Monday, March 12, 2012

Christian Science.

http://christianscience.com/
Christian Science is about love. Founded in 1879, by Mary Barker Eddy it addresses major issues about God, life and death, sacrament, good and evil, salvation and many more. It teaches from the Bible, encouraging people to see things from a Spiritual perspective as Jesus taught.

Today there are members in 130 countries and democratically run churches in 75 countries. From these numbers it is seemingly popular religion; however it is often confused with Scientology, faith healing, New Age practices, and Eastern religions. It has also been called un-Christian or labeled a cult. The site claims the inspiration it offers runs deeper than positive thinking. Christian Science teaches that it’s never God's will for anyone to suffer, be sick, or die. Instead, it shows how God is entirely good, and therefore ‘His will for each of us is only health and life.’

A particular area of interest on the site would be the relationship held between the Religion and Western Medicine. ‘ What do prayer, unconditional love, forgiveness, life's meaning and purpose, and spiritual practice have in common? They are five Spiritual Concepts Western Medicine Must Embrace. ’ The site clearly indicates that prayer, overall should be the main option regarding healthcare for Christian Scientists. Although, the website does state that members are allowed to choose the healthcare plan that they feel is right from them, there is a strong indication that mainstream healthcare is not preferred. Christian Science therefore can be seen to be a way out of this mainstream, capitalist system, especially for those on a low income who cannot afford healthcare. The group allows these people to feel as if something is being done about their problems without the worry of money.

Christian Science main focus is on positive thinking, love and progression. Positive thinking is something that is key to the American lifestyle; therefore it can form a link into the American Identity and ergo into the minds of Americans.

No comments:

Post a Comment