The Christian Science Publishing Society announces a new publication entitled Christian Science Bible Lessons, Full Text Edition. This new publication will include the full text of the weekly Bible Lessons, as found in the Christian Science Quarterly—Bible Lessons, and will be available by subscription in both print and electronic formats.
The decision to offer this new publication involved much prayer, and careful examination of complex issues, and was made with considerable reluctance. For some, this new publication may be a temptation to substitute the Full Text Edition in place of studying the books. Mary Baker Eddy designated the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures as the pastor of The Mother Church and its branches. It was her intention that students of Christian Science study directly from the books. In obedience to our Leader's instructions, the Full Text Edition is not for use at church services or to be substituted for the use of the Bible and textbook, Science and Health, in Sunday School teaching. It is for private use only.
In recent years, the advent of new technologies has made it possible to produce a printout of the weekly Bible Lessons found in the Christian Science Quarterly. These printouts have generated a considerable following in the Field, and several individuals have created small publishing organizations. This activity, coupled with inaccuracies and the vital need to protect the Lesson-Sermon copyright, has prompted The Christian Science Publishing Society to issue an authorized full text version of the Bible Lessons.
