In 1881, Mary Baker Eddy, the Leader of the Christian Science movement, was specially recognized by the members of the Church she had founded—The Church of Christ, Scientist—for her Christian example and instructions, representing, as they put it, “the highest type of womanhood, or the love that heals” (Mary Baker Eddy, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 52).
This year’s Women’s History Month (March) in the United States celebrates “the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history”
(nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org). And globally, March 8 is International Women’s Day, marking women’s contributions and support for their rights and participation in society.
Reviving the Christian practice of healing that was at the heart of Jesus’ ministry was central to Eddy’s many significant contributions, and generations of women since have studied and practiced the Science of healing she discovered, demonstrated, and disseminated—including its recognition of God as our Father-Mother. While this idea of God has brought healing to both men and women, from Day One women found it empowered them to break through health and social limitations associated with their gender.
