Ben's Story

The main belief of the group I grew up in (Christian Science) was that we should not use doctors or medicine in order to maintain our health. As a child, this became a frightening situation to be in, as I gradually realised the danger this presented to my health.

My father left the group when I was six. Shortly afterwards, when my brother broke his arm, my mother initially refused to take him to a doctor. My brother cried while my parents argued over the action to take. My brother was treated the following day, when his tears did not stop. My parents' difference of opinion was a continuing source of conflict for many years, that almost led to divorce.

Apart from a very painful and persistent bout of earache that went untreated, I was fortunate enough not to suffer any major illnesses that might have put my life at risk. Our family was, however, isolated by the extreme nature of our beliefs, and by the absolute denial of illness which the group expected from us.

Membership involved Bible study and the study of the group's own texts (Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy). We were expected to study for more than an hour each day. Occasionally, I heard conversations that alluded to the deaths of people in the group who were sometimes younger people or children.There was a constant feeling that I was not properly protected.

As a teenager, I refused to attend the group, which led to enormous conflict with my mother, for many years. My mother eventually died in hospital, after initially refusing medical treatment for a heart condition. It has been very disturbing to realise, as an adult, that my childhood medical neglect was an abuse of parental power.

Interesting Reading

Some more titles for your library:


Christian Science        Women, Healing, and the Church   by Deidre Michell

A Collision of Truths  A Life in Conflict with a Cherished Faith   by Robert Y. Ellis

Fathermothergod   My Journey out of Christian Science    by Lucia Greenhouse

For the Love of God      Lawrence w Gold, M.D.

Breaking Their Will    Shedding Light on Religious Child Maltreatment     by Janet Heimlich

When Prayer Fails    Faith Healing, Children, and the Law


We will try to write some book reviews soon!  Check out the books already listed on this blog!

At Last!

There is some help, based in London, for people who are or were in cults or high demand groups. Free Minds UK is concerned with cult recovery and awareness and is an education/support group.
Please email me for more details, if you are interested.

Winter Questions

Cold winds outside, so it is time to pose some long overdue thoughts and questions, while sitting indoors, hopefully for some kind of debate.
Firstly, how do former Christian Scientists cope with sudden admission to hospital? Fortunately, I have only twice experienced hospital. But it's all that comes with it. It's the after-care of self injecting against clotting, for example. Am I the only one to still be plagued with that deeply ingrained thought that "it must be my fault" as I cannot have done enough "mental work". Why do I still deny myself any kind of pain relief and reduce the nurses to having to beg me to "just accept a little, to help"? How do I amaze the nurses at my ability to inject myself? I know it's because I somehow "switch" into a trance-like mental state - for want of a better description. Other doctors have noticed it in me and commented. How may hospital be survived? So much observation made on me as a real, material person!

Secondly, is it vital to be a "whistle-blower" in society? Is it a "legal duty" much like CHILD and children's health care in USA? Is it curiously "British" to avoid whistle-blowing?!

And thirdly, should religious groups be allowed charitable staus? How may one define a religious group's benefit to society?

These last two questions were posed on "The Big Questions" on BBC1 this morning. Maybe you can watch a replay.
Some questions, when considered within the context of former Christian Scientists and their stance on the Christian Science issue, are vital if one is to understand the effects its teaching may have - especially on those who are second or third generation CS.

Does anyone have similar experience or thoughts?

Landmark

ExCS UK - ten years since its beginning - talked to and met some wonderful people through the years. Thanks to all!

Individual Paths?

A comment was recently posted but was rather lost in time, as it was in response to a previous message I thought it should be brought forward. It reads, "One cannot judge Christian Science by the way someone else is trying to demonstrate it. God's way is a very individual path. It is always between you and God and God and you."  So there we have it. It feels like the chilly winds of coldness and lack of compassion are still blowing. It's so detached - abdicating all responsibility and love and hiding under the umbrella of individuality!
I speak as I find. And, ten years since my mother's agonising death, I still remember that she was not alone. Many people believed CS to be the only way to achieve healing...many adults died prematurely because of their belief in it. As for the babies and children who have suffered and died....never forget them. If that's God's way....

Re:World View, Self View

Thanks to Ian for contributing such an interesting article and we are looking forward to feed-back!