Christian Science

[Jimmy123]

I would like to start a thread for followers of Christian Science in recovery. I would like to start the ball by discussing Mary Baker Eddy

Mary Baker Eddy published countless works and developed a movement that now boasts 400,000 adherents. Christian Science publishes a daily Christian Science Monitor and a monthly journal. In recent times Christian Scientists have been accused of neglect as their refusal to seek medical intervention has caused unfortunate deaths. Despite the controversies, it is clear that Baker's Christian Science did much to influence to world of addiction recovery healing through spirituality.
When one takes a look at Mary Baker Eddy's life and writings, the words 12 Steps do not appear. Naturally and correctly one would assume that she lived well before the 12 Steps and Bill Wilson's fateful meeting with Rev. Sam Shoemaker occurred. Despite her lack of direct input into the development of A.A. and the 12 Steps there are some clear correlations between the two out looks.
The first thing to understand about Christian Science is it is not science. Baker promoted and Christian Scientists still promote and idea that everything is truly spiritual and the world we live in, meaning the material world is essentially an "allowed illusion." This being said, Mary Baker Eddy pushed an idea that all ailments were curable through fixing a particular spiritual root. When a person is sick it is only a reflection of a deeper spiritual ailment. This is the point where the 12 Steps and Baker align. Both movements believe that giving oneself over to the goodness of the divine is the quickest and most effective root to recovery.

I have taken all this info from
12 Steps | Mary Baker Eddy

Don't forget when posting to give credit if and when due plagiarism is not good for the soul

[indigo]

Welcome to Spirituality and to the path you have chosen.

[teachgs]

Hello Jimmy,

Thanks for bringing up the topic of Christian Science and Mary Baker Eddy in connection with 12-step programs. I understand that either Bill W or Dr. Bob had a connection with Christian Science, but I don't know which one or what the connection was. But I definitely see similarities. As a member of Al-Anon I particularly love the 3rd and 11th steps, and try to live them in my everyday life.

As a Christian Scientist for many years, and a Practitioner who helps people directly through Christian Science, I'd like to point out a few misconceptions people often have about Christian Science.

Although Christian Science isn't a material science, it is definitely a science because it's based on spiritual laws of God. These are dependable, provable laws of the permanent harmony of God and His creation. Prayer in Christian Science that is used for healing illness, and other forms of recovery is a kind of scientific reasoning from an understanding of God as the cause and creator of all things. This brings out a sense of God that is all-powerful, only good, and as the Bible states, "... who healeth all our diseases." (Psalm 103:3)

But Christian Scientists see God and His creation as wholly spiritual, and the only real reality of things. We would not call the material world an "allowed illusion" but we would see it as the product of a false sense of reality, that can be replaced with a clear spiritual sense of creation, and our true being. As this happens healing takes place.

It's a wonderful thing to experience God's healing, rehabilitating power in whatever way it comes to us.

Respectfully,
Jan

[hopingtodoit]

Is this still an active thread for discussions. Would like to connect with other Christian Science or Christian Science leaning families who are trying to help a loved one.

[aussiegarry]

I have been a student of Christian Science for around 35 years and did class around 1990.
I was not able to get sober using CS but have been sober and drug free for nearly two years since attending my first AA meeting.
Never had much success with healing either but thinks it keeps me healthy and safe.
In AA comes of age it mentions Bill studied CS before getting into the oxford group.
The 24 Hours book is quite CS in its concepts.
I think CS has helped me to understand AA quickly as the basic tenant is the same God is all and only good and I need to surrender to him and he will take care of everything.
Hope someone is still following this forum
Garry
PS now ciggy free for three months (put it on the program)
G

[Zak]

I found my recovery in Religious Science, I'm not sure of the difference other than the healing through prayer only.
We use both prayer and Doctors.
I would like to know,I found useing all religions a better way.

[Boleo]

Originally Posted by Zak

...I found useing all religions a better way.

I have nothing against Christian Science. It overlaps a lot with what Emmet Fox and Thomas Troward say about "Scientific Prayer". I do think it is dangerous territory for an alcoholic like me to think I somehow control the healing.

I now use the Eclectic approach described by Zak:

The overlap between Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Tantricism, Zen, Judaism, Gnosticism, Christianity, Existentialism, Epistemology, Recovery and New Thought.