(The following is a submission to The Recorder’s weekly column, “Faith Matters.” Each Saturday, a faith leader in Franklin County offers a personal perspective in this space. To become part of this series, email religion@recorder.com or call 413-772-0261, ext. 265.)
On Tuesday, May 16, 2017, First Church of Christ, Scientist, Greenfield sponsored a public talk entitled “Infinite Possibilities for Healing” given by Chet Manchester. An international speaker, healer and teacher of Christian Science, he lives in King Ferry, N.Y.
In his talk at the Greenfield Community Television studio, Manchester clarified the misconception that Scientology and Christian Science are the same. In fact, there is no connection or similarity whatsoever between them.
He shared inspiring ideas about God’s great love for humanity and how an understanding of the infinitude of that love brings healing of physical as well as other kinds of challenges. God is not a judgmental figure who answers some prayers and not others. God loves like the sun shines: infinitely, impartially and universally.
He explained that the teachings of Christian Science are drawn from the Bible, in particular, the New Testament Gospels, where the healings performed by Jesus Christ are recounted. Jesus taught his followers to trust in God, declaring in the book of Matthew that “all things are possible to God.” Manchester stated that Jesus’ many healings were not miraculous, but were the result of a deep understanding of God’s infinitude. Similar healings are occurring today both in Greenfield and all over the world. According to the teachings of Christian Science, Jesus’ teachings are timeless and follow from an understanding that humanity’s true identity is spiritual rather than material.
During the talk, Manchester spoke about the life of the discoverer and founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, which included extensive examples of healing herself and many others. He also gave several examples of people today who have found healing through the study of the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.” Manchester himself was healed of a painful back injury through prayer as taught in Christian Science and expressed gratitude for this healing and many others in his lifetime. He also shared accounts of healings experienced by others of a severe learning disability, a crippling bone disease and terminal leukemia.
The full talk will be broadcast this month on Greenfield Community Television. It will also be available on GCT’s website.
In 1866, Mary Baker Eddy, a lifelong student of the Bible from New Hampshire, was healed of life-threatening injuries through prayer. She then spent three years searching for an explanation for her healing, and during that time found the answers she sought. She wrote and published “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” which explains her discovery of the spiritual laws of healing as taught by Jesus Christ in the Gospels. She later founded The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston in 1879. Her other accomplishments include starting several magazines which continue to be published today, other prose writings and the Pulitzer Prize-winning Christian Science Monitor.
Branches of the original church in Boston can be found worldwide, including in Greenfield. A Christian Science Sunday Service includes hymns, prayer and a sermon consisting of readings from the Bible and “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” given by Readers elected from the membership. There is Sunday School for children at the same time. Wednesday evening services also include hymns, prayer, readings as well as opportunities for the congregation to testify to the inspiration and healing they have received.
Branch churches also maintain a Reading Room where all Christian Science publications as well as the Bible and Bible study resources can be read, borrowed and bought. Both the church and reading room in Greenfield are located at 110 Federal Street. They are open to the public and everyone is welcome.