Category
First Hand Experiences
Former Christian Scientists tell their own stories of believing, questioning, and leaving.
Thanksgiving 2024
Ex-Christian Scientists share Thanksgiving testimonies of gratitude for friends, medical care, therapy, books, and online communities.
Sometimes Self-Care is Bubble Baths & Chocolate, Sometimes it is going to the Dentist
A former Christian Scientist reflects on self-care after leaving the church, from a long bath to a dental filling and taking ibuprofen afterward.
Church Policy & Medical Care
When did the Mother Church start saying members can choose medical care? Mary Baker Eddy’s mixed statements, church policy, and stories of going without care.
Easter Baskets Confound Me (re-post)
Chrystal, a former Christian Scientist, reflects on never having an Easter basket, the church’s rule against celebrating Easter, and her Quaker values.
Podcasts & YouTube Interviews with Former CS
A list of podcasts and YouTube channels about Christian Science and leaving it, including shows by former members, outside interviews, and interviews with Rita Swan.
Winter Reflections
A list of holiday posts from Jodi, Kat, and other former Christian Scientists on Christmas, Yule, and winter celebrations, plus other spiritual paths.
Happy Halloween!
Chrystal recalls Halloween growing up in Christian Science, from a Tinkerbell costume and hidden candy to praying against hearing about other people’s illnesses.
Wheresoever Ye Turn: Spirituality (Or Not) After Christian Science
ERG, a fifth-generation Christian Scientist, describes searching for a new belief after leaving, and finding meaning in art, humanism, and the real world.
you scream, I scream, we all scream
Kat reflects on ice cream in Christian Science culture, from testimony meeting socials and Principia milkshakes to using it as comfort a decade after leaving.
My CS-Mother's Gaslighting Taught Me How to Masturbate
An anonymous contributor describes severe menstrual pain at college, a mother who refused medical care, and discovering masturbation as a way to relieve it.