Overview of Chicago meeting

Below you will find comments and thoughts collected from two meetings in Chicago, February 18 & 19, 2014, while a group of truth seekers and students of Christian Science considered updating Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy.

• Why is there a decline in church membership when Christian Science can’t decline?
• The purpose of Christian Science is to heal humankind but it must be presented usefully.
• Science and Health needs to be easier to read for people unfamiliar with 19th century language.
• References in Science and Health need to be relatable.
• Footnotes are necessary so the book doesn’t look like plagiarism.
• There is a difference between Christian Science and Church. Christian Science doesn’t revolve around church but church should revolve around divine Science.
• Give people credit for being able to understand Science and Health and make their own translations when reading the book.
• The Christian Science Publishing Society is already updating foreign texts in Science and Health.
• Updating Science and Health protects the books integrity and progress.
• The phrase, “if you read this book you will be healed,” is misleading.
• We are students of Christian Science, rather than Christian Scientists.
• Fear of change is based on the culture of a judging church.
• Methods of communication have changed over the last century.
• Old language turns readers away.
• A revision of Science and Health isn’t for people who like Eddy’s version, but for other truth seekers.
• Being afraid that Mary Baker Eddy will be displaced in status actually stops progress and can also build her up as an idol.
• Word definitions change over time and actually change the meaning of Science and Health.
• The Board of Directors at The First Church of Christ, Scientist, can appoint a committee to update Science and Health.
• Can “church officials” reliably translate Eddy’s explanation of Christian Science without pushing an agenda?
• Any update should contain the author, or authors, names. Never act as though we are speaking for Mrs. Eddy.
• Look in the mirror to see what the problem is facing Christian Science today.
• A huge decline in readership of Science and Health exists in the 21^st century.
• Be real, be honest, connect, love
• Overcome fear.
• Choose love.

 

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