A Plea for the Thorough and Unbiased Investigation of Christian Science and A Challenge to its Critics

Lea, Charles Herman. A Plea for the Thorough and Unbiased Investigation of Christian Science and A Challenge to its Critics. London: J. M. Dent & Sons, 1915.

A main purpose of Lea’s book is to mount a defense of Christian Science by answering various questions raised by its clerical and medical critics who have been “blinded by professional and religious prejudices” (XXI). He does this by addressing the “culpable ignorance of the true facts appertaining to spiritual healing” (XIV) which he explains is not about suggestion, but evidence of “an ever-operative principle of … spiritual law underlying all life” (XV). Lea is not a Christian Scientist but a ‘Free Churchman’ making his case through observing his “Personal Experiences of Christian Science Healing Work” (chapter XII) and including an appendix (F) of healing testimonies—thus proving Christian Science true and sound. Writing soon after Mary Baker Eddy’s passing, Lea notes the rapid growth of Christian Science, attributing it not only to healing, but because Christian Science “makes God real” (XXIII). To explain this reality, Lea includes chapters on the philosophy of Christian Science, its religious teachings, the nature of Christian Science prayer and its understanding of Jesus Christ. He also includes a chapter and an appendix on Eddy’s life and work, and other interesting appendices such as the critics’ testimonies, Christian Science and its legislative history, The Christian Science Monitor, and a published article by a clergyman asking whether Protestantism need adopt Christian Science.

ISBN-10: 1340664798
ISBN-13: 978-1340664794