To get a taste of Christian Science today, without the rigamarole of church organization, here are  few interesting tidbits I’ve come across.

1.) As found in New York Post, January 28, 2019, by Author Cindy Adams

Legacy of women’s rights

#Me Too readers should note that Mary Baker Eddy’s 1875 textbook “Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures” says:

“Civil law establishes very unfair differences between the rights of the two sexes.

“Christian Science furnishes no precedent for such injustice, and civilization mitigates it in some measure. Still, it is a marvel why usage should accord women less rights than does either Christian Science or civilization.”

2.) As found online at Catapult, an excerpt by Adrian Shirk, from her book, And Your Daughters Shall Prophesy: Stories from the Byways of American Women and Religion

An article titled:We Are All Scientists: On Mary Baker Eddy and Christian Science. Eddy’s lifetime of illness, and her encounters with medical therapies, poised her as an instrument of revelation.

3.) A 2018 study found online at Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, by Rebecca Steckler and John Bartskoski. Titled: “God is My First Aid Kit”: The Negotiation of Health and Illness among Christian Scientists.

Parts of the study reads:

“As the findings from this study indicate, Christian Science treatment options are more flexible and nuanced than the critical discourse would indicate. This is not to say that future research should be uncritical of Christian Science health care practices. However, it is imperative that this research include subjective experiences alongside critiques to arrive at a more even-handed understanding.”

“For Christian Scientists, the power of the Bible is found in its metaphysical truths, not its literal words.”

“Christian Scientists, then, view the Bible as inspired but not infallible.”

“Given that most adherents are somewhat receptive to conventional medicine, we observe three strategies adherents employ when aiming to treat personal health problems that arise. These strategies include: (1) seeking guidance from God, (2) assessing one’s personal metaphysical competency, and (3) managing medical indoctrination from non-Christian Scientists.”