Ask a Researcher
Answers to questions our research team has received.
The Significance of the Manual of The Mother Church
To best answer this inquiry, we can point you toward an article in The Christian Science Journal that served as an introduction to a series of articles on theManual.
Article VIII, Section 15: “Church Organizations Ample” and Article VIII, Section 16, “Joining Another Society”
To best answer this inquiry, we can point you towards an article in The Christian Science Journal that discusses the balance between Christian Scientists' duties to the Church and their participation in other organizations.
Article X, Section 1: “No Unauthorized Debating”
To best answer this inquiry, we can point you toward an article in The Christian Science Journal that examines the origin of this provision and its historical context at the turn of the last century.
Article XXII: “Relation and Duties of Members to Pastor Emeritus”
To best answer this inquiry, we can point you toward an article in The Christian Science Journal that highlights sections of the Manual that speak to Eddy's continuing role in Christian Science.
The Significance of Mary Baker Eddy’s Carriage
To best answer this question, we can point you toward an article in The Christian Science Journal published during the Library's exhibition, Private Carriage, Public Journey.
The Origination of the Quote “Sculptors of Life are We.”
We are often asked about the poem Mary Baker Eddy quotes on page 7 in her sermon The People’s Idea of God. The poem was apparently first published in the periodical Missionary Herald in 1851 under the title “A Beautiful Thought,” at which time the byline appeared as...
The Development of the scientific statement of being
The question “What is the scientific statement of being?” is found in the chapter “Recapitulation” in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy (page 468 in current editions). This statement is also read as part of every Christian Science Sunday...
Church Manual Article VIII, Section 12: “Obnoxious Books”
To best answer this inquiry, we can point you toward an article in The Christian Science Journal that explains the meaning of this phrase in the By-Laws, as well as the story behind its inclusion in the Manual.
The Account of the Woman Who Didn’t Age from The Lancet mentioned in Science and Health
The passage on page 245 of Science and Health reads as follows…
Mary Baker Eddy’s Sentiments towards gifts
To best answer this question, we can point you toward an article by Senior Research Archivist Judy Huenneke in The Christian Science Journal that examines Eddy, Christmas gifts, and gratitude.
Did Mary Baker Eddy and Booker T. Washington ever meet?
Find out about Washington’s engagement with Christian Science.
“How may I best study ‘Science and Health’?”
Read one of Mary Baker Eddy’s responses to this question.
Did Mary Baker Eddy ever mention Hugo or Tolstoy?
She communicated with one of the authors on several occasions.
What is the history of missionaries in Christian Science?
Read about this activity from the early church movement.
What is the history of the name “Committee on Publication”?
Read about how its use evolved.