“Western Esoteric Family IV: Christian Science-Metaphysical” in Melton’s Encyclopedia of American Religions, Canada

Melton, J. Gordon, ed. “Western Esoteric Family IV: Christian Science-Metaphysical.” Pages 1278–81 in vol. 2, Chapter 46 of Melton’s Encyclopedia of American Religions, Canada. 2 vols. Detroit: Gale Research. 2017.

This entry focuses on the metaphysical nature of the religious belief and practice of Christian Science. Both Mary Baker Eddy and Christian Science “triggered theological, ecclesial, legal, medical, scientific, and moral controversies” (1279). Amidst conflict and controversy, Eddy also dealt with stress and trauma throughout her life—all of which put her in a reform frame of mind, and drove her to seek relief, first experimenting with homeopathy, then exploring Phineas P. Quimby’s mind cure. Ultimately, she would find healing and redemption in “the Bible’s power to inspire and transform” (1279). What the Bible revealed to Eddy was not Quimby’s mind cure, nor was it a part of the esoteric or theosophical tradition—both of which relied on the human mind for healing. Eddy’s metaphysical aim was the transformation of the human mind by the grace of Christ—a communion with the mind of Christ, or ‘divine Mind,’ God—that “inner sanctuary of divine science” (1280). The metaphysical aspect of Christian Science does not detract from its “practical Christian theology… made evident in human experience as an aspect of salvation. In lay terms, every healing is cherished and is evidence of the full salvation to come, but patience and modesty temper extreme practices” (1280).

ISBN-10: 078769696X
ISBN-13 (Softcover): 978-0800730260
ISBN-13 (Hardcover): 978-0787696962