UPFRONT August 22, 2005 Issue

A question for the ages

MARY TRAMMELL, EDITOR CHIEF

Few questions could equal, in magnitude and in significance to the future of humanity, the one on this week's Sentinel cover: What is Christian Science? It's a question the woman who discovered Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, spent the final 45 years of her life answering in her book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.

"The term CHRISTIAN SCIENCE," she explains in one chapter, "was introduced by the author to designate the scientific system of divine healing." She goes on to describe the two essential elements that comprise her "revelation": the Science itself and the practice of this Science. Or, in her words, the "divine Science of Mind-healing" and "proof, by present demonstration" (Science and Health, p. 123).

These two components—the theology and its healing application—are naturally interwoven in this issue. Nate Talbot leads off with "The prayer of 'Christian Science.' " Next, three longtime Christian Scientists clear up some misconceptions in "What Christian Science is and isn't." Then eight people from various backgrounds and parts of the world explain "Why I am a Christian Scientist"—and how they live their faith.

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