Ask a Researcher
Answers to questions our research team has received.
The Background to the Platform of Christian Science
The platform of Christian Science is found on pages 330-340 of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, and forms the basis for Normal class instruction—the course taught to train teachers of Christian Science. It was first mentioned in 1877, in the minutes of...
What’s the “Tyrannical Law” Referred to in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures?
The passage in Science and Health states: "In 1880, Massachusetts put her foot on a proposed tyrannical law, restricting the practice of medicine."Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (Boston: The Writings of Mary Baker Eddy, 1906),...
What is the historical background of “The People’s Idea of God”?
The People’s Idea of God began as a sermon preached by Mary Baker Eddy at the Hawthorne Rooms in Boston. In November 1879, the Church of Christ (Scientist) began to hold regular church services there on Sunday afternoons, and Eddy preached at most services. A weekly...
The Question of “an exceptionally good investment”: Mary Baker Eddy and the Glover Gold Mining Company
Mary Baker Eddy’s only child was her son George W. Glover II (1844-1915), born a few months after the death of her first husband. Like many single mothers of her day, she did not possess the financial means to raise the boy, and before his seventh birthday the two were separated.
What is the historical background of “Rudimental Divine Science”?
Rudiments and Rules of Divine Science was published in November 1887. Advertisements, such as the one appearing in the November 1887 issue of The Christian Science Journal, proclaimed that the booklet would answer "many questions in regard to the Science of Christian...
15 Tips for Caring for Your Books
In order to protect their objects and archival materials, libraries and museums follow professional practices to promote long-term preservation. Your home, church, Reading Room, or workplace may not meet the somewhat rigorous standards of libraries and museums. But the following tips, adapted from professional standards, will still help you care for your books.
Article III, Section 6: “Readers in Branch Churches”
This page is focused on the final two sentences of this By-Law: "They shall make no remarks explanatory of the LESSON-SERMON at any time, but they shall read all notices and remarks that may be printed in the CHRISTIAN SCIENCE QUARTERLY. This By-Law applies to Readers...
“Set free the captive”: Mary Baker Eddy and prison reform
Read about Eddy’s long-standing commitment to helping prisoners.
What is the Historical Background of No and Yes by Mary Baker Eddy?
No and Yes began as an article in The Christian Science Journal of March 7, 1885, titled “Defence of Christian Science.”
“…about all I possessed”: Mary Baker Eddy’s Rocking Chair
Most of us have a memory of being rocked as a child and of the comfort that brought. The rocking chair seemed to have great comforting significance to Mary Baker Eddy…
How were the testimonies in “Fruitage” verified?
Read the account of how this process evolved.
What did Eddy write about Gnosticism?
Read excerpts that give insights.
What is the background on Eddy’s article “Contagion”?
Here’s some research that gives context.
Did Joseph Armstrong heal people of smallpox?
Here is background that suggests he did.
Did Eddy use Webster’s 1828 dictionary?
The answer is somewhat nuanced.