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March 2007

Response to Response to Chronicle of Higher Education review

© 2007 Chronicle of Higher Education
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To the Editor:

Thank you for the illuminating discussion of the Esalen Institute and its relationship to American spiritual thought ("From Emerson to Esalen: America's Religion of No Religion," The Chronicle Review, April 13). It was a surprise, however, to see Jeffrey J. Kripal characterize Christian Science as one among an "immense swath of mystical, gnostic, and esoteric traditions." Christian Science is firmly based on the Bible, especially the teachings of Christ Jesus, and has little in common with these traditions.

Mary Baker Eddy, who authored its major textbook -- Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures -- sought to explain how Jesus was able to heal by spiritual means alone. She took seriously these words: "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do." She established the most stringent of tests for its success: that those in need should be healed. And she invited all to try it for themselves.

Her book is still widely read; her worldwide church continues to successfully practice Christian healing; The Christian Science Monitor is a respected international newspaper; and the Christian Science Sentinel and The Christian Science Journal routinely publish verified accounts of healing. All that suggests that her work is not "mystical, gnostic, [or] esoteric."

To this I can add only that, as a lifelong Christian Scientist, I have seen and experienced healing whenever the principles behind Christian Science were honestly applied.

Chris Wye
Christian Science Committee on Publication for the District of Columbia