Ask a Researcher
Answers to questions our research team has received.
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.
The Creation of Four Periodicals by the Christian Science Church
To best answer this question, we can point you toward an article in The Christian Science Journal that examines the Manual By-laws on "Church periodicals."
The development of the Quarterly
Below is a timeline that charts the early history of the Christian Science Quarterly. This publication contains the weekly Lesson-Sermons distributed by The Christian Science Publishing Society, which Mary Baker Eddy designated for study outside of church services:...
Appendix of the Church Manual
To best answer this inquiry, we can point you toward an article in The Christian Science Journal that examines the origin of the last section of the Manual of The Mother Church, the Appendix.
The Significance of the Lord’s Prayer to Christian Scientists
To best answer this question, we can point you toward an article in the Christian Science Journal that describes Mary Baker Eddy's relationship with this particular prayer.
What is the background of the Bible Lesson subjects?
Here’s what we know about the 26 topics and their arrangement.
What is the history of Christian Healing?
Here’s background on Mary Baker Eddy’s first publication following Science and Health.
Is The Mother Church’s finial a pineapple or a pine cone?
Read up on a question of debate that dates to the 1930s.
Was there a chapter in Science and Health titled “Imposition and Demonstration”?
Find out about this name and how it evolved.
Did Eddy read the works of Swedenborg?
Read about her exposure to the Lutheran theologian’s ideas.
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