Product Description
Born in 1821, Mary Baker Eddy rose from unremarkable, indeed unfortunate, beginnings -- a sickly New Hampshire farm girl all too accustomed to the illness and death of loved ones -- to become, early in the twentieth century, a household name across America, and famous around the world. In this groundbreaking biography, Robert Thomas brilliantly employs his training in both history and psychoanalysis and, for a non -- Christian Scientist, his unprecedented access to Church archives to illuminate the psychological and social circumstances that led to Eddy's founding of a major religious movement.

Thomas begins by revealing in full the family tragedies that deeply affected, almost overwhelmed, the young girl, and shaped in her an awareness of the limited ability of traditional institutions to alleviate suffering. He casts new light on her conflicted relationships with her severely Calvinist father and her loving -- but demanding -- mother, on her inability to "mother" her own son, and on her involvement in such movements and fads of the period as spiritualism, homeopathy, the Graham diet, and water cures. He helps us understand the patterns in her life and how it came to be that a fall on ice when she was forty-five precipitated a life-changing religious experience that ultimately led to the establishment of the Church of Christ, Scientist.

Thomas helps us to know Mary Baker Eddy from within her own spiritual frame of reference, and also to see what made her message so persuasive to others. Through a close study of her early writings, he makes it unmistakably clear for the first time that she was a woman of strikingly original, searching, and probing mind -- not the plagiarist some have alleged her to be. He analyzes Eddy's explanation of the existence of evil in her theory of "malicious animal magnetism," and he discusses her ideas about the nature of spiritual prophecy, and the role of dreams and visions. Through the stories of Church members -- including many who knew her personally -- Thomas examines her relationships with her followers, and he shows us the complexities, inconsistencies, and ambiguities of her personality, as well as the richness and depth of her character.

Throughout this study, we are able to see Mary Baker Eddy in the context of her late-Victorian world, and we see the ways in which her life and movement reaffirmed America's most cherished Protestant middle-class values and myths while at the same time directly challenging and disturbing the conventional thought of her time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

An apology indeed
I was raised in Christian Science, but the historical Mrs. Eddy only became fascinating to me when I finally discovered that the glowing image portrayed in church literature was largely mythological.Her life story is particularly interesting now that the Christian Science Church is once again attempting to widen its appeal.
A friend recommended this book to me as exposing some of the Eddy mythology using heretofor "classified" material from church archives.What I found instead was a sometimes interesting attempt to analyse Mrs. Eddy's persona and life in psychological, but often apologetic terms.While he obviously wants to be seen as an impartial biographer, he often left me feeling that he wasn't telling the whole story.Indeed, what I found most troubling in his narrative were the many gaping holes, not only in terms of chronology, but of historical criticism.For example, we never really learn how Mrs. Eddy and her organization developed rapidly in the 1880's from a small group into a national organization, and how this related to a fundamental criticism of her character: that Christian Science evolved into a money-making enterprise that was frequently at odds with her purported metaphysical world-view. Thomas often leaves the reader unaware of some very controversial aspects of her career by making the situation seem innocuous.For example, her establishment of the "Massachusetts Metaphysical College", he says, was "to give her teachings a firmer structure and more respectability in the community" and "her graduates took away a diploma from a state-chartered school".He doesn't mention that this "charter" was under an ill-conceived state law that allowed virtually any diploma mill to exist, and that the school primarily existed to make money and create more demand, with her as the only faculty member.He glosses over the contributions of Rev. James Wiggin in virtually re-writing Science and Health by referring to his work as merely smoothing over "rough edges", and dismisses Wiggin's criticism of her educational and literary shortcomings by accusing him of of being a "lapsed Unitarian minister" who had "gender anxieties" in his capacity as a nineteenth century man in a woman's employ.Mrs. Eddy's at times paranoid obsession with "malicious animal magnetism" is rather benignly explained as due to her being "acutely sensitive to a form of interpersonal interaction that is largely unconscious..." and stemming from an "intricate web of relationships" going back to childhood.
I would still recommend this book as having valuable material, and as worth reading for some interesting insights into aspects of Mrs. Eddy's psychological make-up.However, any reader who stops here is likely to come away with a very incomplete and even fuzzy picture of the woman, her psychological motives, her many questionable claims, as well as the many vagaries of her early movement. I would therefore recommend that you get your hands on other, more critical histories, particularly Edwin Franden Dakin's "Mrs. Eddy, the Biography of a Virginal Mind" - out of print, but available.While Dakin's book has it's own shortcomings, including occasional use of a not well-documented "omniscient narration", the historical narrative and especially the motives for many of the more sensational events of Mrs. Eddy's life, are, overall, presented much more coherently.Thomas would have done well, if he had issues with this much more critical view of Mrs. Eddy, to refute in detail the charges made by Dakin and others, instead of, to a large extent, dismissing them.

Not a critique, but an apology.
This book is supposed to be a psychoanalytic study of Mary Baker Eddy. It is anything but that.

The authors appear to be non-Christian Scientists have looked into Christian Science and decided that it is the correct explanation of Jesus's works and teachings. Although this book offers some wonderful intellectual insights into Mrs. Eddy's life and career, it is far more praiseworthy than antagonistic.

Strongly recommended, whether or not you're a Christian Scientist.

Thomas is simply a genius
I am one of relatively few people who have had the enormous privelige of being taught by Robert Thomas - "Doc Thomas", as he was universally known.He is a man with an extraordinary and profound intellect, and an unparalleled ability to illuminate complex and intricate issues.If you desire an intellectual thrill, buy the book.Better still would be to take a class from him, an experience which in the course of nine months taught me how to think and write.He could sell tickets to his dissection of Dr. Strangelove.It was truly that fascinating.

Doc, if you read this, I want to say now that you are unequivocally the most brilliant, effective and entertaining teacher I have ever had the privelige of learning from.You have taught me more than any person ever has, and given to me the art of analysis.Thank you, thank you, thank you.My only regret is that you didn't stay one more year.I know dozens of us would have been lining up for Am Cult, myself included.

-David (no, not Big Hands who forgot his notes for the final)

disappointing
Thomas was given access to the church archives when researching this book, but then he was denied permission to quote from anything he read there.(At least according to a letter the author published later in response toan unfavorable review--Thomas ought to have clarified this issue in hispreface to the book.)

The result is a book full of broad claims restingprecariously on slender evidence.Thomas' overly vague descriptions ofarchival material cannot support his conclusions.

If you're interested inlearning more about Eddy (as opposed to learning more about what Thomas*thinks* about Eddy based on secret information), don't waste your money onthis book.

A MUST!READS BETTER THAN ANY NOVEL!
An excellent history of M.B.E.Well researched and extremely interesting to read.This book really tells the truth about M.B.E. and Christian Science. ... Read more

Product Description
This book delights the reader with over 300 awe-inspiring accounts of Christian healing by the most accomplished spiritual healer since the Master, Mary Baker Eddy. Mary Baker Eddy expressed such great love and dominion through her understanding of God's Love for man that it enabled her to, "...heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out devils," all through prayer alone. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

This book is the antithesis of "nauseating fiction"
The content of this book is wonderfully shocking, beautifully presented, and starkly simple. When you begin reading, you realize it's a compilation of hundreds of snippets from eyewitnesses to healings Mrs. Eddy performed day and night, from the time she was a small child. There has never been a book like this. Why? Because Mrs. Eddy is quite clearly a phenomenal individual, perhaps the greatest female (word to Mother Mary) ever to trod the globe. Christ Jesus came to humanity via immaculate conception, primarily to show us how to overcome the so-called laws of mortality. He healed thousands upon thousands of people of sickness and disease instantaneously, and also showed his 12 disciples how. Mrs. Eddy came into this life in the usual human way, but soon distinguished herself as "gifted" with awe-inspiring healing abilities. Still, the teen and early adult chapters of her inspiring life were, surprisingly, fraught with the perils of sickness and adversity. She stayed the course, however, and later in life, with death's dew on her brow, she rose to regenerate a civilization. Convinced God was using her as His instrument, Mrs. Eddy based her life's work upon the study of the Bible, and demonstration of its "inspired word." Like her only example, Christ Jesus, she too healed thousands of ailing individuals, and even raised babies and others from the dead! About 300 of these healings are documented in this book - each proving the so-called miracles that Jesus the Christ demonstrated 2000 years ago indicated no disorder, but instead revealed the primal, divine order. Why the American public has not been made aware of Mrs. Eddy's healing efficacy, which lasted from the mid-1800s until her death in the early 1900s, is perhaps the mystery of our age. Human ego and opaque thinking in America's male-dominated society both contributed to a massive stonewalling campaign to hide and otherwise minimize her glorious example. It has been more or less buried in the archives since the Wright Brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk, until now. While mankind flourished during decades of scientific and technological advancement, the legacy of this frail, unsinkable woman healed via a religion (Christian Science), a worldwide publishing society (The Monitor), and a global church (Church of Christ, Scientist). This book shows, time and again, how Mrs. Eddy overcame the laws of physics and mortality with ease, and even divine disdain. Quite frankly, she set an example that has not been evidenced in human history since the life and times of Jesus Christ. This book changed my life, changed my perspective, changed my thinking, changed my priorities, it changed everything. It implores us to follow in her example - that we all must, by suffering or by Science, learn to HEAL!

Must read
Extremely well researched account of the healing works of Mary Baker Eddy.Incredibly inspirational and filled with insight into the workings of this great healer.

Wow1What a healer
I had not heard of many of these healings. This book really points out that we need to do be more active healers.

Uplifting and Inspiring
This book reinforces the statement "all things are possible". Mary Baker Eddy saw into the spiritual realm and remarkable healings followed. She was way ahead of her time with her remarkable insight and healing but the world is slowly catching up. The general population now accepts many of her ideas that were once scoffed at. The mind-body connection and the power of prayer in healing have gone mainstream and prayer groups are now achieving what seemed medically impossible. This book of Mary Baker Eddy's healings is very inspiring and gives hope and encouragement to all. She left a wonderful gift for the world that can only be fully appreciated when we catch a glimpse of her message.

Christian Science grew because Mary Baker Eddy healed
Facinating insight into the healing work of Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer and founder of Christian Science.Well researched and annotated.Clear and convincing evidence that Mary Baker Eddy PRACTICEDwhat she CLAIMED that she had found - the Science of Christianity and itsHealing Power, The divine Power understood.

This book may not convincethe skeptics but I shared it with someone who had never heard of Mrs. Eddyand she devoured the book as fast as she could. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Christian Science Board of Directors Defying By-Laws . . .
Christian Science Board of Directors defying Mrs. Eddy's By-Laws in takingand holding offices, for the closing of which she provided in her Church,are not legitimate - the position in Christian Science of Augusta E.Stetson, C.S.D., analyzed and explained by her students Franklin Ford andHickman Price.Originally broadcast in 1927 from Radio Station WHAP in NewYork City, this address is a spirited defense of "genuine Christian Scienceas promulgated by Mary Baker Eddy."All of Mrs. Stetson's writings revealdominion in her Christian life and Christian Science practice.Booklet;portraits; 30 pages; reprint of the 1927 edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Behind the Scenes With the Metaphysicians
A prior knowledge of Christian Science would be most helpful before reading this book.
I found the book very interesting because it introduced a new perspective to understanding the priciples of metaphysics.

Just great - sprititual, funny and many insights
A funny, skeptical and at the same time highly spiritual book. Corey, an independent Christian Scientist, who taught many of the luminaries of his time, eg in Hollywood, at his best: missing no chance to make a good joke, and at the same leading the reader deeper and deeper into metaphysics. I had laugh and smile a lot when I read this book; at the same time, I was touched by Corey's deep understanding of metaphysics.
Highly recommended! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

It took a lot of debt and a lot of ca$h to get this book published
Besides the questionable theological viewpoints expressed in this book, it is a poorly written, poorly edited, rambling mess.

BTW, Tomlinson excellently handles the question of MBE and the woman in the Apocalypse at the end of his Twelve Years With Mary Baker Eddy, the competing book the C.S. Board of Directors originally chose to publish back in the '40s.

Useless and misleading for non-Christian Scientists
As the title of this review indicates, this is NOT a good book for anyone who is not completely familiar with the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, or willing to take the trouble to become familiar with them.

I have felt that one main problem for those not really familiar with the writings of the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science could be to cause a reaction from one extreme to another, where rather than valuing Mrs. Eddy correctly (where one sees that she is NOT deified), one's estimate of her would sink too low.

I also have had a problem because the current copy I have of this book does not seem to have a quotation I copied from the other one that I saw, which I know was at the end of one of the chapters. I may have made a mistake, but this sort of thing has happened with other biographical material that has been put out over the years by the Christian Science Publishing Society, where things have been changed --slight little surreptitious changes that result in different impressions or ideas. I have remembered sentences as being different in the We Knew Mary Baker Eddy series, and this has been confirmed by others on the internet who have older copies. So, there has apparently been some skulduggery going on for a long time.

This is reminiscent of what is going on today with the modern Bible translations. What are they trying to do to Jesus? A wrong estimate of the messenger means a loss of the message, or vice versa.

Hopefully these items may help to give an idea of what is involved, which is a lot more than appears on the surface.

Any Christian Scientist who has been aware over the years of certain things realizes that there has been mischief afoot somewhere. It took me a long time to realize that the betrayal must have started about the same time that Mrs. Eddy left us. Then,the evidence started piling on. It's like, sometimes you have to first realize what must have happened, without any material proof or evidence, and then the evidence follows.

Every Christian Scientist should know that there is a rule, and that is, if there is a discrepancy about something, the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, is to be taken as the authority. This is a Manual requirement. Watch that they do not try to change Science and Health. The logical conclusion of all these things that have been going on is that that is the ultimate goal.

Mrs. Eddy did not copyright the last edition of Science and Health, the 1910 edition. How could one copyright calculus? The one the Church is using is the 1906. The King James Bible is not copyrighted. But how long did it take to get the Scriptures back? It took centuries, because ecclesiastical despotism kept it under lock and key, while the planet slept through the Dark Ages, and suffered the nightmare of the Inquisition.No one can own calculus, and no one can own the truth. But when they can't keep it under lock and key any more, they try to change it.

So far the only real difference between the last two editions of Science and Health, that I have been able to spot are the testimonies in the chapter on "Fruitage." But I have not checked thoroughly as of this writing. (This will take some time.) The 1910 edition (which I have an original of), has a picture of Mrs. Eddy at the front with a facsimile of her signature, which is different legally from a copyright.

If you are not happy with your King James Bible, you can get one from someone else. You would love it, and be familiar with it, and know if a publisher had messed with it.

Note also that as various editions of her textbook were published, Mrs. Eddy changed the design of the seal on the cover of her book at a particular point in time. The current seal is a trademark. Why would anyone worry about that trademark? What is trade? It is buying and selling. A very apt term for the idea of doing business in God's Word. So what is the issue? LET THEM HAVE IT.

Ditto for "Authorized Literature." Mrs. Eddy never instituted such a policy, of placing this statement on her books. What does "authorized" mean? Who's the author? She said God wrote Science and Health, and she was just the scribe. Who is giving permission for us to have this book?

In the past, this "stamp of approval" was only used on Mrs. Eddy's published writings that were printed by the Christian Science publishing Society -- the same ones they printed with the trademark. Placing these words on Knapp's biography was a requirement for "the Church" to get the money for publishing this book.

All of this only gives support to the idea that Mrs. Eddy did indeed foresee what was going to happen. I think Mrs. Eddy knew exactly what she was doing, and I don't think she made any mistakes.

Perhaps I should add that prior to the publication of this book, I had not heard of Bliss Knapp. I had heard of his father,Ira, I remember asking my grandmother once why it was that there were all of these reminiscences of Mrs. Eddy published by other early workers, but not by him? (I was one of these kids who always saw -- and mentioned -- the elephant in the living room.) She got a very strange look on her face and said something about how he had gone wrong. (It was like, this is the thing we are not supposed to discuss.) Considering the current state of affairs, things need to be discussed.

At the time I first read this book, there was a horrible situation in the local church about it, and things were said by someone who came out to be a troublemaker later, that I believe may have "primed" me to take things in the book certain ways. I made me think that people looking for things to "pounce" upon about Christian Science would do the same thing. But this person was also, I realized later, employing a specific agenda to downgrade certain teachings amongst people inside the church.

My concern with this particular book at the time therefore, became, how would a non-Christian-Scientist take such an interpretation of this book. It seemed that the way it was written was wide open to any of several interpretations about Mary Baker Eddy, especially because of the widespread misunderstanding of her views about Jesus. Today, of course, I say, it is the fault of (so-called) Christian Scientists who have not only failed to get across to others that Christian Science does not contradict the Bible; it is that they have stopped studying the Bible, and lost the connection of Mary Baker Eddy and the Bible, in which case, one has lost everythng. It especially means that they have lost the idea that Science and Health is the "Little Book" spoken of by St. John in the Book of Revelation.

I was very shocked, after moving away from where I grew up, to realize that a lot of Christian Scientists were not studying the Bible. This is not normal. So I had this big reaction that because Christian Scientists were not succeeding in getting across how Mrs. Eddy's book coincides with the Scriptures, that it was wrong for them to publish it, regardless of any other issues.

I do endeavor from time to time to re-read this book, and I have to say, I haven't been able to really get through it all the way again. Something does seem different, though. I read a little bit, and start to get really upset again, and then I have to wait awhile before trying again; and it is all tied in with the situation that erupted previously.

The point is, I don't trust the publisher. If they did the right thing, it was for the wrong reason. I know what I believe. And I hope and believe it is in accord with the Christian Science textbook. And I got a good sense of Christian Science from the older editions of a lot of the books that are no longer being published by this publisher. I certainly wish I had inherited my grandmother's books. (Some of these older books are being reprinted by The Bookmark.)

Ultimately, it will not matter what Bliss Knapp or anyone else thought. However, at the current juncture, it is important to find out what the early workers in the Movement thought about Mrs. Eddy. I do recommend David Keyston's book, "You Will Have to Learn to Love Me More."

For further discussion of some of the issues raised in "Destiny", please see my comment on one of the reviews by "A Customer," the critical one that says "Eddy is the Christ."

Casting down imaginations
This book contains nothing but the ramblings of a mad man deifying his subject.... Poor Bliss, I think he missed the mark.

Knapp - a CSHeretic?, then so were her closest students!
The ignorance of the views on Mrs. Eddy by her own closest associates by the detractors of this book is astounding.Most of these detractor, though ignorant of the orgins of this view are of the so-called Chicago/KimballSchool. Kimball, while a fine lecturer, turned down Mrs. Eddy's request towork in her household and never understood Mrs. Eddy's relation to BiblicalProphecy. I have heard Knapp's views described as the "Knappheresy".If so, then let us call it the Laura Sargent, Calvin Frye,Irving Tomlinson, Victoria Sargent, Calvin Hill, Adam Dickey, MarthaWilcox, and about 50 others of her closest associates heresy) becausevirtually all of them shared this view of her. That this is ignoreddemonstrates the considerable comparative IGNORANCE of modern day ChristianScientists to the history of their own movement.If Knapp was wrong, sowere the CS Board of Directors, who issued the below 6 point statement inthe July 1943 CS Journal called Mrs. Eddy's Place after 3 years of researchin the church archives.The findings of the editors and former editorsparalleled Knapp's view.A change in the Board makeup with the passing ofseveral members who actually knew and worked for Mrs. Eddy brought thecurrent so-called orthodox Kimball based view. Between 1931 and 1999 onlyone non-Kimball line CS teacher has taught the CS Normal Class (1961)

TheBiblical Red Dragon does 2 things to hide Mrs. Eddy's Place,1. It hidesthe actual historical facts of the commonality of this view among herclosest associates, an undeniable historical fact to anyone willing toconsider the actual written evidence. 2.Failing that it resorts to thecommon practice of lumping all these views under the heading of"deification of personality"this practice, abhorrent even toBliss Knapp, when he is metaphysically understood, is concerned with herphysical personality. While the view of Mrs, Eddy as typifying the"Woman of Prophecy" is concerned with her spiritualindividuality.This reviewer was originally on the side condemning thebook but was forced to 180 degree alter his view after 2 years of research.He will happily provide considerable documentary evidence to any inquirer. Here's an example, When Victoria Sargent CSD came to Boston during theso-called Next Friend's suite in 1907 and had a conference with Mrs. Eddy,it is recorded a biograpical sketch by her V's CS association thefollowing, "Recognizing the high quality of her (Victoria's) mentalwork, Mrs. Eddy called Mrs. Sargent to Concord, (NH) in 1907, to helphandle the error arising from the lawsuit known as the "NextFriends" lawsuit.Mrs. Sargent went to Concord and remained severalweeks. She was able to go to Pleasant View a number of times, where shevisited her sister, Laura, and with Mrs. Eddy.On one of these visits Mrs.Sargent addressed her Leader thus, "My students recognize you to beGod's witness and mouthpiece.They are convinced that God is guiding youin this work which you are carrying on for the cause of Christian Science. They feel that you fufill the prophecies of the Scriptures -- that yourepresent the God-crowned woman mentioned in the Apocalypse." SourceBiographical sketch by a committee elected from Victoria Sargent's StudentsAssociation, October 1951

Note that there is a difference between sayingthat Mrs. Eddy "represents" or "typifies" the Woman ofProphecy and and that she "IS" the woman.No mortal finitephysical personality could BE the Woman.

The July 1943 Statement by theCS Board follows: Author: The Christian Science Board of Directors Source:The Christian Science Journal, July 1943 Page #: 412 MRS. EDDY'S PLACE Theposition of The Mother Church as to Mary Baker Eddy's place in thefulfillment of Bible prophecy is clearly set forth in the followingparagraphs. These conclusions are not new; they are confirmed by ourLeader's writings, and the steadily unfolding fruitage of Christian Sciencebears witness to their truth. 1. Mrs. Eddy, as the Discoverer and Founderof Christian Science, understood herself to be the one chosen of God tobring the promised Comforter to the world, and, therefore, the revelator ofChrist, Truth, in this age. 2. Mrs. Eddy regarded portions of Revelation(that is, Chapter 12) as pointing to her as the one who fulfilled prophecyby giving the full and final revelation of Truth; her work thus beingcomplementary to that of Christ Jesus. 3. As Christ Jesus exemplified thefatherhood of God, she (Mrs. Eddy) revealed God's motherhood; sherepresented in this age the spiritual idea of God typified by the woman inthe Apocalypse. 4. Mrs. Eddy considered herself to be the"God-appointed" and "God-anointed" messenger to thisage, the woman chosen by God to discover the Science of Christian healingand to interpret it to mankind; she is so closely related to Christi-anScience that a true sense of her is essential to the understanding ofChristian Science; in other words, the revelator cannot be separated fromthe revelation. 5. This recognition of her true status enabled her towithstand the opposition directed against her by "the dragon"(malicious animal magnetism); she was touchingly grateful to those who sawher as the woman of prophecy and who therefore trusted, obeyed, andsupported her in her mission. 6. This same recognition is equally vital toour movement, for demonstration is the result of vision; the collecting ofthis indisputable evidence of our Leader's own view of herself and of hermission marks a great step forward; wisely utilized, this evidence willstimulate and stabilize the growth of Christian Scientists today and insucceeding generations; it will establish unity in the Field with regard tothe vital question of our Leader's relation to Scriptural prophecy. As werecord these important facts, we remind Christian Scientists of ourLeader's words (Mis. 308), "The Scriptures and Christian Sciencereveal 'the way,' and personal revelators will take their proper place inhistory, but will not be deified.,' --- The Christian Science Board ofDirectors

Am I the second Christ?
"Am I the second Christ? Even the question shocks me" - Mary Baker Eddy in her book First Church of Christ, Scientist and Miscellany."Follow your leader only so far as she follows Christ" (ibid). This book presents a muddled picture that disregards her own writings onthe subject - which include, according to the computer concordance to herwritings, 988 references to Jesus.And none of them in any way equatingher to the Savior.Knapp knew her somewhat personally.He also had littlebalanced knowledge of her writings and teachings. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from GeneralBooksClub.com. You can also preview excerpts from the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subtitle: A Record of Unsettled Questions Which Arose in the Year 1909, Between the Directors of the Mother Church, the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, Massachusetts, and First Church of Christ, Scientist, New York City, Eight of Its Nine Trustees and Sixteen of Its Practitioners; Original Published by: Putnam in 1914 in 438 pages; Subjects: Christian Science; Biography & Autobiography / Religious; Religion / Christianity / History; Religion / Christianity / Christian Science; Religion / Christianity / Denominations; ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Vital Issues in Christian Science
A record of unsettled questions which arose in the year 1909 between theDirectors of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist,Boston, Massachusetts, and First Church of Christ, Scientist, New YorkCity, eight of its nine Trustees and sixteen of its Practitioners.Thisimportant work records Augusta Stetson's spiritual defense of genuineChristian Science against the material concept of Mary Baker Eddy'steaching held by the Christian Science Board of Directors.Mrs. Stetsonalso explains the Directors' mistake in attempting to assume theprerogative of the forever Leader of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy,who spiritually guides those members of her church who have risen to aresponsiveness to her constant and continuous spiritual leadership. Contains facsimiles of excerpts and letters from Mary Baker Eddy to AugustaStetson.Brown cloth; 405 pages; reprint of the 1917 edition. ... Read more

Product Description
Conveniently compiled published documents accurately reflect Christian Science beliefs and practices. The book contains basic facts about Christian Science, emphasizing its theology, and topics range from perspectives on the Bible to the practice of spiritual healing. ... Read more