Kristin Jamerson
On Religion
Just a little over a year ago, the Christian Science Reading Room on Mercer Island opened its doors in a new location, 7605 S.E. 27th St. Nestled between Tatters, the women’s dress shop, and Mercer Island Nutrition, this new retail location fits just perfectly with the Reading Room’s purpose to offer its resources for spiritual development to the community.
For 50 years, the Christian Science Reading Room has had a presence in the Mercer Island business district. Most recently, it was housed in the old Island Market Square, a location it held for over 30 years. When that center was destined for redevelopment, the members of First Church of Christ, Scientist (who sponsor and maintain the Reading Room) searched for a suitable storefront. Moving into the recently renovated space with a new design and furnishings has provided the Reading Room with a fresh start in presenting its inventory and resources to the public.
Christian Science Reading Rooms all over the world offer “Science and Health,” with “Key to the Scriptures,” the seminal work of Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of the religion. It is published in 16 languages as well as Braille. “Science and Health” has been read and studied by millions of people who have felt its healing impact on their lives.
Bibles and Bible research books, including the recently published Essential Evangelical Parallel Bible with four translations offered on each page, are available for study or purchase. Customers can also access the Pulitzer Prize-winning Christian Science Monitor and Christian Science periodicals with practical insights into the Bible and writings of Mary Baker Eddy.
There are many online resources available as well, most notably the recently launched Web site, www.christianscience.com. At the heart of this new Web site is a collection of video clips in which people share their personal experiences in Christian Science. The public will hear firsthand accounts of people who are living Christian Science and how their prayers have healed them and others.
“People hear about Christian Scientists relying on prayer for healing, but what does that really mean?” said Tom Black, speaking on behalf of The Christian Science Board of Directors. “It is good to know that people who rely on the Web for information have a place where they can hear about Christian Science healing directly from those who have experienced it.”
Christianscience.com makes it easy for the public to get accurate information about Christian Science and church activities. The church expects this will clear up some of the common misconceptions about Christian Science. The site will explain why Christian Scientists choose to rely on prayer for healing, Christian Science is not Scientology, and Christian Science is not a cult.
This is part of a long-term plan to develop a family of Web sites, and interested individuals should return from time to time to explore further.
Kristen Jamerson is an Island resident.
