“The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It’s the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.”
Lois Lowry, The Giver
Christian Science can be a very lonely, isolating religion, with a focus on individual study, and an individual’s understanding of Eddy’s works. If someone is struggling to demonstrate a healing, they are at fault for not “correcting” their thinking. If someone has unfortunate events befall them, again, they are seen to be somehow lacking spiritual understanding. When one is struggling with these problems, they often feel as if they are the only one who is, voicing the problem only gives it power, and other Christian Scientists are demonstrating perfectly, surely they’re not having any trouble.
The following stories deal with sexual assault and abuse, and discuss how these issues were “handled” through Christian Science. We have chosen to share them with the hopes of reaching those who need to hear they are not alone.
There is help available and you are worth it.
National Sexual Assault Hotline operated by RAINN – To be connected to the rape crisis center nearest to you, dial 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) 1-877-739-3895
Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient. Falling under the definition of sexual assault are sexual activities as forced sexual intercourse, forcible sodomy, child molestation, incest, fondling, and attempted rape. (Justice.gov)
RAINN International Sexual Assault Resources
Justice.gov Sexual Assault Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
End Violence Against Women International
National Alliance to End Sexual Violence
National Sexual Violence Resource Center
National Center for Victims of Crime
Rape Abuse Incest National Network
Responding to Campus Sexual Assault
Sisters of Color Ending Sexual Assault
This site offers support resources to help individuals negotiate a transition in a manner that best fits their needs and convictions. We do not advocate any one particular path but acknowledge that there are many legitimate pathways that can be personally and spiritually fulfilling.