Finding support

Many people who leave Christian Science feel alone at first. Here are some steps others have found helpful, in whatever order suits you.

Read people who’ve been where you are

You may recognize parts of your own experience in these stories, which you can read at your own pace.

• My Parents Tried to Raise My Cat From the Dead — Jodi remembers the night their parents sang hymns over their cat, trying to raise him from the dead.
• I dreamed in a red haze all night. — A contributor recalls an untreated childhood injury and later insisting on medical care.
• My CS-Mother’s Gaslighting Taught Me How to Masturbate — A contributor describes finding relief through self-pleasure after being refused help for menstrual pain, and later finding healthcare, therapy, and community.
• My Journey Out Of Christian Science Following Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis — Geoffrey describes his diagnosis, leaving Christian Science, and building a career in film journalism with ongoing psychiatric care.
• “The people here are so nice.” — A contributor reflects on calling an ambulance for their mother and watching her accept medical care after a lifetime of fearing hospitals.

You can find more first-hand experiences here.

Find people to talk to

You might want to meet people with a similar upbringing, or you might prefer to talk with a therapist. Either can be a place to begin; choose whichever feels right for you.

Talk with other former Christian Scientists. The Ex-Christian Scientists Facebook group is a closed, largely secular group of former Christian Scientists. To join, message the site’s Facebook page.

You might begin by saying that you grew up in Christian Science or are finding your way out. You can choose how much of your experience you want to share.

Other groups, including ones for people who are now Christians, are listed on Community & Support.

Talk with a therapist. You may find it helpful to look for someone who understands religious upbringing or religious trauma. The step-by-step guide to finding a therapist offers a starting point.

You can also share these resources for therapists working with former Christian Scientists. They can help you introduce the background you want your therapist to understand, especially if explaining Christian Science feels tiring or difficult.

Tell your own story

When you’re ready, sharing your experience can help you and the next person who finds this site. Every story is welcome—positive, negative, humorous, or moving—from any current religious or non-religious perspective. You can write as much or as little as you wish, and choose whether to share anonymously or have your name attached.