Description: "The Ram in a Thicket is about mercy and honesty in religious practice. It is not a treatise on the theology of Christian Science. It brings to light the often-downplayed humane dimension in the practice and teachings of Christian Science, as well as pointing out dogma which has for decades subordinated and concealed that humane dimension. Christian compassion, embodied in the life of Jesus, is the vital part of all Christian living, and is evident in the basic teaching of Christian Science and much of its practice." (From the Preface of The Ram in a Thicket.)
What readers are saying:
"As a 3rd generation Christian Scientist and senior executive at The Mother Church I find this essential reading for anyone interested in coming to grips with Christian Science in its third century. While this book is long, it is edited and designed in a very readable fashion. The author clearly writes from a position of compassion and insight, but remains “kindly direct” and does not hesitate to present a contemporary portrait of the Christian Science practices as opposed to spending time addressing its theology (which he clearly supports and embraces). For people wanting to speak above the “cultural chaos” that has protected Christian Science from open discussion - this book is fresh air and allows those in the faith to move beyond church members holding onto the past demanding one “lives the life of a Christian Scientist” when there is no real definition or basis in either its theology or practice for what they demand. As a class taught member of the faith active in its healing mission each day I regret that too often the unintended consequences of the faiths culture cost lives and happiness. This book discusses the need for tolerance and love, something that has been in short supply all too often within many churches and related Christian Science organizations. This is an important message and it’s meticulous research is for all religions, especially Christian Scientists and their families. Within my own family and practice of the faith I have witnessed diseases from broken bones, cancer and other illnesses treated and healed through Christian Science. I also have witnessed the need for family and friends to utilize medical alternatives, with positive results. But there was the “CS cultural backlash” on numerous occasions resulting in people leaving the faith. While the Church is now encouraging its members not to pass judgement on those members that pursue medical treatment, or are gay, this is often too little too late for many families that have chosen, sadly, to leave the faith. Perhaps this book will shine a light on a cultural shift within this declining Movement. After all, as this book makes clear, Christian Science-as it evaluates both its past and future- is not simply about physical healing but the many tangible benefits and results of spiritual growth as taught by its founder Mary Baker Eddy. This book is a great reminder of this as it discusses and documents many issues facing the faith. It’s about time we discuss this book openly and in public settings—-by zoom meetings or in-person gatherings. This is important even if you disagree with it."
"Rather than dictating a course of action, The Ram in a Thicket invites readers into an honest conversation and provides factual and intuitive food for thought. I love your statement—‘The healing Christ is the surprise guest by the Chris-tian Scientist’s hospital bedside.’ This stresses the all-inclusive power of Love and healing. Like Abraham I was in a dire situation. The “ram in a thicket” appeared each time, and this has been for me clear proof of God’s loving care and presence under any circumstanc."
"First, let me say how valuable, even vital, I think your book is for anyone who has practiced, is practicing, or will practice Christian Science. The historical perspective your book explores is thought-provoking and eye-opening."
"This will bring freedom, relief, and peace of mind to many. I love your book. Very freeing.Thanks for putting into concrete terms these questions and case studies."
"I loved the quotes, examples, analogies. Even though I've been a student of Christian Science for nearly 70 years, I still found many concepts that were new that I needed to learn and much food for thought."
"This book is a life changer. It allows folks like me to feel included and loved by a religion that saved my life and probably my buddies’ lives in combat."
"This is the best breakthrough discussion on Christian Science I have ever seen—the world has need of your views. There is so much pain, judgment and divisiveness in communities and in families because of dogmatic approaches, and your words will be the bridge to reconciliation between others and in the hearts of each individual."
"I've practiced medicine for forty years, the first twenty as an ER doc. When I married a woman of the Christian Science faith I began my journey in spiritual healing. Today, a psychiatrist, I feel so blessed by the difference Christian Science made in my life, my family's life, having seen so many miracles. For me it was a Come to Jesus for the First Time Moment, seeing these healings. The Ram in a Thicket is eloquent and personal. It gives a beautiful description of the trials and tribulations of Christian Scientists attempting to decide when medicine could help them. The book very well describes how the founder of Christian Science gave much credit to good, competent doctors, yet today so many Christian Scientists have taken an absolutist sort of negative view of physicians not shared by the founder of their own faith. I find George Wadleigh's book a gift and one I will study fo a good long time."
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