Annotations Related to Nursing

This chapter, written by the Church, provides information that will help health care providers understand the spiritual needs of Christian Scientists in a practical, clinical setting. Besides a background history of Mary Baker Eddy, the formation of the Church, and its foundational teachings, the chapter explains reliance on prayer for healing as an individual choice, and the adherence to law when it comes to infectious diseases.

Homan portrays the people, their personal recollections, stories and spiritual healings that make up the history of each Christian Science church and society in Alaska, past and present. The histories also include the introduction of CS into the communities, church construction, and church growth and challenges. An appendix lists the CS churches, societies, practitioners, teachers and nurses going back to the early twentieth century.

This essay on Christian Science is one of many descriptive introductions of various religions and their relation to evangelical Christianity. Simmons notes that the ‘Christian’ element in Christian Science involves a radical reinterpretation of Jesus and his role in the New Testament. Mary Baker Eddy stressed the practical nature of her ‘science’ in human challenges, thus highlighting the focus on healing. 

Driessen’s chapter in a book about spiritual perspectives and clinical practices is devoted to the religious background, practice, and ethics of Christian Science treatment. Driessen, an officially recognized Christian Science practitioner, describes the theological foundation of the Christian Science worldview, the resources for healing, and the relationship of Christian Science ethics with the medical world.

Representing the Christian Science tradition, Peel participates in the series “Health/Medicine and the Faith Traditions.” He acquaints his readers with Mary Baker Eddy and her theology because the healing practices of Christian Science are incomprehensible without this understanding. He also answers questions regarding the struggle between Christian Science and orthodox medicine, such as the role of practitioners and nurses.