It was decided that the scribe of this blog and his merry little band of cheerleaders should pay a visit to The Mother Church. Our first desire was to meet, however briefly, with the Board of Directors to reassure them we bear no ill will. Church Manuals in hand, we were directed to the Publishing Society Building. When the Directors came into our presence they refused, however, to take our proffered hands or speak to us, but trod on silent as Trappists and grim-faced as a procession of men condemned to hang within the hour. Our desire to reaffirm to them our loyalty to our Leader and to her Church Manual was rebuffed. "Klaatu barada nikto" shouted one wag as they shuffled away.
We then decided to visit the MBE Library and have a latte at the coffee bar. We had the place entirely to ourselves, and there was an ominous chill in the air. One of our little band read some passages from the Gillian Gill book on Mrs. Eddy. "I confess to sympathizing with those who--like the eminent lawyer and United States Senator William Chandler...consider Mrs. Eddy to be deluded. I can raise a wry chuckle with those, like Mark Twain, who see her as a mercenary old humbug." (p. 297) "That this spiritual, even theological, interpretation of the intense discipline Mrs. Eddy required of her staff at times masked, or served as alibi for, some real defects in Mrs. Eddy's character cannot be denied. She could be bad tempered, irrational, capricious, inconsiderate, domineering, sanctimonious, unkind." (p. 405) "While Hanna was laid low in mind and body by the torrent of Mrs. Eddy's criticisms, the older men looked on, horrified that their leader should act more like a virago than an angel, and that she should seem so quick to forget all the services her officials had loyally rendered her in the past." (p. 444) They build this monument in her name and then rejoice in the publishing of a book containing that and much more. This should tell people something. Then, to add injury to insult, the coffee bar was closed and we didn't even get our lattes.
Our final destination was the original Mother Church, Mary Baker Eddy's glorious prayer in stone, whose wedge cuts, figuratively, deep into the lie of life, truth, intelligence, and substance in matter. As we walked about in awe and wonder, thinking of her stupendous Discovery and gift to mankind, someone noticed a figure leaving Mother's Room. "I think I know who it is", said one. "A pretender, a soi-disant MBE, a specter?" said another, a little unnerved. "I've seen that face, the one who said Science and Health was a 'general-interest book'", said a third, and then the figure was gone, or was it never there?
Now perfectly still, the atmosphere in the church became suffused with a gentle radiance, and we knew that if everything at the Church Center crumbled to dust, all of it but this one priceless edifice, it would be enough. It would be more than enough, for Christian Science cannot be taken from us. Kneeling in gratitude for these great blessings we knew that of all earth's wonders and treasures, this place was the most holy, sweet, and sacred.
Note: Some of you "little band of cheerleaders" have already commented on the rather smug and self-righteous comment on the previous entry. A few of that writer's concerns are touched upon above, sometimes obliquely. If this Olympian keeper of the true flame of Christian Science thinks we are so few and so insignificant, why did he even bother to waste his time commenting? Because he knows that however few or many our number, we represent hundreds and maybe thousands more who feel the same. That is what troubles them and why someone felt the need to issue a put-down. It is, however, but the tremulous squeak of hired loyalty, which hears an insistent and alarming scratching at the door and cringes.
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29 comments:
Absolutely marvelous! I would say, I don't know how you turn out such excellent blog posts time after time except that I know it is God directing you. Clear as day to me, and to so many others of us who rejoice at seeing someone who loves Christian Science as we do. Oh, this will be read far and wide.
Thank you, thank you...
Your next to the last paragraph is beyond wonderful; it has a holy feeling to it. This is just the way countless of us feel, and what joy to know we cannot lose the treasure of Mary Baker Eddy's discovery. God gave it to her, and it is God upholding this glorious Cause.
Amen to all you have written!
Owing the teachings of Christian Science more than I can ever thank our heavenly Father enough for, I must add my appreciation for this blog post. When I read the paragraph about kneeling in gratitude for Mary Baker Eddy's discovery, do you know what came to thought? This from Ephesians 3:14: "For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
The Cause of Christian Science has for its sublime purpose the reinstating of our dear Master's words and works. And to defend and perpetuate this, I would stand before the world all alone if need be. What joy to see that I don't have to.
God bless us every one, and keep us working for Him.
What a wonderful entry this is. And the comments! I feel moved almost to tears, and I thank you for all this blog is doing for the Cause of Christian Science.
And to second what Mrs.Howell said, God bless us all.
Just for the record, I wrote in response to your blog because when I happened across it (quite by accident) I was distressed to see this kind of standing aghast at nothingness parading as the practice of Christian Science. Truly, it seems like a ghastly farce to me and a total misrepresentation of what Christian Science is supposed to offer the world. What happened to going into the closet to pray to our Father in secret? What happened to loving our neighbor as ourselves? What happened to thinking about what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report? That's what Christian Science is about, not this. Practicing Christian Science isn't about making yourself seem more right than someone else. It involves effecting positive change, handling error impersonally, and healing what seems to be wrong (instead of reveling in it) by understanding that God, eternal and omnipotent good, is really right here, right now, in the midst of us all, making everything right.
While I appreciate the last comment, I can't help but feel that it is whistling in the dark. When I compare this collection of boilerplate to the exquisite original post, "Methinks the lady doth protest too much."
MBE also wrote "When needed tell the truth concerning the lie. Evasion of Truth cripples integrity, and casts thee down
from the pinnacle." (S&H 448:9) I don't think we'll ever see a substantial critique of the church in the church periodicals--and probably never one written with such wit and verve.
I just can't thank you enough for all you are doing for Christian Science, blogger. Not only am I getting an education -- you are marvelous! -- I find such encouragement from your posts. And from the comments. It's a privilege to join your happy little band.
Keep it up. We need you.
I declare, it mystifies me why these (actually, only one so far in this post) preachy preachy CS's keep reading this blog. If they're disturbed, let them start their own. Of course, that "let's all ignore wrongdoing and just be sweet" comment may well be from someone who has a blog and gets no readers at all. Yes, this may be what is bothering them, among other things. I suspect some of the worry is that more and more in the Field are waking up to the immense wickedness practiced against our Cause. And especially toward its Leader. Can anyone read those excerpts from that Gill bio and not be jolted out of their inertia and hanging on to mere mortals for their inspiration?
Wake up, people. Look to God for your direction. Certain self-styled leaders have let you down big-time.
I noticed that one Journal listed practitioner has stepped up and left her name on her comment. Why doesn't the lone dissenter do likewise? Stand behind your criticism of this blog, why don't you? Be a man about it. Or a woman, if this is the case. Or are you afraid you'll lose your paycheck, or your title?
I was brought up a Methodist and still have the greatest respect for its Founder, John Wesley. Reading this blog, especially the quotations from that Gill book, I cannot even imagine that the leaders of Wesley's church would allow that saintly man to be trashed this way! That the author was given access to the Archives of TMC, that the TBD not only allowed the publication of this evil biography, but placed it in reading rooms and wanted the public to purchase it, well this alone is enough to alert any of us out here that something is terribly wrong at the highest levels. If the present Board honestly wants to do better, they would renounce this book tomorrow. The fact that they have been silent on this (and so many other wrongs) tells us plenty, doesn't it?
Like the practitioner above, I will identify myself gladly.
I just love this blog! It's so fresh and candid and expertly done. Someone recommended it, and I'm so glad they did. Although I am helping some through Christian Science, am not yet listed in the Journal, only in the local phonebook, but I am happy to post my name.
God bless all who are standing up for our Cause.
Regarding the publication of that bio the blogger mentioned, I think this may be the motivation for publishing it. As my father always said, follow the money trail. Had to be the hopes of interesting the public at large and getting in more money. Why else present Mary Baker Eddy in that way? Why else drag a God-inspired, wonderful woman down to the level Gill did?
Shame, shame is all I have to say. I sincerely feel the CSBD will live to regret the horrendous thing they have done.
Really appreciate this blog. And the comments. It's all so inspiring, the way people are wanting to uphold the purity of what our Leader gave us.
Heartfelt thanks to you all!
An excellent blog post! And I admire those two Journal listed practitioners (I looked them up) for putting their names before the world. Sadly, too many practitioners and teachers have chosen to remain silent and keep their titles. They should certainly have spoken up on the Gill montrosity. But at least others of us are doing so, on behalf of our Leader.
Best wishes to you,
I'll tell you why so many of us are regular readers of this blog: it's outstanding and where else are we going to find such honest, witty, right-on offerings on the state of our Cause today? Certainly not in the periodicals.
No wonder this blog's readership is growing day by day.
Terrific blog you've got here. No wonder it's the talk of the town. Keep up your intelligent, well-crafted blogging.
Terrific blog you've got here. No wonder it's the talk of the town. Keep up your intelligent, well-crafted blogging.
"When needed tell the truth concerning the lie. Evasion of Truth cripples integrity, and casts thee down
from the pinnacle." (S&H 448:9) VS. "What happened to going into the closet to pray to our Father in secret? What happened to loving our neighbor as ourselves? What happened to thinking about what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report? " A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF THE INCONSISTENCY IN writings of Mary Baker Eddy and practice of Christian Science. Each side can pick his own quotes and feel superior to the other. At what point is it ok to tell the truth concerning a lie? At what point is it considered a lie? At what point do you refuse to stand aghast a nothingness? Similar to a dog chasing its own tail, reading this blog illustrates what circular "logic" the practice of Christian Science becomes! Everyone just keep knowing the "Truth" until someone else's "Truth" is not your "Truth".
To the previous commenter, I have a helpful suggestion: if you will take the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy and read it thoughtfully, I feel your misconceptions may be cleared up. But in the interim, may I quote something from the chapter titled, "Some Objections Answered" where she points out: "The strictures on this volume would condemn to oblivion the truth, which is raising up thousands from helplessness to strength and elevating them from a theoretical to a practical Christianity. These criticisms are generally based on detached sentences or clauses separated from their context. Even the Scriptures, which grow in beauty and consistency from one grand root, appear contradictory when subjected to such usage. Jesus said, 'Blessed are the pure in heart: for they see God.' (Truth)"
I offer this comment sincerely, and do wish you well.
As an earlier commenter said, this blog has such verve. It surely does have dash and energy, and then there's the marvelous wit. I almost always laugh at the way this author describes things. An absolute delight to read!
Absolutely outstanding post, blogger! One of your best to date!! As one who has actually been inside "Mother's Room" at TMC, I was interested to see your reference to same.
That said, I've been pondering where all this is going and have come to realize we've come a long way baby from the days of Reginald Kerry and his letters which were kept under wraps by Branch Church boards, to the Mailing Fund which virtually no one would admit subscribing to but shared under plain wrappers and then the painstaking documentation of "Matters of Conscience" and finally the "Keeping the Promise" campaign of just a couple of years ago.
Which begs the question, if so many of the commenters or "cheerleaders" on this blog have known for so long that so much is wrong in Boston, why were there scarcely one thousand signatures affixed to the "Keeping the Promise" protest? We apparently have many a league still to go.
The Directors have obviously been stonewalling the Field for a long time now and I'd guess they will continue to do so as long as they have any membership to enable them.
Which brings up this point: Anyone who recognizes the depth and obduracy of the wickedness in the Church administration and remains a member now is a) enabling the Directors to continue their wickedness and b) is under the precedent of the Nuremberg Tribunal just as guilty of that wickedness as the Directors and their toadies.
I just love this blog (and any other that will allow us to share our thoughts.) It is wonderful to be able to express our deepest sentiments instead of turning them in to the periodicals, having them edited, then waiting perhaps months to see them published.
Thank you for making this available to us.
A question to "Christian". Several prominent Independent Christian Scientists have stated that the Mother Church is riddled with Roman Catholics who are on the Vatican payroll and are are actively working to destroy the Church and our Movement. True or False and if true do we know who they are???
Ok, this is really getting bizarre...Roman Catholics infiltrating the church? Unless someone addresses this in a rational manner, this blog has lost all credibility with me.
With individuals like the Directors of the last thirty years or so, who needs Roman Catholics to destroy the Movement?
However I have been told one of the prominent world beliefs regarding Christian Scientists converted from other religions is that they will eventually return to their former faiths.
Also I have personally known sincere students of Christian Science who had converted from other faiths and honestly believed they were completely free of their former beliefs but who clearly weren't anywhere near that state to any but their own thought.
Another point would be that any Bible Study program (degreed or otherwise) sponsored by either church or University these days is based entirely on Orthodox (read "Old") Theology and totally devoid of the inspired and enlightened Theology Discovered and Founded by Mrs. Eddy. Thus the thinking of anyone who has received a degree in Biblical studies is more likely to be infused with the fire and brimstone (matter base) of Old Theology rather than a more spiritually enlightened understanding of Christian Science. I believe an individual whose name has appeared prominently in this blog over the past couple of months falls into this category.
A former member of the Bible Lesson Committee who kept close watch on current Bible Lessons told me she felt a lot of the slippage in the quality of lessons these days was due to the fact that while recent committee members were "Bible Scholars" their expertise was suffused with Old Theology. Mrs. Eddy didn't sub-title her Textbook "Key to the Scriptures" for nothing!
Funny, I've felt that the lessons have mostly been much better in the last few years. There seems to be at least one member who has a definite literary sensibility and grasp of what it takes to compile a structured statement from the Bible and S&H.
As for RC infiltration of TMC, I note that no names are given, no hard evidence. We do too much through ad hominem arguments, through jumping to conclusions, and by "rumor with a thousand tongues." Too much of "I was told" or "I was taught that..." or "somebody said" or "I heard/ read." This credulous, superstitious (in the pejorative sense, not like Paul on the Areopagus complimenting the Athenians on their piety) and uncritical acceptance of authority has to give way to more rigorous and more vigorous modes of thought, or we won'd need any conspirators to destroy CS because we'll simply shoot ourselves in the foot--and then know the truth about it!
I do believe your website, and any others like it in candor, love for CS, and freshness--not to mention fine writing--will shut the periodicals down. How can they compete with something at this level of excellence and interest?
The reason I didn't mention names is I didn't ask their permission to do so. Suffice it to say they are of significant stature and I wanted to see what this blogger has to say as he is certainly spending a lot of time going after TMC. Is it a systematic thing or is TMC just mangaged by unenlightened mortals who need to be shown the light by you and your group?
I just love your website. It's like a breath of fresh air to read deep thoughts so originally presented. Not the same old stale metaphysics that make the eyes glaze over.
Keep at your God-directed blogging!
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