Audio and Video Resource Annotations

This panel of scholars—J. Gordon Melton, Massimo Introvigne, and Shirley Paulson—explored the contemporary scholarly perspective on Christian Science. Melton pointed out that the maturity of the study of Christian Science should go beyond the issue of classification; Introvigne illustrated how scholarship in art deepens the meaning of religious study; and Paulson focused on the Christian origin of Christian Science.

Roberts, Tomorrow Foundation Professor of American Intellectual History at Boston University, argues that Eddy endorsed a rather classical view of the meaning of science and held that science, rightly conceived, simply referred to genuine knowledge and pure truth. Eddy concluded that the term ‘science’ should be applied to the laws of God and God’s government of the universe.

This historically valuable documentary recounts the story of the earliest growth of Christian Science in the Midwestern US of the 1880s. The story includes many significant healings that turned patients into students of Christian Science. Despite severe persecution and ridicule, they also healed others. These pioneers represented all walks of life—farmers, businessmen, housewives, clerks, simple and sophisticated.

As the title of this 70-minute bibliographic video implies, its main message highlights Mary Baker Eddy’s lifelong struggles, determination, and persistence. This video precedes the opening of the Mary Baker Eddy Library by 14 years, and its excellent cast of characters make it a valuable resource especially for those unfamiliar with Eddy’s life and work.