“Christian Science” in The Essential Guide to Religious Traditions and Spirituality for Health Care Providers
Christian Science Committee on Publication. “Christian Science,” Pages 321–27 in The Essential Guide to Religious Traditions and Spirituality for Health Care Providers. Edited by Steven L Jeffers, Michael E. Nelson, Vern Barnet, and Michael C. Brannigan. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, 2019.
Each chapter in the Essential Guide is written by a different religious representative and provides information that will aid health care providers in understanding the spiritual needs of persons of faith in a practical, clinical setting. The chapter on Christian Science begins with a basic history of its origins and elucidates its foundational teachings. Mary Baker Eddy’s early struggles with chronic health problems are highlighted to show how an intense study of the Bible brought to light healing principles which she would teach her students, and upon which she would establish her Church. The book includes some standard health care questions for all faith traditions, such as how to address the needs of its members while in clinical care for diet, illness, aging, and end of life issues. For choice of treatment, many Christian Scientists rely on prayer for healing, but the decision belongs to the individual. For vaccinations and infectious diseases, Christian Scientists are to abide by the laws and heed the concerns of their neighbors. The role of the Christian Science practitioner and Christian Science nurse are clarified in relation to the patient. A basic principle of spiritual care is that “God is only good and never sends or sanctions disease or death” (326).
ISBN-10: 1846195608
ISBN-13 (Softcover): 978-0367576592
ISBN-13 (Hardcover): 978-1846195600
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