After my previous post about Twisted Spoons I decided to read over the Tenets of Christian Science again. While I take issue with all of them, the third is particularly troubling and guilt-inducing: 3. We acknowledge God’s forgiveness of sin in the destruction of sin and the spiritual understanding that casts out evil as unreal. But … Continue reading the belief in sin is punished so long as the belief lasts
Category: Science & Health
Twisted Spoons
Being raised a Christian Scientist meant always being on guard against Mortal Mind, Mental Malpractice, Error, False Evidence Appearing Real, and a number of other "sneaky" things which could come in and attempt to "cloud our mirrors" (people are reflections of God, and clouded mirrors distort this image). If we were not feeling well it … Continue reading Twisted Spoons
my path away from CS
Growing up a Christian Scientist I often felt isolated from the rest of society. I didn't go to the doctor, or take medication. I went to church every Sunday, and often on Wednesdays as well. I wasn't "saved" or "born again" or even baptized. I hadn't "found Jesus" or taken Communion classes. I didn't go … Continue reading my path away from CS
Ultimate Failure & Ultimate Success for Evil.
A regular reader sent me a link to this article (full text below the cut). As a former CS, I was horrified by the tone and language used, and by the commenter's enthusiastic embracing of the ideas. The reader shared two paragraphs of particular concern: If it weren’t for Christian Science, what would you do? … Continue reading Ultimate Failure & Ultimate Success for Evil.
“just” go to a Doctor
People who are not raised "in Science" often do not understand why Christian Scientists don't seek medical assistance. This is an issue that has puzzled me as well, many CS wear glasses, visit the dentist, put braces on their children's teeth, and yet they do nothing when a child injures themselves or falls ill. I … Continue reading “just” go to a Doctor
Authorized CS Literature
When I turned twenty I officially "graduated" from Sunday School. I always found this slightly ironic, as Christian Scientists often pride themselves in not celebrating "birthdays," they often have a "special day" instead. Apparently celebrating the passage of time reminds them of their mortality?* The well-meaning Sunday School Graduation Committee gave me a copy of … Continue reading Authorized CS Literature
Read the Book & Pray Better
While I never heard from Elder Fox and Elder the Short one with Glasses again my information had been entered into the cell phone which was handed along to the new "Elders" who were assigned missionary duty in my area. About nine months after my initial encounter with Elders Fox & TSOWG, new missionaries arrived … Continue reading Read the Book & Pray Better
the Missionaries & breaking up with God
While the birth of my first child and subsequent experiences led me to cease to actively follow Christian Science (CS) doctrine I did (and do) still turn to many of the platitudes espoused by Christian Science when dealing with problems that arise. I find the language and the step-by-step problem solving process comforting. Even though … Continue reading the Missionaries & breaking up with God