The Story of Christian Science Wartime Activities 1939–1946

Christian Science Board of Directors, The. The Story of Christian Science Wartime Activities 1939–1946. Boston: The Christian Science Publishing Society, 1947.

A broader, deeper sequel to Christian Science Wartime Activities which covered WWI, this volume relates activities preceding and during WWII. Nazi persecution of some Christian denominations, particularly Christian Science, involved censorship and economic and political restrictions on circulating religious literature and the freedom to practice religion. Churches were closed, often taken over by Nazis for their own use, practitioners were prohibited from giving Christian Science treatment, the Bible Lesson-Sermons were forbidden, officials’ offices were raided. Stories of authenticated testimonies include brief, inspiring statements of truths used by those dealing with formidable challenges, along with stories of courage and fidelity of Christian Scientists who stood in the face of the prying eyes of the Gestapo in Germany as early as 1934. From early on, the most urgent need was for the ‘spiritual sustenance’ of Christian Science literature. Later, knitters and seamstresses stepped up to knit and sew needed woolen garments for soldiers. The report is well-written from an affirmative Christian Science viewpoint with light touches. Specific chapters are devoted to War Relief Committees, Ministers, Chaplains, Service Centers, volunteers, soldiers in prison camps, and one of the three mobile canteens operated by Christian Scientists in Britain, fully outfitted with food and relief supplies, that traveled to bombed areas in England.