The Theory and Beliefs of Christian Science==

==Prosecuting Christian Science in the Courts==

Medical licensing authorities were concerned about the spread of Christian Science and began actively to prosecute them for violating licensing laws. Even though they did not behave like traditional physicians, Christian Scientists made it clear that their methods could cure human ailments. Like physicians, they also readily accepted payment for their services. Christian Scientists argued that their system of healing was as valid as any other, and defended themselves from overzealous licensing boards by alleging that any interference with them was a violation of their First Amendment right to freedom of religion. Clifford Smith, a judge and Christian Science advocate, argued that medical regulations discriminated against other healing practices “create[d] a monopoly, and in effect establish[ed] a state system of healing” that unfairly discriminated against Christian Scientists.<ref> Clifford Peabody Smith, <i>Christian Science, Its Legal Status: A Defense of Human Rights</i> (Boston, 1914), 12.</ref> State licensing boards in several states actively pursued Christian Scientists. Historian Rennie Schoelpflin combed through state courts records and identified several cases where Christian Scientists were prosecuted for practicing without a medical license. In most of the cases Schoelpflin found these practitioners were ultimately exonerated by lower level courts or appellate, but this was not universally true. Some states courts did find that Christian Scientists were practicing medicine.<ref> Schoelpflin, 149, 151, Appendix.</ref>

==Conclusion==

Christian Science struggled to acquire legal recognition in the early twentieth century. Schloepflin identified thirty-eight states between 1900-1915 that attempted either to ban the practice or force all Christian Scientists to comply with medical licensing laws. But over the twentieth century, many states gradually carved out limited exemptions for Christian Scientists. As licensing and examining boards continued to apply pressure to Christian Science, leaders within the Christian Science community shifted away from the professional practice of Christian Science medicine. Christian Science leaders later recognized that “healing the sick [was] a consequence of Christian Science practice and not its prime object.”<ref>Schloepflin, 161-166, citing Farlow, <i>Relation of Government</i>, 6.</ref> Still, Christian Scientists continued to ply their trade and charge patients for their services into the 1980s.

==References==

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