The Caring Church: Call for a Humane Christianity

Welz, Carl J. The Caring Church: Call for a Humane Christianity. Santa Rosa, CA: Meadow Brook Company, 1985.

Welz, a former Christian Science teacher and editor of Church periodicals, asks why his Church has not experienced much progress or many healings in the past fifty years. He finds the answer in his own journey from an intellectual abstract approach to Mary Baker Eddy’s writings to a realigned focus on the humanity and good deeds found in Jesus: “… [T]o advance our ability to heal, we are going to have to work harder at being humane, honest, affectionate, compassionate, hopeful, faithful, meek, temperate. As we do, we will accomplish translation of our mortal thought, and eventually will accomplish translation of the body” (30). Welz broadly defines the institution of church as a presence in the community which supports all those who are expressing the nature of God in their good works. “Then instead of attempting to bring good people into the church, we will be fostering Church where it is” (74). He also wrestles with clarifying Eddy’s meaning of the “right use of temporary means,” (Science and Health, 444)—focusing on how one might use medicine as an escape from the real spiritual need, or how one might rely on God’s spiritual help while at the same time seeking medical help. He concludes with fifteen ‘constructive ideas’ for reform and revitalization.

ISBN-10: 0961281812
ISBN-13 (Softcover): 978-0961281816

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.