In The Chapter "Christian Science Practice" in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy describes someone she saw as the model for Christian Science healers: "It is related in the seventh chapter of Luke's Gospel that Jesus was once the honored guest of a certain Pharisee, by name Simon, though he was quite unlike Simon the disciple. While they were at meat, an unusual incident occurred, as if to interrupt the scene of Oriental festivity. A 'strange woman' came in. ...this woman (Mary Magdalene, as she has since been called) approached Jesus .... She bore an alabaster jar containing costly and fragrant oil,—sandal oil perhaps, which is in such common use in the East. Breaking the sealed jar, she perfumed Jesus' feet with the oil ..." Science and Health, pp. 362–363.
This woman the model? And not Jesus? Shouldn't his demonstration of perfection be requisite for all healers? The woman (whom most scholars now identify as someone other than Mary Magdalene), after all, was a sinner. Mrs. Eddy explains:
"Do Christian Scientists seek Truth as Simon sought the Saviour, through material conservatism and for personal homage? ...
