Christian healing—"indispensable"

with contributions from Lee Zeunert Johnson, Albert Schweitzer

Those who may know little else about Christian Science probably identify Christian Scientists by the fact that they practice spiritual healing. "But why?" some may ask. "What is the significance of healing in the overall thrust of worship and Christian life in the Church of Christ, Scientist?" To offer its readers a historical perspective on this question, the Sentinel asked the Archivist of The Mother Church, Lee Zeunert Johnson, about the history of the Christian Science movement. What follows is the substance of that conversation:

Interviewer: Could you say that Mrs. Eddy saw healing as the thrust, the cutting edge, of Christian Science?

Mr. Johnson: Most definitely! We, of course, share immensely in the fundamentals held by true Christians of all denominations. Mrs. Eddy writes, "As the ages advance in spirituality, Christian Science will be seen to depart from the trend of other Christian denominations in no wise except by increase of spirituality."^{ Miscellaneous Writings, p. 21.}