Church Alive July 25, 2011 Issue

The following was written in support of Church Alive, a focus of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, that explores the meaning and possibilities of awakening to the spiritual basis and impact of Church. 

Your questions about church

Giulia Nesi, Scott Putnam

RESPONSE 1: GIULIA NESI

Your question surely is an understandable one. At first glance, there do seem to be similarities between these different movements. We know that Ernest Holmes, the founder of the Church of Religious Science and author of The Science of Mind, was greatly influenced by Christian Science, having studied with a former student of Mary Baker Eddy’s, Emma Curtis Hopkins. Other New Thought leaders also had some experience and exposure to the teachings of Christian Science before founding their own religions. Today, while there isn’t a formal association between these movements, efforts are being made by individuals and communities to build bridges between them. And when possible, it certainly seems right that these efforts continue to grow.

Mary Baker Eddy herself had a love for all who loved God and a deep respect for each individual’s spiritual practice. Undoubtedly, Mrs. Eddy earnestly desired that Christian Science be widely known and that her book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures be read, and the spiritual principles utilized, by individuals wherever they were on their spiritual path. In fact, she dedicated Science and Health to “honest seekers for Truth” (p. xii).