“And O’er Earth’s Troubled, Angry Sea”: The History of Christian Science in the United States

Christian Science is one of the most unique and controversial of American religions, but there has never been a history of this influential metaphysical group, best known for its healing through prayer. Most attention has previously focused on the church’s founder, Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910). This compilation of nine previously published scholarly articles, buttressed by additional insight presented in the preface, introduction, and conclusion, should lead to further investigation of this compelling topic.

This volume investigates the origins of the Christian Science movement, illustrates how Eddy’s students -- mainly women -- helped its rapid spread through healings, how Eddy guided and restrained her students, examines some denominational growing pains, underscores how The Mother Church in Boston and Eddy’s Church Manual evolved, recounts dozens of testimonies of healing, and shows how local, or branch, churches operated before and after Eddy’s passing. Contrary to previous assumptions, the new Christian religion was surprisingly diverse, with almost one half of the membership coming from the lower middle and working classes. This vibrant church ultimately declined, due to excessive centralization and insufficient utilization of the membership, plus lack of social activities and the rise of medical science. Recent efforts to revitalize the movement through embracing communities are continuing.

“And O’er Earth’s Troubled, Angry Sea”: The History of Christian Science in the United States will appeal to Christian Scientists, kindred spirits in the metaphysical world, anyone interested in religion, and those who read social history. Each chapter is suitable for group discussions and for undergraduate or graduate classes.

Rolf Swensen served as Acting Chief Librarian of Queens College, City University of New York, Chief Archivist of the National Archives of Papua New Guinea, and University Archivist of Oregon State University. Besides the articles reprinted and cited in this volume, he published scholarly articles on Iowa and Oregon newspaper and magazine editor Col. Ernst Hofer (1855-1934), Yellowstone Park, and bibliographic instruction in Eastern Europe, as well as five entries in Biographical Dictionary of American and Canadian Naturalists and Environmentalists (1997). His Ph.D. in United States History, with a minor in Ancient Rome, was awarded by the University of Oregon.