Mary Baker Eddy: Founder of Christian Science and the Healing Ministry Movement

Church History

In this episode, we dive into the life and influence of Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, and explore how her teachings continue to impact modern-day healing ministries. Born in 1821 to devout Congregationalist parents, Mary faced a life filled with hardship and illness, which led her to explore alternative healing methods. After experiencing relief through the controversial healer Phineas Quimby, she developed her own beliefs that combined his methods with her Christian faith. In 1875, she published her book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, which became the foundation of Christian Science. She founded the Church of Christ, Scientist, with a core belief in the power of prayer and spiritual healing, emphasizing that illness is a misperception that can be overcome through positive faith. Mary’s views, especially her rejection of the Trinity and her belief that the material world is an illusion, departed from traditional Christian teachings and aligned closely with Gnostic ideas. Despite these differences, her focus on spiritual healing has inspired contemporary healing ministries. Elements like faith healing, rejection of medical treatments, and practices such as “positive confession” in charismatic movements trace indirect roots back to Christian Science. Episode Sponsor: The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1 Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off Links: https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well: The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns Visions, Folk Magic, and the Birth of Mormonism: The Story of Joseph Smith: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34929378/visions-folk-magic-and-the-birth-of-mormonism-the-story-of-joseph-smith