Mr. Young Goes to Boston

Young, Alan. Mr. Young Goes to Boston. Seattle: Helen M. Wright, 1998.

Disillusioned with his direct experience working with the Boards of Directors of The Mother Church in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Young tells his story, because he thinks his story exemplifies what happens all too often. But he records the events, “not seeking agreement or disagreement” (1). Peppered with metaphors and anecdotes, Young’s tale conveys both his idealism and frustration. “Bureaucracy, like a pregnant woman, is going to grow bigger no matter what the weather” (6). He recounts his family’s important healings through Christian Science and his resulting gratitude. After retiring from his successful acting career in television and movies, he became a Christian Science practitioner and then was called to bring his filming and communications expertise to The Mother Church. But from the beginning, he found internal opposition to any outside expertise. Decisions to hold back were couched in either metaphysical language or ecclesial authority, leaving no space for further explanation. His innovative plans for lecturing beyond the Christian Science community were also met with opposition from Church headquarters. The book concludes with “Part Two—25 Years Later: Boston Revisited,” Young’s sorrowful perspective that the Church had denied itself opportunities that might have had a chance to reverse its late 20^th-century decline.

ISBN-10: 1886505063
ISBN-13 (Softcover): 978-1886505063

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.