Last post I wrote that metaphysically and theologically, Christian Science, is at best on the fringes of Christianity. I overemphasized the theological differences in my last post and this will be addressed in future posts.
For now, let me simply state that there are significant theological differences, including: a reinterpretation of the Trinity, original sin, and reconciliation of God and man.
Before entering the Mother Church you are taken aback by the grandeur of the building. It is gorgeous and is located next to the building that houses the Boston Symphony. When you walk in, there is a reception desk and behind it tables with a variety of Christian Science literature. Many of the walls are adorned with Bible verses and quotes from Mary Baker Eddy.
Services are very rooted in American Protestant style Christianity. The largest difference is that Christian Scientists do not perform any sacrament. Catholics acknowledge seven and most Protestants acknowledge two: baptism and communion.
| Two Lecterns for Two Readers: Bible and Interpretation |
At the beginning of the service, the two speakers (a man and a woman) informed us that this was a healing service. (Though, outside of references to theology and doctrine there was no explicit attempt to heal anyone in this service).
One of these readers were responsible for reading passages from the Bible chosen by the board of directors, sometimes a year in advance. The other reader was responsible for reading the spiritual meaning of the scripture found in Eddy's Science and Health, reviewed in the last post. (Science and Health and the Bible are the only recognized pastors in Christian Science).
Hymns were chosen from the Christian Science Hymnal. These hymns often referenced the oneness of God and sometimes referred to God as Father-Mother.
Towards the end there was a solo vocalist, accompanied by a keyboard. The song referenced the theological idea that we are reflections of God and that God is infinite. The exit music was played by an organist.
| Inside the main sanctuary of the First Church of Christ Scientist |
Ritually, the biggest difference between Christian Science and most other forms of Christianity is the lack of sacraments. They do not celebrate communion or baptism sacramentally, but rather spiritually.
After the service, I took a tour of the old edifice, which is currently used during Wednesday night meetings.
This edifice invoked the sense of traditional Christianity even further. It featured stained glass windows of Jesus' various healing miracles, the art emphasized Jesus' power over death and disease.
| Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. |
Next door was the Mary Baker Eddy Library. This was also an immaculate building and I paid six dollars to see the Mapparium.
The Mappariaum was like being inside a globe of the earth, but with countries present to about 1935. Thus, on this map Russia was the Soviet Union and parts of Africa were still ruled by colonial powers.
It was accompanied by an audio-visual representation. Most of the content was non-religious; however, there were hints of philosophical idealism, that ideas shape the world, which is consistent with the theology of Christian Science.
The rest of the exhibit was mostly an understandably idealized portrayal of Eddy's life (if you go to the Vatican, you are not going to see extended critiques of Catholicism). It also promoted the Christian Science Monitor, a secular newspaper started by Eddy.
Bottom Line:
As the second installment of my series on Christian Science, I am prepared to come to a conclusion. Christian Science is a type of Christianity. The lack of rituals and the theological differences give me some reservation.
If I thought religion was about belief, I might come to a different conclusion. As Christian Science strays from most Christian theologies. (Though, again, I admit I over-emphasized the differences in my last post, I will touch on this in later posts). But seeing a Christian Science service in person I was struck more by the similarities rather than differences.
No comments:
Post a Comment