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Highlights of the faith's early history, from 1866 to 1910, include the publication and revision of Science and Health; the dismantling and restructuring of the church organization; and the further development of Christian healing practices and the funding of periodicals, including the Christian Science Monitor.

A series of rifts have occurred between onetime adherents and Eddy's church. Internal disagreements have resulted in both division and dialogue among adherents.

The Church of Christ, Scientist, is the institution designed to both shelter and spread Christian Science. Members do this through several avenues outlined in the Church Manual and adapted to local needs.

Eddy believed that Christian Science allowed exploration and "demonstration" of the divine reality lived by Jesus. She also saw it challenging conventional science, theology, and medicine. Both have been at issue in controversies, polemics, and court trials involving adherents.

Recent Christian Science history, from 1910 to the present, includes the development of military, humanitarian, journalistic, and nursing ministries; key court decisions in 1922 and the 1990s; a peak and decline in western membership, and an increase in African membership.