Robert C. Goodspeed Metaphors in the Study of Christian Science

Annotation

This book uncovers Mary Baker Eddys skill in seizing upon images of comparison to clarify her religious perspectives. Metaphors reveal her knowledge of nature and the arts, war and courtrooms, cities and towns, the home and farm environment, and the modern inventions of her day, nineteenth century America. What did Jesus, among others, and Mary Baker Eddy, see in teaching by parable, allegory, and metaphor? This book is not a biography, but sheds light on Eddy as a person you will want to get to know. Seeing her through her metaphors will complement the insights that the biographies supply. This book will renew your appreciation of metaphors which use objects, persons, and places to convey spiritual ideas, moving us from known specifics to unknown abstractions. Jesus chose language specifically targeting his audience, the likes of farmers, shepherds, and fishermen. Eddy in turn targeted her audience of consumers and merchants. All her symbols were well known in the nineteenth century. The excerpts are drawn from the Bible, Eddys writings, and the Christian Science Hymnal. As author and compiler, I am sure you will gain much from the read. What a treat!