Over the years, we can’t count how many times we’ve been asked questions about “Christian Science” by people mistaking it for “Church of Scientology.” And if we hear it, imagine how often Scientology has to deal with it! So we were grateful when longtime reader Graham sent us this interesting look at Christian Science in his hometown of Oxford.
Mary Baker Eddy was one of the founders of the ‘positive thinking’ New Thought movement back in the 1860s, and famously founded the Church of Christ, Scientist; also known as Christian Science. A hundred years later and L. Ron Hubbard was re-packaging the same “power of thought over the material world” messages as part of the canon of his own similarly named Church of Scientology.
Living just outside Oxford, and having worked for the University in the past, it continues to irk me that Hubbard used Oxford’s name for his fake ‘personality test,’ the so-called Oxford Capacity Analysis; stolen academic valour as it were. And it intrigues me that Christian Science has long had a quiet presence here in the city while Scientology is nowhere to be seen.
Oxford’s Christian Science Reading Room occupies some prime real estate on St. Giles, a wide avenue leading in to the city centre. Just a few doors up from Tolkien’s favourite pub, the Eagle and Child, the Reading Room’s stainless steel gates allow an intriguing glimpse of a well tended courtyard and beautiful buildings but are always closed when I happen to walk past. According to their web-site the gates are open once a week for Reading Room visitors. For a very modest two hours.
So I dig a little deeper. To my surprise I find there are far more Christian Science churches in England than I had realised. Admittedly, having a presence in only 65 locations is a very modest result, but it’s about ten times more than Scientology has managed. How could it be that Hubbard’s re-branding of New Thought as “The Modern Science of Mental Health” should have failed while a Victorian precursor plods quietly on?
So, time to get out the Bus Pass and take the Park and Ride bus in to town. Eleven o’clock Friday and yes, the gates are open! There’s even a colourful message of welcome chalked neatly onto the pavement outside. I find the Reading Room staffed by a welcoming older Afro-Caribbean lady. Welcoming in a quiet, warm self-confident way. None of the strenuous Scientological ‘tone 40’ here.
I explain to her that what interests me is the history of Christian Science in Oxford and the architecture of these beautiful buildings. She explains that the original building was burned down in an act of arson some time ago. She knows little more, so my curiosity remains unsatisfied. Where did the money come from to fund such a quietly impressive (and award-winning) courtyard, church and reading room? Who are the church elders? What has been passed down the generations? I’d love to know but feel I may already be asking too many questions.
She gently observes that I seem to like statistics. I reply that if it was good enough for Florence Nightingale… She had not realised that Nightingale had been a famous statistician as well as a nurse. She tells me her own mother had been a nurse, and later re-trained as a Christian Science nurse. She asks me questions, but is always very respectful. Asks permission before venturing into a new area of conversation, and is fine when I sometimes decline to go there. We talk a little about Christian Science and she agrees when I say it seems to be quite similar to the Quakers (whose Meeting House is just a few doors down).
I like this lady. She has the quiet confidence of someone who feels comfortable within themselves. When I ask, she tells me she’s gone back to university and is doing a PhD concerning something from local history. Her children attend the church. I got the impression that some were more committed than others but there was no hint that deserting the church would be met with anything other than sadness.
She asked my permission to find her favourite biblical quote from the Bible in front of her. I’m afraid I can’t recall the wording but I can readily agree with the philosophy behind it: basically, when faced with negativity turn it round and find the positive. She didn’t want me to leave with nothing so I chose a (free!) copy of Christian Science Monitor before thanking her and ending my visit by stepping into the courtyard to take a couple of pictures.
So I left with many questions unanswered, but at least I know now why Christian Science plods quietly on while Scientology is almost nowhere to be seen. If you believe that you can change the world around you by the power of your thoughts, it works much better if your thoughts are positive and loving. Seeing the best in people works better than berating them and finding them wanting. When ego, status and money enter the equation, that’s when things take a turn towards the dark side. That’s when things fall apart.
— Graham
And just for completeness, here is what the Mary Baker Eddy website has to say about Scientology…
We are sometimes asked if Christian Science has any historical relationship with Scientology. Do they have a shared history?
Many times the press and social media confuse these two religions, primarily because of similarities in their names. However, our research does not show any historical connection between them, nor any commonality in basis or theology.
According to scientology.org, “The written and recorded spoken words of L. Ron Hubbard [1911–1986] on the subject of Scientology collectively constitute the scripture of the religion.”
On the other hand, Christian Scientists see their religion as based on the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. The teachings of Jesus Christ are central to their beliefs and practices.
Mary Baker Eddy (1821–1910) discovered Christian Science in 1866. Her primary work, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, contains what she termed “the complete statement of Christian Science.”
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Join Our Expanding Team at Narconon Suncoast!
At Narconon Suncoast, we’re dedicated to a singular purpose: helping individuals overcome addiction for good. Our commitment to this mission has led to an exciting phase of growth, and we’re seeking passionate individuals to fill a variety of roles within our organization. Whether you’re looking for full-time or part-time employment, executive positions, staff roles, or volunteer opportunities, we have a place for you.
Open Positions to Fill as a Priority:
We are looking for dedicated individuals to fill the following roles:
— Dissemination Secretary: As the voice of our outreach efforts, you’ll be pivotal in sharing our mission and programs with the community, engaging potential clients, and expanding our network of support.
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Additional Executive, Staff, and Volunteer positions are available.
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Delphi Academy(R) is Hiring!
Hi There! With the school continuing to grow, we are searching for several exceptional teachers and administrators to join our amazing Delphi team. We offer competitive salaries, paid time off, tuition benefits, training, great purpose, a fun working environment and wonderful team to work with. The following positions are now available:
Lower School Teachers (ages 6-7 years old): This position requires someone with a love of children & a creative imagination, who is ready to inspire and be actively involved with the children to help start them on their educational path.
Middle School/High School Teacher (ages 11-17 years old): The Middle/High School Teacher has the experience and knowledge to help these students realize their abilities and attain the status of a Delphi High School Graduate. Full training is provided.
Lower School Assistant Teacher: The Lower School Assistant Teacher (ages 4-8) position requires someone with patience and creativity to assist our lead teachers with delivering our curriculum to the children.
Student Enrichment Assistant Director: This person would be an upbeat, organized executive to add to our student enrichment team, assisting the Enrichment Director in planning, programming and overseeing all of the school's enrichment activities, with a special interest in and experience with the Performing Arts.
Personnel (Human Resources) Director: This person would run our very busy Personnel Office. The job entails promoting, hiring, overseeing staff training, scheduling and much more. Great communication and organizational skills are a must in this fast paced school environment.
Working at Delphi is a lot of fun and is a great opportunity to contribute to making a better world through education.
In the words of one of our staff:
"It's really nice to feel that I am contributing to the future of mankind by working with my students to foster their ability to think critically and use reason to create a better, brighter future. In addition to that, the relationships I have with my students are full of mutual affinity. They make me smile and add light to my days." J.A.
I can't wait to hear from you!
Sincerely,
Genevieve Botelho
Director of Human Resources
Delphi Academy of Florida
Phone: 727-333-7057
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Thank you for reading today’s story here at Substack. For the full picture of what’s happening today in the world of Scientology, please join the conversation at tonyortega.org, where we’ve been reporting daily on David Miscavige’s cabal since 2012. There you’ll find additional stories, and our popular regular daily features:
Source Code: Actual things founder L. Ron Hubbard said on this date in history
Avast, Ye Mateys: Snapshots from Scientology’s years at sea
Overheard in the Freezone: Indie Hubbardism, one thought at a time
Past is Prologue: From this week in history at alt.religion.scientology
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What a lovely story, Graham. Thank you for the illustrations, too.
Statistics? Florence Nightingale?!?
Foo - everyone in the criminal organisation known as the "church" of $cientology know that El Rhum Flubbard said the first and the last words on Statistics.