These two sentences encapsulate what Christian Science means to me: “Who that has felt the loss of human peace has not gained stronger desires for spiritual joy? The aspiration after heavenly good comes even before we discover what belongs to wisdom and Love” (Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 265). 

When I began to study Christian Science many years ago, I was seeking only peace of mind—I didn’t know that it heals. Three people had told me I was on a spiritual search: a minister, a counselor, and a job coach. But I didn’t want to believe it, so I vehemently denied their assessment.

At the time, I was angry that I was a divorced woman with two small children in a patriarchal society that frowned on such a thing. It felt as though there was no place in the church I attended for someone like me, so I was on my own and unhappy about it. At this point, I began experimenting with different lifestyles and New Age beliefs.