Mary Baker Eddy

Definition

Mary Baker Eddy was an American religious leader, author, and founder of Christian Science, a spiritual movement that emphasizes the power of prayer and faith in healing. Her teachings emerged during the Gilded Age, a time of significant social reform and transformation, and challenged conventional views on health and religion by promoting spiritual healing as a legitimate alternative to medical treatments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mary Baker Eddy published her seminal work, 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures', in 1875, which laid the foundation for Christian Science beliefs and practices.
2. She founded the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston in 1879, which served as the central organization for the Christian Science movement.
3. Eddy emphasized the importance of spiritual education, establishing a training school for practitioners to teach others about her healing methods.
4. She was an influential figure during the Gilded Age, promoting reform in attitudes towards medicine, health, and spirituality amidst the era's challenges.
5. Eddy faced significant opposition from both traditional religious institutions and the medical community, but her ideas gained traction as people sought alternatives to conventional medicine.

Review Questions

• How did Mary Baker Eddy's teachings challenge traditional views on health during the Gilded Age?
  • Mary Baker Eddy's teachings promoted spiritual healing through prayer and faith as a legitimate alternative to conventional medical treatments. This challenge to traditional health practices emerged during the Gilded Age when many were questioning established norms due to rapid industrialization and social change. Her emphasis on the mind-body connection encouraged individuals to seek healing through spiritual means rather than solely relying on medical professionals.
• Discuss the impact of Mary Baker Eddy's 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures' on American society at the time.
  • Eddy's 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures' had a profound impact on American society by introducing a new perspective on health and spirituality. It not only provided a framework for Christian Science but also inspired a broader conversation about metaphysical healing. The book encouraged people to explore the relationship between their mental states and physical health, contributing to a growing interest in alternative medicine and spiritual wellness during a time marked by reform movements.
• Evaluate how Mary Baker Eddy's establishment of Christian Science contributed to broader social reforms in the Gilded Age.
  • Mary Baker Eddy's establishment of Christian Science contributed significantly to broader social reforms during the Gilded Age by challenging societal norms related to health, religion, and personal empowerment. Her teachings encouraged individuals to take charge of their own well-being through spiritual understanding rather than relying entirely on traditional medical practices. This movement paralleled other reform efforts at the time that sought to address issues of inequality, social justice, and personal autonomy, helping to reshape public attitudes toward both health care and spirituality.

Related terms

Christian Science: A religious movement founded by Mary Baker Eddy that teaches the healing power of prayer and the importance of understanding spiritual truth.

Mind-Body Connection: The concept that mental processes can influence physical health, a principle emphasized in Eddy's teachings about healing.

Metaphysical Healing: A form of healing that focuses on spiritual understanding and the belief that physical ailments are manifestations of mental or spiritual issues.