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Join us in studying the intricacies of cells and organisms, matter and energy, astronomy, heredity, the nervous system, and the immune system. The student text includes interesting, manageable expe ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Workbook
This workbook is an awesome accompaniment to the Science 6 textbook.It really helped my son with his understanding of the text. ... Read more

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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

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American writer, educator, theologian, and feminist pioneer EMMA CURTIS HOPKINS (1849-1925) may well be the most important woman in the history of religion in the United States. Influenced by Mary Baker Eddy and her "Christian Science," Hopkins developed the more metaphysical philosophy of New Thought, an early "New Age" outlook that encouraged its adherents to tap the latent powers of their potent minds. Known as "the teacher of teachers," Hopkins inspired her students, many of whom went on to become influential leaders of the New Thought movement, to give full expression to their creative genius.In this 1888 book, considered by many her masterpiece, Hopkins explores the wisdom of Jesus Christ from twelve different perspectives, all of which demonstrate, in their own unique ways, how we all hold within us the mystical energy to transform ourselves, our lives, and the world itself for the better, and to fill our hearts with the joy of the infinite.ALSO AVAILABLE FROM COSIMO: Hopkins' High Mysticism ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Scientific Christian Mental Practices
I have been a student of this book since 1987 and have found it to be one of the most valuable spiritual books I've even come across.I use this book daily and continue to learn from it.This is a must read for someone looking for lessons in practical Christianity.I give high praise to this book.There are many reasons it's been available to the public since 1890ish.

One of the most informative books I have read
I have been a student of Mind Sciences/metaphysics for nearly a decade now. I have always loved the works of Emmet Fox, Ernest Holmes, Joseph Murphy and the like. But then, I ordered this book on Kindle and discovered Emma Curtis Hopkins. This book is so rich in content that I have made a study of it, taking notes as I go. I think the thing I like most here is that Ms. Hopkins takes us back to the basics on new thought teaching, but also breaks everything down into an easy to understand format. She doesn't leave any guess work to the reader as to how to actually apply new thought teachings or healing practices. It's all laid out in plain language and explained in detail to the reader. The time I have spent with this book has brought my understanding and love of Mind Sciences to a new level.. It has also helped me reach new heights in my own healing work as I study to become a practitioner.. This is great stuff. Anyone interested in learning about Mind Sciences should read this book. It should be mandatory reading for any metaphysician.

Great insights
Wonderful information but pretty heavy reading. I found it difficult to grasp some of the information.
She was clearly a woman before her time.

Excellent read, informative
I recommended this book to my daughter.This book was very informative in instructional practices of scientific prayer, manifestations.When I thought about the experiences in my life, I realized that I had used some form of scientific mental practices to create what has happened in my life.It does not violate any religious practices, rather enhances and aligns one to the promises made by any religion.

Prefer Ernest Holmes
Not for me, contains more religious undertones and supplication mindset than I care for, however she was one of the few on the forefront of the New Thought movement.I read it once and haven't picked it up since.I prefer Enrest Holmes books, which I read over and over. ... Read more

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The goal of Fraser's book is to track down andannihilate irrational fears in the religion of her childhood; herreason for doing so, however, exudes an undeniably spiritual grace:"Should we continue to pursue [these fears], our providences willsurely grow ever more remarkable." --Michael Joseph Gross ... Read more

Customer Reviews (102)

Science and Health
"God's Perfect Child" is a powerful expose of Christian Science. Christian Science Reading Rooms are ubiquitous downtown in cities, and they look inoffensive. They teach positive thinking, an inclusive view of Deity ("Father-Mother God"), they have male and female readers on Sundays... on the surface, it looks good. Beneath its sentimental exterior, there is a decrepit interior. Caroline Fraser goes in-depth about institutional crises after Mary Baker Eddy died, children who died from the lack of necessary medical care (from ailments such as cancer and meningitis), the appalling conditions of Christian Science nursing homes (such as Arden Wood in San Francisco), where nurses are reprimanded for feeding the elderly who cannot feed themselves. Fraser connects Christian Science with Scientology, as well as its more benevolent offshoots of Religious Science and Unity. She also connects it with the self-help movement of Marianne Williamson (The Gift of Change: Spiritual Guidance for Living Your Best Life),A Course in Miracles: Combined Volume,and Dr. Andrew Weil (Why Our Health Matters: A Vision of Medicine That Can Transform Our Future) She also tackles Mary Baker Eddy's abusive, controlling personality.

"God's Perfect Child" is an engrossing, powerful book. It's a perfect companion for Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (Authorized, Study Edition) Christian Science is an All-American take on Christianity, and this book is excellent.

A Harvard Graduate?
It is sad, yet predictable that a person whose career has never found success has played upon the hype and naivety of the general population. I would expect more from a person who possesses a PHD from an elite university; however, it should not come as a shock to most that this author published a book based on fallacies and sensationalism, seeing as she has never found respect in her own field of study (Literature).

If you believe all Muslim extremists, and those who bombed the US on 9/11, are representative of the Islamic tradition, then by all means buy this book, which similarly portrays a handful of extreme behavior as emblematic of the Christian Science religion.

Excellent book
Very well written, exhaustive study of Christian Science from it's inception as a strange little sect to the present "cult of respectability". After I read this book, I felt like I knew everyting I needed to know about this odd religion.

Factual and very well written.
As a child of a mother and grandmother who were rabid Christian Scientists and whoabused me with their denial of all my bad feelings (error), both physical and emotional, this book was of great interest to me.

I can attest that everything I read was fact, regarding CS beliefs and ways of "denying" sickness, pain and unpleasantness.This author obviously did her homework and knows of what she speaks.

For anyone in recovery from Christian Science or anyone who just wants the "facts", this is an excellent book.

In my opinion, this author was factual and possibly overly fair to this dangerous religious cult.

Also, in my opinion, Mary Baker was mentally ill, but highly charismatic, so was able to found a "religion" based on her personal (mentally ill) beliefs.

Not a typical CS experience
Christian Science is a religion that one must make their own. There are no rules about seeking medical attention or information as the author implies. Yes, the CS textbook is old. It was written in the 19th century with ideas pertinent to that era, but the ideas, the principles, are what is important in Christian Science. I lived a very happy and healthy Christian Science childhood. The experiences of extremists must not be used to color the perception of Christian Science or Christian Scientists in general. ... Read more

Product Description
Betrayed by their superiors and left for dead, the survivors of an elite commando team find themselves in Atlantis, a closed and highly advanced society. Will they fight alongside their hosts to stop the dark plans of an ancient Atlantean offshoot named Zentonia from triggering World War III, or could Atlantis' own Christian heritage, coupled with the threat the men see in its technology, divide them and even make them turn on each other? The first book of a gripping three-part tale! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Continuingthe C.S. Lewis Tradition
If you are a Star Wars fan or a fan of just good science fiction then Aaron Marshall's book is the book for you.I will not go into the plot line, the publisher has given a brief idea, as there are more important matters to discuss. Some may have a concern about the melding of science fiction with Christianity.However, at least two authors since the 1930s come to mind after a reading of this book.First there is C.S. Lewis whose space trilogy introduced me to Christianity as a school boy.Before long I was reading Lewis's deeper works on theology and in this genre' he was considered one of the most outstanding writers of the 20th Century.More recently we have Stephen Lawhead who has used science fiction, fantasy and legend to weave exciting tales with strong Christian overtones.Those aren't the only two and I name them as particular favorites of mine.I only leave out J. R. R. Tolkein as his specialty was fantasy, a specialty that C.S. Lewis also delved in with his Narnian series. You may ask "can't we just deliver a straight Christian message without using science fiction as a hook?"We can of course, but science fiction is fun for many of us and I know people who feel that just the reading of it opened their minds to deeper thoughts about Creation, Salvation and Heaven.That's why The Star Hunters is so much fun.It is a good old fashioned rip-roaring adventure, well crafted and one that the family can enjoy.We have two more in the series to look forward to and it is a series that demands a film or TV version to be produced. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a 255 page softback authored by Bernard Ramm and published by William B. Eerdmans. Acutely aware of the imperative necessity for a harmony of science with Scripture, the author here calls for the return of evangelicalism to the tradition of late nineteenth-century conservative scholars, who learned the facts of science and Scripture with patience, care and integrity, and showed with great competence and training that these two can never conflict. The author's research ranges over the broad fields of astronomy, geology, biology and anthropology, and results in a scholarly, comprehensive and masterly contribution to the complex problem of finding a true harmony between modern science and Holy Scripture. Great material. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Timeless
This book is an all time classic on the relationship of scientific knowledge to Christianity. Bernard Ramm bemoans the fact that there are so many books of this type and his is just another. But his stood the test of time, while the others have largely been forgotten.

This book is timeless. Although some of the information on specific sciences such as geology, astronomy and biology is dated, much of the discussion could have been written yesterday.

Ramm illustrates many ways of reconciling science and the study of scripture. He sometimes gives his own position on a particular issue. We may not agree with him on any particular issue. But Ramm stresses the important thing is that Christian scholars should take seriously the findings of science. Although we Christians accept the Bible as authoritative, there are sources of knowledge outside the Bible and it is not acceptable for the Christian to dismiss these if they seem to conflict with our understanding of scripture. Our understanding of scripture is every bit as contingent on fallible human reason as scientific knowledge.

Ramm is a villan to the young-earth movement because of his "accomodationism" and critisism of "flood geology" and young-earthism. He is cited heavily in Witcomb and Morris' book The Genesis Flood, and in fact may have partly inspired that book.

Some of the information on specific sciences is quite dated. But that illustrates the ever-changing nature of science (and theology) and the unchanging nature of scriptire. Just as our understanding of nature is always changing, so is our understanding of scripture and how it relates to science.

Ramm does indicate that he does not personally accept evolutionary theory and is not a theistic evolutionist. He characterized himself as a "progeressive creationist". I have to admit I don't know if his opinions changed over the years as science progressed. Although my personal opinions may not be in total agreement with Ramm's, he displays an appropriate respect and honest consideration of scientific knowledge.

On the "War" Between Science and Scripture
Bernard Ramm's treatment of the supposed "war" between science and scripture is refreshing yet deep.A professor at Biola University, and then at American Baptist Seminary of the West, he was a prolific writer.His book on hermeneutics remains a useful textbook on the subject.

In the present volume he explores the purported incompatability between scientific reason and biblical accuracy, and shows that the illusion is because of improper interpretation of scientific evidence and/or the Biblical texts.Although some of the scientific data he cites are somewhat dated (e.g. supposed age of the earth), his reasoning still stands.The strength of the book is in its ability to sweep away the controversy and clear the way for intellectual honesty on both sides.

As the list of books referencing this work demonstrates, "The Christian View of Science and Scripture" is a seminal work.Reaction to this book was evidently the impetus for the writings of Henry Morris, who shortly thereafter published his first major works on so-called "scientific creationism".Thus, it may have been the opening volley in the current "war", but as Ramm points out, the debate goes back to Augustine's time.While Morris' work is meant to exclude and divide, Ramm's book paves the way for those trained in the sciences to approach the Bible without having to "check their brain at the door".It also allows the Christian to approach science without a sense of guilt or heretical treason, free to explore its wonders, and yet, understand its limits.But most importantly, it opens a dialogue between serious believers and serious scientists that can lead to salvation on one hand, and greater appreciation for the works of the creator on the other.

It is obvious that Bernard Ramm had a great love of the Bible and science.His most cogent point is that we, as Christians, must be cautious when we speak of scientific subjects, and we must be sure that we really understand the scientific method and the field of which we speak.Otherwise we will be dismissed as ignorant, and even more tragically, we may exclude honest seekers from coming to the Bible for reconciliation with the Creator.Also, as scientists, we must not impose a scientific framework on the Biblical texts.It will almost always result in misinterpretation and obscure the intended message.

That however does not imply that the Bible cannot stand up under scientific scrutiny. While it was not the intent of the Biblical authors to write a scientific treatise, Ramm points out many instances where statements in the Bible have proven far ahead of their time for scientific and historical accuracy.And when viewed from a phenomenological perspective, even the creation account violates no basic tenants of science, a remarkable accomplishment for such an ancient text.

This book remains a classic on the subject.I recommend it to all who honestly seek to reconcile science and scripture, not merely compromise one or the other or both.


... Read more

Product Description
1898. A selection of hymns that is believed to be representative of the best religious and poetic thought in hymnology, including a number of excellent compositions by Christian scientists. An effort was made in the musical department to present a useful and varied collection of tunes, the purpose being to appeal to every lover of church music, of whatever taste or ability. Five of the hymns were written by the Reverend Mary Baker Eddy, discoverer and founder of Christian Science. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Healing
This small book has many times been the portal to healing, both of illness suggesting itself and upset thinking.

It is hard to stay sick or upset when reading the lyrics to songs written by God-inspired writers!

And the book fits nicely in pocket, bag or backpack.Sometimes it only takes one hymn -- or just a verse or line -- and the healing is accomplished.

Sun~Rose

inspiring - whether reading or singing!
I'm not much of a musician but I do like to sing. And I love to read. Many times, I've sat down with this hymnal and simply *read* the lyrics and have found them to be deep reservoirs of inspiration and spiritual insights.

Yeah, the hymns are old and they're from the Victorian era and the lyrics are clearly reminiscent of that time, but they're still beautiful and touching. For instance, there was someone in my life that I felt I had every reason to hate, but being a Christian, I knew that hating any of God's children was wrong and was not part of God's plan for my life.

One of my favorite hymns in this book reads,

"Speak gently to the erring ones,
they must have toiled in vain;
Perhaps unkindness made them so,
Oh win them back again."

That simple sentiment has helped me release the animous and contempt I feel toward this person and reminds me to pray for her each day and ask God to send her nothing but blessings.

I highly recommend this hymnal.

Want a quick hit of inspiration?
I'm not much of a musician but I do like to sing. And I love to read. Many times, I've sat down with this hymnal and simply *read* the lyrics and have found them to be deep reservoirs of inspiration and spiritual insights.

Yeah, the hymns are old and they're from the Victorian era and the lyrics are clearly reminiscent of that time, but they're still beautiful and touching. For instance, there was someone in my life that I felt I had every reason to hate, but being a Christian, I knew that hating any of God's children was wrong and was not part of God's plan for my life.

One of my favorite hymns in this book reads,

"Speak gently to the erring ones,
they must have toiled in vain;
Perhaps unkindness made them so,
Oh win them back again."

That simple sentiment has helped me release the animous and contempt I feel toward this person and reminds me to pray for her each day and ask God to send her nothing but blessings.

I highly recommend this hymnal.

Inspirational Lirics
I have owned several copies of the Hymnal, and keep giving them away and buying a new one. I love the lyrics and find them inspirational at all times, and especially in times of trouble.Hightly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Christian Science; ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Great book for Twain lovers
If you love Mark Twain, you'll love this book. Be prepared there is no Becky and Big Jim to be found, just Twain's delightful writing style. Twain taking on the CHristian Scientists is enlightening and informative. I liked it very much

Not one of Twain's best
Twain enjoyed skewering odd-ball reigions, especially ones he thought had a chance of causing great mischief, witness his appendix to Roughing It (Mark Twain Library), in which he preserved for all time the Mormons' disgraceful slaughter of innocent settlers (the "Mountain Meadow Massacre") and this book. The first is great writing, but this suffers from Twain's use of endless repetition to make a point.

A better book on Christian Science is The Life of Mary Baker G. Eddy and the History of Christian Science, a thorough debunking of Christian Science and Mary Baker Eddy. Highly recommended.

One of my favorites
I recommend all books by this author.
I also love the fact that the publisher, 1stWorld Library (or 1stWolrd Publishing) has made the text slightly larger which is a blessing for my thirty-something eyes. Great job. I have dozens of books by this publisher.

The Second Declaration
Wild Knowing
Every Day A Miracle Happens
Les Miserables, Volume I & II
THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO Vol II
Animal Farm
Planets
American Buddha
Your Star Child: Attracting, Birthing and Parenting an Evolved Soul
The Devil's Disciple

Christian Science and Mark Twain
It's interesting to read this book after 100 years have gone by. Twain, a self discribed cynic would by nature write this type of book. None the less, If you know people that have been healed by CS, you realize the impact that CS has on society over the last 100 years. I wonder what MT would have written about Martin Luther?

Twain also admired Mary Baker Eddy
When Twain penned this book in 1907, the idea of spiritual healing was radical and new to this time and perhaps more than a little frightening. After all, in the early 20th Century, the "scientific method" was all the rage and with the advent of the germ theory, folks were pretty confident that all the answers lay in science.

But this is the 21st Century and hopefully, we know better now. Spiritual healing has been proven to be a real and true alternative to conventional medicine. Harvard Medical School now offers courses on "spirituality and healing" and "Spiritual healing practices."

I suppose it was easy to take potshots at Mrs. Eddy's new religion in 1907 when so many in the media were ready to denigrate a woman for having the nerve and audacity to establish a healing system (and a church and an international religion) wholly independent of the patriarchal and male-dominated field of medicine.

And to show Twain's confusion over this, he also stated in THIS book:"She [Eddy] was the most interesting woman who ever lived and the most extraordinary...It is 1300 years since the world has produced anyone who could measure up to Mrs. Eddy's waistbelt." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Some good things, mostly bad
This book was used in my daughter's 7th graded science class, along with a secular text book. I was impressed at how well the authors were able to show that the glory of God can be seen throughout creation. They present this message in a way that can be understood by 7th graders, and capture their interest. But be warned: this is a "Young Earth Creationist" textbook. In a single read through the book, I found about 20 instances where the authors blatantly distorted or misrepresented scientific information in order to make it fit their young-earth agenda. But most of the book's problems are errors of omission, rather than commission. (For example, the book totally overlooks the evidence for an expanding universe--possibly the greatest scientific discovery of all time!) Consequently, balancing this book with a more secular book makes a reasonable combination.

Years of Use
I used this textbook for 3 of my 4 children and I plan to use it for my 4th child when he reaches the 8th grade.One thing I really like about this book, is that the reading level is age appropiate. So many homeschool books are either to simplistic or too difficult for the recommended grade level. BJU books are right on target! The information is broken into neat, easily scheculed sections, and the review questions at the end of each unit help the student to remember what they've learned. This was one of the best books we've used over the years.

Earth Science for Christian Schools
This is an excellent Earth Science text book. It covers a wide variety of topics such as astronomy, geology, and meteorology. The activities manual designed to be used with this text has great ideas and investigations that appeal to Junior High School students.This book is well thought out andwritten from the Creationist's point of view. ... Read more

Product Description
First published in 1875 and read by more than eight million people, this nondenominational book has a 119-year history of healing and inspiration. To attract a new audience, this time-honored message of healing has a powerful new cover, easy-to-read page layout, and word index. Named one of "75 Books by Women Whose Words Have Changed the World." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (118)

Having a form of Godliness,but denying the power...turn away
My wife innocently bought a copy of this book, and something felt very wrong about it. First of all, Jesus Christ is fully divine (Col. 2:9), not a mere human who only embodied divinity. The bible warns never give heed to fables (1 Tim. 1:4),or have our minds corrupted from the simpicity of Christ (2 Cor. 11:3). There really is a material world; Mary Baker Eddy turns the literal language of scripture into figurative language. Jesus tells us in John 17:17 "thy word is truth". The bible is not open to any private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20). Titus 2:13 tells us to await the blessed hope and "glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ." According to Mary Baker Eddy, Christ came not as our Saviour, but as a way shower to show us that sin, sickness and death are only illusions. Well if death is merely an illusion, then I guess Mary Baker Eddy did not really die 100 years ago.

Powerful ideas
I am going to start off by agreeing with many of those critical of Science and Health.What ever you do, do NOT take this book on blind faith.Wrestle with every concept.Compare it to the Bible.Work, Work, Work, Watch and Pray.

I have and continue to struggle with the concepts in Science and Health.And through this work I have found many wonderful Divine Ideas that I lovingly cherish.Like Paul, I expect many more wrestlings with angels as I see myself more and more as a Child of God.

I highly recommend Science and Health to everyone regardless of religion or culture.Be prepared to challenge thought and you will emerge a changed person.

Fabulous Book - Unfortunately this not the Original
While there are several publishers of Mary Baker Eddy's marvelous and life-changing book, Science and Health, on Amazon, there is only one authorized and guaranteed authentic edition.Unfortunately this is not it.While one has to commend anyone who wants to publish all or a portion of Mary Baker Eddy's writings, there is only one publisher who can be safely relied on to publish exactly the full, complete and accurate edition of what Mrs. Eddy wrote, and that is by the church she founded, The First Church of Christ, Scientist located in Boston, Massachusetts.Many, if not most or all of the other publishers who have Science and Health for sale on Amazon have omitted chapters and or pages of their choosing.This particular edition, for example, has only 524 pages.The original has 700 pages, all of which are essential to grasping the message Mrs. Eddy intended to convey.So no harm in purchasing this edition and supporting a deserving publisher, and there is no reason to disregard the other reviewers comments on this book.In fact many of the reviewers here may have read the original authorized version and commented here not realizing this was not the full and complete representation of the original.However, if you want to be certain you have the right one, you should be sure the edition displayed has an image of the book's cover, which should contain on the face the trademarked, circular "Cross and Crown" seal.Additionally, the title of the book should indicate that it isan "Authorized" edition.The text of the title should contain the word "Authorized." At the time of this review, the only Science and Health edition which currently meets that criteria is the paperback, blue "Sapphire Edition," which should come up simply by entering the search term "Science and Health."But you should do it.This book will change your life for the better - forever.It has mine.

Science and Spirituality
Mary Baker Eddy was a revolutionary in her time. During the religious ferment of the 19th century, she embarked on a spiritual search. She had been in bad marriages, she was estranged from her young son, but after falling on ice, she healed herself. "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" is a fascinating,firsthand account of Eddy's mysticism.

"Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" is Christian-flavored Gnosticism. Eddy denies the reality of Matter, seeing illness and disability as illusions. This explains why the physically handicapped and the mentally ill tend to be absent from Christian Science congregations. There is a stigma on imperfection. Her philosophy can't account for a child with Down's Syndrome, or a person afflicted with paranoid schizophrenia. At the time, Eddy claimed she had found the Christian Science. She was returning to its origins in healing.

"Science and Health" dismisses not only disability and death as illusion,but sexuality as well. The first chapter, "Marriage",is the most riveting. Eddy dreams of a future in which couples reproduce purely through their minds instead of jumping into bed. It's telling that in Eddy's last marriage,to a student much younger than herself,she bragged about their sexless marriage.

Christian Scientists are a dwindling flock. Though their Reading Rooms still are in downtowns, their congregations are small. Still, "Science and Health" paved the way for Religious Science, Unity, New Thought and New Age. While one might disagree with Eddy's conclusions, her work is fascinating and foundational. It's fundamental to understanding American religious history.

THIS IS NOT THE REAL THING!!!!!
This book is not a true copy of the most current and correct version of Science and Health!!!!! Make sure that you are getting the real thing!!!! If the publisher is not the Christian Science Publishing Society, then the text may have been altered or be an earlier version of the book, instead of what Mrs. Eddy left as the best version of her discovery prior to her passing. DO NOT BUY THIS COPY!!! ... Read more

Product Description
This file includes: Manual of the Mother Church, No and Yes, Poems, Pulpit anc Press, Retrospection and Introspection, Rudimental Divine Science, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, and Unity of GOod. According to Wikipedia: "Mary Baker Eddy (born Mary Morse Baker July 16, 1821 – December 3, 1910) was the founder of the Christian Science movement. Deeply religious, she advocated Christian Science as a spiritual practical solution to health and moral issues. She wrote Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, founded The First Church of Christ, Scientist of Boston in 1879, and several periodicals including The Christian Science Monitor. She took the name Mary Baker Glover from her first marriage and was also known as Mary Baker Glover Eddy or Mary Baker G. Eddy from her third marriage. She did much spiritual teaching, lecturing, and instantaneous healing. Her influence continues to grow through her writings." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Electronic books on Christian Science
This is great.Allows the reader to carry around a Kindle reader device with desired reading and little or no weight.I'm well pleased and the subject matter is priceless to me. ... Read more

Product Description

Science has long treated religion as a set of personal beliefs that have little to do with a rational understanding of the mind and the universe. However, B. Alan Wallace, a respected Buddhist scholar, proposes that the contemplative methodologies of Buddhism and of Western science are capable of being integrated into a single discipline: contemplative science.

The science of consciousness introduces first-person methods of investigating the mind through Buddhist contemplative techniques, such assamatha, an organized, detailed system of training the attention. Just as scientists make observations and conduct experiments with the aid of technology, contemplatives have long tested their own theories with the help of highly developed meditative skills of observation and experimentation. Contemplative science allows for a deeper knowledge of mental phenomena, including a wide range of states of consciousness, and its emphasis on strict mental discipline counteracts the effects of conative (intention and desire), attentional, cognitive, and affective imbalances.

Just as behaviorism, psychology, and neuroscience have all shed light on the cognitive processes that enable us to survive and flourish, contemplative science offers a groundbreaking perspective for expanding our capacity to realize genuine well-being. It also forges a link between the material world and the realm of the subconscious that transcends the traditional science-based understanding of the self.

Customer Reviews (8)

Tough going, but worth the effort
This is the fifth Alan Wallace book that I have purchased, the fourth that I have finished reading.This one is more detailed than the others.Alan presents justification for a science of meditation.Then he presents some observations by skilled Buddhist practitioners as seed areas for initial investigation using skilled meditation practitioners in this new proposed contemplative science.

Buddhists don't talk about their personal progress, so it is difficult for an interested observer to see details of their path.This book contains the clearest explanation and illustration of what it is like to be at various stages of the path towards enlightenment that I've seen anywhere.

I especially like the notes section which gives extensive references.It is surprising just how many of the references that Dr Wallace uses are to his own books and his original translations.

I would not recommend this book for those interested in an introduction to contemplation.It is an excellent reference work and ties together many thoughts that are only hinted at in introductory works.

Disclaimer:I am an interested observer of Buddhism and follow several different meditative practices.I attended a one week Samatha retreat presented by Alan Wallace several years ago.

A Well-Intentioned (But Inadequate) Effort
B. Alan Wallace seems to be an ideal candidate to write books on the theme of "contemplative science", having training in both Tibetan buddhism and physics for many years. His familiarity with standard Mahayana Buddhist doctrines is evident throughout his writings, which is a plus when trying to integrate Buddhism into modern science, which he is trying to do. In this sense, Wallace's writings can be seen as extensions of the Dalai Lama's excursions into science.
However, as I mentioned in my review of the Dalai Lama's efforts to "converge" Buddhism with modern science, the marriage, so to speak, has more problems than is evident in this style of writing. Yeah? Like what?, the true devotee asks...

Wallace, of course, views much of modern science as "externally" focused, with too much attention placed on the physical universe and not enough on inner, "subjective" experience, especially as accumulated over thousands of years in the great religious traditions (certainly understandable, for a devout Buddhist...).Accordingly, Wallace decries what he sees as the mental aspect being relegated to secondary status, as a mere epiphenomenon of the material world. Wallace hence is suspicious of modern theories of complexity being adequate in explaining the mental side of humans. His own ideas on consciousness seem to be based much on ideas of the great early American psychologist William James, as well as on current "hard-problem" observations by David Chalmers and others. What Wallace comes up with as a basic ontology, then, is that consciousness is actually primary in our physical universe and we need to shift our thinking (I hate to use the New-Age term "paradigm shift", so I won't. You did NOT just see that phrase here).

Consciousness is, of course, a difficult subject for everyone. Physicists are trying to get it out of pure quantum mechanics, neurophysiologists are trying to determine a physical basis for it, Whiteheadians posit it must be fundamental (as Wallace does), Chalmers himself wants a physical description that goes beyond merely functional descriptions, etc. etc.So everybody has problems with consciousness. Wallace has training as a physicist, but he glosses over the problems in injecting consciousness into quantum mechanics as he tries to do. The vast majority of physicists do NOT see consciousness (human or otherwise) as important in quantum mechanics, despite some popular efforts to make it important. The word "observation" has been long misused and misunderstood in this area, and this isn't the place to rehash the sloppy use of such words. In this respect, Wallace does the reader no favor, offering as he does a viewpoint that is on the "fringe" area of orthodox physics.And he does the research of neuroscience no real favor, either- rather casually linking metaphysical buzzwords with current neuroscience buzzwords, as if we are now on friendly "converging" grounds. Neuroscience itself, alas, has hardly been successful (as of yet) capturing the rich inner world of subjective human experiences, and while foreign philosophical concepts (such as Buddhist doctrines) may provide some fresh exploration, the speculative nature of the "parallels" should be admitted up front. But a candid admission of speculation usually doesn't happen, as an author tries to build his/her own agenda. The problem is, the more that scientific terms are presented in the same context as purely metaphysical concepts, the more likely the speculative nature of the discussion will be obscured.

Buddhism itself is problematic in regards to empirical science, despite what many "convergers" (hey! a new word I just coined, don't be stealing it) have described. I have briefly commented on some of the problems in another review and won't go over that now. Here, I would like to briefly comment on the so-called "no-self" (anatta) doctrine, which asserts that there is no such thing as a permanent ego-self.In other words, your human personality is a makeshift construction that is being replaced moment-by-moment and has no real substance. We can all agree that the topic of what the "self" really consists of is another difficult topic, but it is questionable whether the Buddhists got this right or not. Some scientists and philosophers have indeed found Buddhist ideas of the "no-self" congenial to their understanding, but many others have not. Common sense certainly seems to throw some doubt on the doctrine that your personality has no real "core". Just think back to your early childhood- honesty will tell you that you indeed have a continuous personality from square one, which seems rather mysterious if we grant the Buddhists are correct that we are looking at something that is fundamentally illusory. That just doesn't seem to jive with personal experience, if one is honest with oneself.
Moreover, just what is it that keeps interfering with the bliss of "no-self", so that practitioners always need to keep fighting against the tendency to lapse back into reacting from an illusory "I"?Forgive this heresy, Buddhist devotees, but could it possibly be there **IS** a real self (a real personality) after all, and all these attempts to minimize it on a constant day-to-day basis perhaps are little more than going against the grain of an actual psychological reality? Yes, I know this crazy thought goes against what everybody learned from their Buddhist teachers :-). But didn't Shakyamuni himself supposedly caution folks to examine the doctrines personally? Have YOU done so, Amazonian? (I like that term, it sounds like a jungle warrior instead of some nerdy bookworm, too bad it's the latter).

At any rate, simple observation of the animal kingdom seems to throw *some* doubt on the "no-self" doctrine, at least as a moment-by-moment construction phenomenon. Looking at animals for some clues is instructive simply because there is no human bias or dogmas (ha! get it? dog-mas) involved. Simply put, animals ALSO seem to show signs of having continual individual personalities, which is rather odd if the "no-self" doctrine were an assured psychological (neurological?) truth. (Pet-owners and zoo-keepers can no doubt vouch for the truth of animal personalities). And this observation gives us a clue for what I respectfully propose as a *better* interpretation of the "no-self" teaching:instead of looking at the "self" as a moment-by-moment event of makeshift construction, maybe devout Buddhist fans would be better off viewing "no-self" in a broader sense, merely as the impermanence of all biological organisms- i.e., the lack of permanent existence for an individual's biological life in general. Yes, contrary to orthodox Buddhist interpretations, individuals DO have continual personalites, as even common sense shows, but people just don't live forever :-). This suggestion at least has the virtue of not offending either science or common sense; I offer it as a possibility, worth what it cost you- (i.e., free). Observing animals also seems to call into question, BTW, some common doctrinal assumptions such as an "ego-self" supposedly occuring because of "our deluded perception". But is it accurate to assign the blame to faulty perceptions? Can someone explain why even animals, since they obviously act from a sense of self-interest, have erroneous perceptions of a "self" and turn out (according to this view) to be "deluded"? This is remarkable...apparently humans aren't the only critters who have a faulty perception of the world- animals are just as guilty! I guess mere self-preservation instincts and everyday self-referential behaviors in the animal kingdom qualify as "delusions of self".How unfortunate, then, that animals haven't had Buddhist teaching to set them straight. Maybe Buddhists need to start preaching to animals- and good luck getting your goldfish to listen.

A much simpler explanation is that basic reactions of self-preservation and self-interest simply are part of millions of years of biological evolution, and humans aren't the only critters who act and react in terms of "self".All biological creatures do.It isn't a matter of "self-delusion", it's simply a brute reality of competitive evolutionary self-preservation :-). It seems to me, anyway, we'd all be better off acknowledging our obvious biological tendencies (which doesn't mean we need to be controlled by them), instead of labeling these "self-delusion" and hoping they are merely mental mis-perceptions we can train ourselves to eventually discard.It's hard to get anywhere relegating fairly obvious realities to imaginary "phantoms"! And, sadly, the day when these (supposed) self-delusions are finally discarded never seems to actually arrive-you'd think devotees would start to question some of these maxims when the success rate, for everybody (including our author Wallace), is 0% :-). Folks - both lay and professional - seem to tie themselves into knots concocting elaborate theories about human psychology, often to the horror of their simple common sense...only to end up up with a lot of "sound and fury", as our British muse Billy Shakespeare reminds us, "signifying nothing".
Until neuroscience/clinical-psychology can actually come up with some solid empirical data on HOW one's rich, subjective individual inner life (including so-called "qualia") occurs and functions as it does (and there's no reason to suppose science won't eventually tap into purely subjective phenomena) - we're all guessing...Buddhists included.

At any rate, here's another observation for Amazonians: what is responsible for the following phenomenon: if you stomped on the foot of the most "enlightened" Buddhist around, for example, despite their insistence there is no self, you will probably hear evidence of a "self" instantly. [It's a traditional Zen koan, anyway-if there is no "self", just what is it that is in pain?].
I mention this example not as a deep Zen exercise, however, but merely to point out that these lofty Buddhist doctrines of "emptiness", "no-self", "everything is buddha-nature", etc. can easily become mere rhetoric, even with long-time devotees. It's truly difficult - in spite of the buzz people spout - to eliminate a personal reaction to events...especially events which tend to rain on our own personal parade - such as the bad driver in front of us, or someone saying something negative to us...These moments, when negative events provoke our knee-jerk reactions, as they invariably do, can be very instructive as a revelation of our "real" personality, hidden behind our outward social masks and perhaps our spiritual posturing :-).
Naturally, these instantaneous self-reactions are not any "scientific" observations supporting the concept of a "personal self", nor are they any indication the no-self doctrines themselves are "wrong", per se, but they ARE instructive as to how platitudes such as "no-self" can easily turn into mere verbiage...good only when circumstances are peachy :-).
But then again- you have no "person"...so why are you reacting at all?

Let me end here with the observation that many Buddhists seem to be looking at subjective experiences of personal self-awareness "dissolving" in mystical experiences, and elevating these to questionable ontological assertions. Myriads of subjective experiences are human events across all cultures, and indeed, I've experienced some myself. But this kind of thing is hardly any empirical "proof" for a "no-self", much less an ontological "proof", and shouldn't be used to assert any kind of assured ontological certainty.

A very informative read.
B. Alan Wallace is a leading scholar and author on this subject.His way of writing in simple language about complicated concepts makes for very informative and fascinating reading.His insights can bring about a major shift in our perception of the relationship between science and spirituality.

good place to start
dr wallace is a sophisticated scientist who is very experienced in talking about the details of buddhism.he understands the thousands of years of studying the mind from a buddhist perspectice and how to integrate it with modern science.he has the input of the dalai lama too, having been a translator for him for years.i encourage the serious reader to take a look.

Contemplative Science
good shape copy of a good readable book.arrived quickly
would have preferred paperback but was ok. ... 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. Volume: 28; Original Published by: Christian Science Publishing Society in 1910 in 965 pages; Subjects: Christian Science; Language Arts & Disciplines / Publishing; Reference / Bibliographies & Indexes; Reference / Directories; Religion / Christianity / Christian Science; Religion / Christianity / Denominations; ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Very Pleased
Item was in very good condition, and I received it quickly. I am very pleased.

Science and Health
Christian Science is a bible based religion that believes that the things Jesus did were not miracles. He taught his followers to do what he did, and we believe that Christian Science is the explanation of the science, the demonstrable provable methods, that are available to anyone. Anyone can learn to do likewise, and to follow Jesus' example. This is the Christian Science textbook. If you are sincerely seeking answers, this is the best place to go. You'll want a copy of the King James Bible as well, because you'll be referred back to it frequently.

HEALING AT DISTANCE THROUGH CHRISTIAN SCIENCE
I was fortunate to witness a healing done at distance, in Nice, France, after World War Two. One of our friends, a Chistian Science Practitioner had us meet her at her home one evening and with us was a lady, who had lost her sister to the nazi death camps- they were jewish. She had brought a plea from a sick friend who was going to have surgery the next day for a badly infected goiter. The practitioner accepted to treat for her at distance, we were on the other side of town, and sitting at a kitchen table she started orally to state the facts of being, and a few minutes later declared that it was done: God had healed the person- and we felt it too. The next day I saw the person who had made the request, she was still under shock, she said that the night before all of a sudden the swollen gland started to disappear, and she had called her doctor to stop everything. She was grateful and wanted to pay, anything. But our friend, the Christian Scientist said: "You owe man nothing, GOD did it. Just respect His Presence with you. That is all you have to do. This is Why Jesus Came".And I can say that all the years I knew her I never saw her take anything for the healings.She had been a teacher and was independent.For her Healing was a sacerdoce. ... Read more

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Christian Science Re-Explored Margaret Laird C.S.B. ... Read more

Product Description
Provides Student Activities with marginal notes and answer overprints. Grade 7. ... Read more

Product Description

Knowledge of food science is applicable to all persons, in diverse college majors. This text is designed with a user-friendly approach to Food Science for the non-major.

This text reviews an Introduction to Food Components – quality and water. Next it addresses carbohydrates – including starches, pectins and gums, breads and pasta, vegetables and fruits. Then proteins – meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, milk and milk products are presented. Following proteins are fats and emulsions. Then sugars and sweeteners, and baked products, the latter of which builds upon basic food component knowledge.

Various aspects of Food Production are examined, including food safety, preservation and processing, food additives and packaging. Government regulation and labeling complete the chapter information.

New in this edition are "Culinary Alerts!" scattered throughout chapters. Their inclusion allow the reader to more easily apply text information to cooking applications. Also new are the Appendices, which cover the following:

• Biotechnology. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s)
• Functional foods
• Nutraceuticals
• Phytochemicals
• Medical foods
• USDA Food Pyramid
• Food Label Heath Claims
• Research Chefs Association – certification as a culinary scientist and more

Using a multidisciplinary approach, Essentials of Food Science, Third Edition combines food chemistry, food technology, and food preparation applications into one single source of information.

Customer Reviews (3)

refreshingly candid
As a Christian Scientist, I appreciate the scholarly analysis of the social and intellectual climate of the times in which Mary Baker Eddy lived.He has done an excellent job of explaining the problems she faced in the context of the times in which she lived.I found new insights in his book.Such thorough scholarship requires some effort on the part of the reader.

Gottschalk Book Review
If you can find it, get it. This book is by far the most brilliant book on the subject of CS that I've read. It sits on my shelf next to the Peel trilogy.

Highly recommended
It is a shame that this book is no longer in print.Stephen Gottschalk is a Christian Scientist, but unlike the adoring drivel that is most books about CS written by Scientists (and obviously unlike the biting sarcasmthat is every other book about CS), this book is intelligent and aimed atthose seeking intelligent insight into Christian Science.It is not arigorous philosophical examination of CS, but Gottshalk has many brilliantand illuminating passages about CS.I don't know of any other scholarlybook that brings the religion of Christian Science under rational scrutiny. In most books, the doctrines of CS are either dismissed with a gesture orswallowed without question.This book is the shining exception. Ultimately, Gottschalk wants to leave the reader with a favorableimpression of CS (after all, he is a Scientist), but not at the expensescholarly integrity.Even Gillian Gill, in the beginning of her book,mentions this book in a positive light.I would recommend this book toanyone interested in CS, but, alas, there are very few to be found.Goodluck. ... Read more

Product Description
Pretend You Don't See The Elephant is a personal memoir about the author's life growing up in the 1950s. Throughout the narrative, the elephant represents the silence surrounding familial dysfunctional behavior. Christian Science provided the background of denial in a home where physical, emotional, and verbal abuse ran rampant. The severity of the abuse and the denial of it destroyed the author's desire to live and at the age of twelve, she tried to commit suicide. Failing to die, she was exiled to an alcoholic uncle's home, barely escaping sexual molestation before being returned home to her parents. The Christian Science religion of her mother was responsible for the refusal of medical attention, leaving her to die after a ruptured appendix. The author was told every day of her life that she was a failure as a Christian Scientist and her illnesses were her fault. From her father she was told she was so clumsy and ugly that no one would ever marry her. Don't talk, don't tell was a way of life, and she spent a lifetime living under this code of silence. The effects of Christian Science denial, coupled with the physical and emotion abuse would ride on her shirt tail for the rest of her life. This then is the story of a victim who became victorious. The memoir continues on as she faces a tragic automobile accident. Accepting medical assistance removed her from the Christian Science Church at a time when she needed her faith the most. The success of her story is celebrated when she comes to terms with 'who God is' in her life. It is with peace of mind that she now shares her story, lifting the veil of silence from the little girl, to tell the story that she was told never to tell. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Not representative of CS, but an excellent book
This is a sad book about a woman who endured incredible abuse before being able to lift herself out of it. There's no doubt that Christian Science played a huge role in contributing to her misery. However, I would point out that her monster of a father would have been a monster whether the family was CS or Methodist or Catholic or just about any other religion. CS did not cause him to become a monster -- but it certainly contributed to her mother's passivity and inability to support her daughter's struggles. I am no fan of CS -- I was raised in it and have had many challenges because of it. However, I think it's important to recognize that abuse knows no religion -- an abuser will take advantage of a situation, as the author's father states, "because I could." The CS that was practiced by her family is not typical of most people who are adherents to the religion. Again, I am no fan of CS and would warn anyone away from it, but it's important to know that the sad picture of it here is not how most CS's act.

as an ex CS, I can identify with many elements of this book
I disagree with many statements made by the previous reveiwer.I believe that many of us were discouraged from seeking medical care--branch church membership, for instance, required that the applicant not be using medicine.Further, Mary Baker Eddy, in her textbook, Science and Health with key to the scriptures, makes many statements about the incompatibility of medicine and use of Christian Science.Finally, if a CS chooses medical care, they will then not be able to use or continue using the services of a CS practitioner (ie, CS who are paid to pray for others).The loss of even one child through reliance on this theology is too many, but I have never have heard censure for any CS who allowed their children to die from easily treatable diseases (ie, juvenile diabetes).I also thought that the use of CS prayer as a way to avoid confronting and dealing with dysfunctionality in families was spot on.This book is definitely worth reading.

Writer's experience not common to Christian Science
Readers should note that this writer's experience is unique to her and not illustrative of life in the Christian Science faith.Readers should also know that Christian Scientists have the freedom to choose the type of healthcare they will rely on. Christian Science parents, like all parents, want the best care for the health and well-being of their children. While they typically choose Bible-based healing through prayer (Christian Science treatment) because they have found it to be safe and effective, the Church does not dictate a member's healthcare choices or excommunicate members for choosing medical care.Wisdom and love should govern a Christian Scientist's actions. As a life-long Christian Scientist, I have never known one to tell another their illnesses are their fault; this is not a practice of Christian Science.Nor is denial of problems common to Christian Science.Actively addressing and healing problems, through love and tender care, is.Christian Scientists, like myself, daily strive to express the Christ and to follow Jesus' words and works. They tend to be among the most happy, well-adjusted, thoughtful people I know. While this writer's experience was surely tragic, readers should know it is not representative of Christian Science practice.

The Title is Awesome - I love it
There is not much Theology of Christian Science, however the author gives a good sense of the lack of care, support, and affection received from a Christian Science parent.In the book the author has her appendix rupture and her mother would rather watch her "die" (which is unreal in Christian Science), read Science and Health by Eddy, than to have her receive medical care.A pastor from another denomination takes her to the hospital where she is operated on and lives. This reminds me of the Twitchell trial in Boston years ago.The parents and practitioner watch as the 2 1/2 boy vomits excrement and dies due to a bowel obstruction. They were demonstrating that he is a perfect child of God.They pretended not to see the elephant. This is an interesting read.

For more information see Caroline Fraser's excellent work, "God's Perfect Child." ... Read more