Leaving Christian Science may result in various difficulties but one difficulty may be to think logically, compassionately and to show resultant initiative in decision making. You may think, "Who cares?" but re-entering the world of reality is not easy for the former Christian Scientist. The mind is complex.

What is one supposed to be thinking? What should I think if someone is unwell or dying? What should I think when the ambulance races by? What should I think when someone is very late in arrival, needing a prescription, or when I'm feeling sad or bereaved? How do I control my emotions and my fears, when in Christian Science I learned that "in reality" I had none of these and should correct my thinking to thinking spiritually?!

Any thoughts?! Former Christian Scientists - over to you!

New Book

Just like to say that there is a new book due out very soon www.luciagreenhouse.org refers.

Thought I would post it here as it may not be easily viewed elsewhere on the blog. It may be ordered from Amazon books. The author may like to join us on Facebook (ExCS UK) and I look forward to hearing from her.
How many times do I recall saying in my mind, "Father, Mother God...."

For interest, please post a message as to which books by former Christian Scientists have been of most impact for you! Mine would have to be "Blue Windows" by Barbara Wilson and "The Crime of Dorothy Sheridan" by Leo Damore.

Does the Law Protect Us?

I believe the answer has to be "no" within the context of Christian Science. As a child, within CS, I used to hear comments to the effect that, of course, medical aid would be sought, if we were under the age of 16 and the healing was not "apparent". So that was all right then! Every child was and is protected within the law!

But, ask yourself....What about the child of a CS parent with no sense of emergency or medical knowledge, the child who is never registered with a doctor and who may also be home-schooled or the child who is denied immunisation?

The law offered me no protection. By-standers (family who visited) did nothing. School teachers did nothing when I was really ill. They told me to stay at home. "Home" sent me to school because, in reality, there was nothing wrong with me and so I should prove CS works. They all knew the law! Even years ago, people were too scared to speak up for fear of offending someone. A child's needs should never be abandoned.

Your experience? (USA and UK input would be good!)

Winter thoughts

I believe the thought "world" of Christian Science remains in our minds to some extent, despite leaving it...especially if one was brought up from early years in CS.... Christian Scientists may rejoice at this but to those of us who would like to be free of that way of thinking, it may be troubling, alienating and depressing.
I wonder if anyone would like to share how CS ways of thinking have remained with them, despite their having physically "left" it. For example, does listening to the news (especially about accidents and distress in the ice and snow) automatically remind you of the days of "correcting your thinking" when an ambulance could be heard or when feeling/having a cold?!

Could the uncontrollable desires from the past, of being alone and silent to do your "mental work," be something which is preventing you from looking outwards and joining others in a similar situation?

Despite having left Christian Science, it is not incorrect to debate it, criticise it or explore its effects! Any thoughts? Expressing them is good; making them known will not harm you but strengthen you!

Well, thanks for some response! I found the replies to be very interesting and could empathise with them! Connecting socially is always difficult and I am also known for leaving medical issues for too long and seeing the docotor's look of disbelief!! I'm not sure if recognition of the problems bring freedom (maybe eventually) but it is good to look at the world with new eyes. The trouble is, that makes me realise how much I missed in learning and studying academic subjects.

My biggest issue, I think, is - having had a childhood totally immersed in Christian Science - should I develop Alzheimer's, then will I regress to my Christian Science childhood way of thinking? Will the world to which I might regress be doubly confusing for my carers, who will most likely have no knowledge of how I used to think? Maybe I'm just being pessimistic!
Any ideas?

Well, I know you're out there somewhere! And I know a year has disappeared but we are still around, still active and still waiting to hear from any former Christian Scientist!

I have often heard former Christian Scientists say that they are grateful for what Christian Science has given them....If you are a former Christian Scientist, what would you be grateful for?? I think (and I hardly dare write, "on reflection") that it has given me nothing for which I could possibly be grateful...still thinking...!!??

Welcome - 2009

Welcome to ExCS UK!
We want you to feel able to contact us about any issue appertaining to Christian Science and its effects. Perhaps you need encouragement to visit a doctor or dentist or you have a query concerning relations who may still be in Christian Science? You may have painful memories of loved ones suffering or even dying without medical help because of their radical reliance on Christian Science.

Please note that you do not have to be a Christian to contact us. We are a strictly non-religious, internet and social group which exists to encourage and support.

We also hope to hear from former Christian Scientists internationally and look forward to the day when we may be able to establish an international internet group - again, with no religious bias whatsoever.

We look forward to hearing from you if you have, or are, experiencing the effects of Christian Science.