Abstract
This thesis explores definitions of health, illness and healing among members of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Wooster, Ohio. Having found previous literature on Christian Science lacking in ethnographic description, participant observation was conducted at 19 church services between September and December of 1993. In addition, I completed six open-ended interviews with members of the church in November and December of 1993. Results showed that Christian Scientists reject illness as a reality, blame their own faulty thinking as the source of illness, and define health in terms of having peace of mind, living harmoniously and thinking in line with God. These concepts are based on the Biblical idea that people were made in the image and likeness of God and are, therefore, perfectly spiritual like God. These beliefs and other aspects of Christian Science are examined through feminist and ethnomedical studies. Further research might include an exploration of concepts such as death, immortality, and gender roles in the church.
Advisor
Frese, Pamela
Department
Sociology and Anthropology
Recommended Citation
Prince, Sarah L., "Health, Healing and Illness in Christian Science" (1994). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 6266.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/6266
Publication Date
1994
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 1994 Sarah L. Prince