Ask a Researcher
Answers to questions our research team has received.
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.
The Role of Readers in Christian Science Church Services
To best answer this question, we can point you toward an article in The Christian Science Journal that examines Articles of the Manual of The Mother Church that pertain to the role of Church Readers.
How did Christian Science teaching become formalized?
To best answer this question, we can point you toward an article in The Christian Science Journal that describes the evolution of Christian Science healing. It was part of a series giving context to the Church Manual.
The Publication of Eddy’s Poem, “The Old Man of the Mountain”
Mary Baker Eddy’s poem “The Old Man of the Mountain” was first published in The Floral Wreath, and Ladies' Monthly Magazine, July, 1844. The author is listed as “Mrs. G. W. Glover”—Mary Baker Eddy was married to George Washington Glover until his death in 1844. Along...
Did Eddy provide guidance on benedictions?
See her comments on this aspect of the Sunday Church service.
Did Churchill ever ask British Christian Scientists to pray?
Find out about these wartime requests.
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.