Used
Christian Science has roused considerable controversy since its founding by New Englander Mary Baker Eddy more than a century ago. But persistent myths and stereotypes arising from this controversy have clouded discussions of her life, teaching, and the practice of the church she founded.
This sourcebook assembles in convenient form documents published over the last several decades that accurately reflect Christian Science beliefs and practices. It was developed in response to a request from a major theological seminary for a book on Christian Science that was more balanced and accurate than their standard text.
This book was compiled from documents published over the last several decades to provide an informed yet objective account of Christian Science beliefs and practices. It makes no attempt to preach or convert. But it does offer the reader basic facts about Christian Science and communicates something of what it feels like to be a Christian Scientist.
The emphasis of the book is theological. Topics range from Christian Scientists' perspective on the Bible to the church's practice of spiritual healing, from historical issues to questions that have arisen out of contemporary theological dialogue. Some of the documents reprinted here are simple statements of faith, while others are scholarly articles that have appeared in academic journals.
The book's basic assumption is that one doesn't have to agree fully with another's religious beliefs in order to understand them.