From Christian Science to Jewish Science: Spiritual Healing and American Jews
Ellen M. Umansky | 2004-11-25 00:00:00 | Oxford University Press, USA | 260 | Protestantism
During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, thousands of American Jews were drawn to the teachings of Christian Science. Viewing such attraction with alarm, American Reform Rabbis sought to counter Christian Science's appeal by formulating a Jewish vision of happiness and health. Unlike Christian Science, it acknowledged the benefits of modern medecine yet, sharing the belief in God as the true source of healing, similarly emphasized the power of visualization and affirmative prayer. Though the numbers of those formally affiliated with Jewish would remain small, its emphasis on the connection between mind and body influenced scores of rabbis and thousands if not hundreds of thousands of American Jews, predating contemporary Jewish interest in spiritual healing by more than seventy years. Examining an important and previously unwritten chapter in the story of American Judaism, this book sheds light on religious and social concerns of twentieth-century American Jewry, including ways in which adherence to Jewish Science helped thousands bridge the perceived gap between Judaism and modernity.
Reviews
This book is a must-read for Christian Scientists and New Thought folks. It shows the way in which Mary Baker Eddy and her writings were transformed into a Jewish-heritage practice of metaphysics. I was very surprised at what is found in these pages. I had no idea that this whole Jewish Science thing even existed.
It belongs right next to "Science and Health" on your book shelf; this volume will deepen what you already know about Christian Science and its practice. Please consider this book as a way to expand your study of Mrs. Eddy's work, in ways we never thought possible. The author of this book is very profound in her way of educating us as to what is contained in Jewish Science. Thank you for that!
Remember, "Divine Love always has met, and always will meet, every human need." Peace...
Mike Reed+
Download this book!
Free Ebooks Download