Distinguishing Characteristics of Mary Baker Eddy’s Progressive Revisions of “Science and Health” and Other Works

[Orgain, Alice.] Distinguishing Characteristics of Mary Baker Eddy’s Progressive Revisions of “Science and Health” and Other Works. New York: Rare Book Company, 1933.

Although Alice Orgain authored this book, she published it (along with several other books) anonymously. Her motive in compiling this comparison of editions of Science and Health (and of a few other writings, such as the Church Manual) was to “show that each halt and forward movement was the fulfillment of a specific prophecy of Jesus concerning the onward movement of the Church which he promised to build… His Church is a living Church and must necessarily await demonstration in the lives of Christian Scientists” (5). Each chapter is devoted to one of the significant editions reflecting Eddy’s sharpened expression of Christian Science. Orgain highlights a few quotes from earlier editions to compare with the latest edition, and then offers her own analysis. She specifies which of Jesus’s prophecies are fulfilled throughout the history of the revisions in Science and Health. For example, compared with the first edition, the same startling statements are now expressed more as “‘hidden truths,’ for Jesus prophesied that the woman would hide her leaven in three measures of meal” (9). An example of one of the significant themes Orgain notes throughout the evolution of Eddy’s revisions is the development of the idea of Bride.

This reference is written by an ‘independent’ Christian Scientist and is included in the bibliography because of its historical value. For further explanation, click here.