Spotlight on Spirituality & Health

Authored by the Christian Science Committee on Publication for Washington State

Response to a musical about Mary Baker Eddy

August 24, 2005 By washingtoncommittee 1 Comment

Issaquah Press, Letter to the Editor:

‘Heaven’s Balcony’ a unique presentation of the founder of Christian Science

“In this season’s recent ‘Festival of New Musicals,’ Village Theatre presented the life of Mary Baker Eddy in the workshop reading of ‘Heaven’s Balcony.’ I attended the reading and want to thank Village Theatre and authors Jerry Taylor and David Spangler for developing this unique presentation.

Mrs. Eddy was a significant religious leader in America. She was the discoverer of Christian Science and the lost element of early Christian healing. She authored ‘Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures’ and founded the Church of Christ, Scientist. She started the award-winning newspaper, The Christian Science Monitor. She did all of this at a time when women had few of the rights available today. Portraying the accomplishments of such a complex woman in a two-act musical is a monumental task and I applaud and support the authors in their attempt to do so.

Unfortunately, the reading presented an inaccurate picture of Mrs. Eddy. Her inspiration for ‘Science and Health’ came from her deep study of the Bible and not from her brief assocation with Phineas Quimby. The reading also falsely presented her as a medium and clairvoyant and failed to present her record of effective spiritual healing.

In her book, ‘Miscellaneous Writings,’ she writes, ‘The false report that I have appropriated other people’s manuscripts in my works has been met and answered legally. Both in private and public life, and especially through my teachings, it is well known that I am not a spiritualist, a pantheist or prayerless.’ I met with Taylor after the reading and was grateful to hear his admiration and respect for Mrs. Eddy. He expressed a sincere desire to present her life and accomplishments accurately and noted that they will continue to work toward that goal.

For those who would like to learn more about her life and achievements, local Christian Science reading rooms have her writings and numerous biographies. Additional information can also be found at the Web site of the Mary Baker Eddy Library for the Betterment of Humanity at www.marybakereddylibrary.com.”

William Scott                                                                                                                                        Kenmore

Filed Under: Letter to the Editor

Comments

  1. ethan brent says

    April 5, 2011 at 5:44 pm

    Saw the show in rehearsals years ago as a friend and guest of David Spangler. It was a moving experience I only wish others could share.

    Thank you for your review and commentary.

    Sincerely,

    Ethan Brent
    [ Your welcome! Thank you for your comment. – Bill ]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Professionally, I'm a licensed architect in both Washington and California State. I love architecture, but when it comes to priorities, it’s hard to top good health. That’s why I’ve shifted my interest from the physical to the mental environment that we abide in. My articles focus on presenting helpful ideas regarding the important connection between what we think and our health. I’ve been writing for Blogcritics and other online and print publications since 2011 and I was published in the international medical/science journal, "Global Advances in Health and Medicine" in 2012. I also serve as the media and legislative liaison for Christian Science in Washington State. Feel free to contact me at: washington@compub.org, 206-349-1229 or on Twitter @WilliamEdScott.
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Archives

  • May 2016
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • July 2014
  • May 2014
  • February 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • June 2013
  • August 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • March 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • November 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • January 2008
  • August 2007
  • July 2007
  • April 2006
  • January 2006
  • August 2005
Copyright © 2016 ComPub Washington / Privacy Policy / Terms of Service