From the Methodist Pulpit into Christian Science and How I Demonstrated the Abundance of Substance and Supply
Simonsen, Severin E. From the Methodist Pulpit into Christian Science and How I Demonstrated the Abundance of Substance and Supply. Fair Oaks, CA: M. Simonsen, 1928.
The significance of Simonsen’s 1928 publication today is its historical and theological contribution. While there were many accounts of conversions to Christian Science in the early 20th century, Simonsen’s personal account provides an insight to the reception of the new American movement. Simonsen’s devout parents supported his own proclivity toward spiritual searching and living. He began preaching at age 16 and became a Methodist minister immediately upon the completion of his education. Shortly after he was married with two children, his health began to deteriorate rapidly. After ineffective medical help, he tried Christian Science and was healed after one visit with a Christian Science practitioner. He became increasingly interested in Christian Science and studied it intently while maintaining his highly successful Methodist ministry. Although he healed others and appreciated most of what he learned of Christian Science, his skepticism and prejudice for a long period prevented his break from the Methodist community he loved. Most of the book includes the answers that satisfied his most difficult questions: 1) Were the teachings of Christian Science the teachings of Jesus Christ? 2) Would his Christian Science practice meet the significant financial needs for a family of nine? 3) Could he meet the certain ridicule and persecution that would follow his conversion?
ISBN-10: 1680070266
ISBN-13 (Softcover): 978-1680070262