Perfect Peril: Christian Science and Mind Control

Kramer, Linda S. Perfect Peril: Christian Science and Mind Control. Scotts Valley, CA: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015.

Kramer’s level criticism against Christian Science is clearly articulated. Having grown up in Christian Science, Kramer has a good grasp on the fundamental teachings and history of the religion. She would eventually leave because of those doctrinal teachings. These points are well laid-out in her final chapter, where she identifies the fundamental differences between her adopted ‘traditional Christianity’ and Christian Science. Most of Perfect Peril describes Kramer’s emotional and intellectual struggles with both the teachings and practice of Christian Science that stem from her theological disagreements. Having embraced Christian Science through young adulthood, she began to question her success as a healer – a mark of success in the religion, but one that eluded her. An introduction to traditional Christianity convinced her of the wrongness of the teachings she had embraced until that time. Through a crisis of faith and physical and emotional health, she concluded that Christian Science is a dangerous mind control, and that everything about it operates on a false doctrinal basis. She argues that it contradicts the Bible. She does not blame Mary Baker Eddy for intentional dishonesty or sinister motives, but she claims the belief in the unreality of matter causes untold pain for those who believe it.

ISBN-10: 1503003930
ISBN-13 (Softcover): 978-1503003934