'WHY DO THEY CALL HER "MRS. EDDY"?'

From my experience, referring to Mary Baker Eddy as "Mrs. Eddy" gives the wrong impression to individuals who are unfamiliar with Christian Science. In the 21st century, notable women are not referred to as "Mrs." Notable and renowed authors are referred to by their legal names and not by their marital status.

As I have grown up with Christian Science, I understand that many people consider it a term of respect for Mary Baker Eddy. But I have found that this opinion is largely held by an older generation and / or those who have long been familiar with her history and the times of her life in the 1800s. To those hearing of her and Christian Science for the first time, this usage seems strange and very old-fashioned.

I have shared my love of Christian Science with many people in my life. After attending a church service or reading a periodical, the newcomer always asks, "Why do they call her 'Mrs. Eddy'?" I will then explain that a lot of our members still refer to her in the way she was 140+ years ago.

I believe the world has come to a place where she can now be referred to by her legal names and not necessarily her marital status. It sounds strange in a world where a woman can stand without reference to her connection to a male. Mary Baker Eddy's work is beyond being married or unmarried.

I hope that Christian Scientists will start referring to Mary Baker Eddy by her legal names and not as "Mrs. Eddy." This recommendation would apply to reference in church services and periodicals and internal correspondence.

MARNIE LAYCOCK
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA

CHANGE IN ATTITUDE

I have just read the testimonies in the October 8 Sentinel, "Seeking good for others." All of them are inspiring and helpful, but I particularly appreciate James Suber's comment, "I had to realize that my capacity to complete what I needed to do came from God and not from me." It was just what I needed to hear.

Knowing I didn't have to come up with the strength to overcome fear and a tendency to react with anger I could let go and see that God was the source of all good thoughts, calmness, and peace. I just had to reflect them. What a change in attitude this brought—a sense of happy relief. I am so grateful to all who share their experiences and spiritual insights through the pages of this healing magazine.

CATHERINE EDGE
LAKE OSWEGO, OREGON, US

'THAT'S BETTER!'

Yesterday I said good-bye to our son who is headed for Afghanistan as a National Guardsman. It wasn't a good day for me. I knew I needed to turn to God about this, but I just couldn't quite seem to do it.

This morning I read three articles from the October 8 issue. Lynn Jackson confirmed the power of prayer; Marta Greenwood confirmed the rightness of confidence in good; and Richard Bergenheim confirmed Love's ever-presence. And now I'm thinking, "That's better!" Many thanks.

CAROL CUMMINGS
POLSON, MONTANA, US

A REAL SPELL BREAKER

Nathan Talbot's article, "Christ breaks the spell," in the October 15 issue ["What's in control of your thoughts?"] was a real spell breaker. It helped me understand both the hypnotic nature of error and the fact that it doesn't have the support of law because it is only ever the result of suggestion rather than reality.

But more than helping me understand the nature of evil, the article also helped me to recognize its spell. It was not too much of a problem for me to understand the nature of hypnotism, but I must say I had failed to understand, until now, just to what extent it was operating so often in my thinking. And getting that straight is a tremendous blessing.

ANTHONY WHITEHOUSE
COPPET, SWITZERLAND

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