Cultic Studies Review, Vol. 2, No. 3, 2003, Page 79
objective despite some factual errors, and his judgment sound, making it a useful model for
others and a detailed account of Findhorn‘s history and program.
Frank MacHovec, Ph.D.
Center for the Study of Self
Kramer, L. S. (2000). The religion that kills: Christian Science, abuse,
neglect, and mind control.
Lafayette LA: Huntington House. 269 page paperback.
This book describes ―the hidden world of Christian Science‖ from the author‘s experience
from childhood through 30 years, as a member until she realized it ―operates from a flawed
premise and falls short of its utopian premise‖ (11). There are 12 brief chapters arranged
in two parts. Part One consists of four chapters on ―foundational issues.‖ The remaining
chapters are in Part Two on ―Christian Science and mind control.‖ There is no bibliography.
Three appendices consist of: A (Christian Science and the Bible), a 35-page discourse that
could have been a chapter B (My story, a journey to freedom), the author‘s religious
autobiography that could have been the first chapter, and C (Resources), a 3-page list of 18
books and sources that could have been the customary references section. The preface
contains material important to the book‘s purpose and should have begun Chapter 1. It is
information about the founding of Christian Science and how it differs from mainstream
Christianity. The introduction describes the author‘s experience as a Christian Scientist and
its similarities to religious cults.
Chapter 1 begins an explanation of the disillusionment of many who left Christian Science
despite ―many good memories‖ and its ―solid moral values‖ (17). She views Christian
Science as a cult that uses mind control, labels she uses reluctantly: ―They bother me, too‖
and she writes ―not to hurt anyone‖ but ―to help explain what happened to me‖ (19).
Chapter 2 explains church doctrine, rooted in Genesis ―that since God is spiritual and made
everything good‖ so everything created ―must also be spiritual and good‖ (22). We are
spiritual, not mortal or material, and Christian Science is ―a scientific method of healing
based on spiritual laws‖ (24). Sin and sickness are ―illusions‖ at a lower material level and
we are ―saved as we gradually leave material beliefs behind‖ (25). Chapter 3 refers to
books the author found helpful with her commentaries of them. At 47 pages, chapter 4 is
the longest in the book and focuses on Mary Baker Eddy, her sickly childhood, home life,
and adult years. Her ―semi-invalidism‖ (41) disappeared when Dr. Phineas Quimby, a
mesmerist, treated her with reassuring talk and light physical therapy. It helped shape her
understanding of the effect of spiritual belief on illness, though she had lifelong
apprehension that mesmeric forces were used against her. Later, she fell on ice and ―was
expected to die‖ but by reading the Bible she arose ―healed and free‖ on the third day (42).
Her behavior is described, positive and negative, as a charismatic founder, leader, prophet,
and healer.
The chapters that make up Part Two examine Christian Science in the light of the literature
on mind control. Church practices and its Manual of the Mother Church are critiqued with
references from mind control sources such as Cialdini, Hassan, Lifton, Martin, and Singer.
Lifton‘s eight criteria are applied in detail with examples from the author‘s experience, case
histories, and accepted church practices. Christian Science ―differs from the more obvious
mind control groups‖ because ―it does not need to break its members wills‖ (150). Instead,
―irresistible carrots – absolute truth, healings, a foolproof way to overcome life‘s problems,
guaranteed salvation‖ (150). Individuality is subjugated to doctrine: ―The things that make
us human are dangerous to Christian Science‖ (162). Everything experienced ―must be
objective despite some factual errors, and his judgment sound, making it a useful model for
others and a detailed account of Findhorn‘s history and program.
Frank MacHovec, Ph.D.
Center for the Study of Self
Kramer, L. S. (2000). The religion that kills: Christian Science, abuse,
neglect, and mind control.
Lafayette LA: Huntington House. 269 page paperback.
This book describes ―the hidden world of Christian Science‖ from the author‘s experience
from childhood through 30 years, as a member until she realized it ―operates from a flawed
premise and falls short of its utopian premise‖ (11). There are 12 brief chapters arranged
in two parts. Part One consists of four chapters on ―foundational issues.‖ The remaining
chapters are in Part Two on ―Christian Science and mind control.‖ There is no bibliography.
Three appendices consist of: A (Christian Science and the Bible), a 35-page discourse that
could have been a chapter B (My story, a journey to freedom), the author‘s religious
autobiography that could have been the first chapter, and C (Resources), a 3-page list of 18
books and sources that could have been the customary references section. The preface
contains material important to the book‘s purpose and should have begun Chapter 1. It is
information about the founding of Christian Science and how it differs from mainstream
Christianity. The introduction describes the author‘s experience as a Christian Scientist and
its similarities to religious cults.
Chapter 1 begins an explanation of the disillusionment of many who left Christian Science
despite ―many good memories‖ and its ―solid moral values‖ (17). She views Christian
Science as a cult that uses mind control, labels she uses reluctantly: ―They bother me, too‖
and she writes ―not to hurt anyone‖ but ―to help explain what happened to me‖ (19).
Chapter 2 explains church doctrine, rooted in Genesis ―that since God is spiritual and made
everything good‖ so everything created ―must also be spiritual and good‖ (22). We are
spiritual, not mortal or material, and Christian Science is ―a scientific method of healing
based on spiritual laws‖ (24). Sin and sickness are ―illusions‖ at a lower material level and
we are ―saved as we gradually leave material beliefs behind‖ (25). Chapter 3 refers to
books the author found helpful with her commentaries of them. At 47 pages, chapter 4 is
the longest in the book and focuses on Mary Baker Eddy, her sickly childhood, home life,
and adult years. Her ―semi-invalidism‖ (41) disappeared when Dr. Phineas Quimby, a
mesmerist, treated her with reassuring talk and light physical therapy. It helped shape her
understanding of the effect of spiritual belief on illness, though she had lifelong
apprehension that mesmeric forces were used against her. Later, she fell on ice and ―was
expected to die‖ but by reading the Bible she arose ―healed and free‖ on the third day (42).
Her behavior is described, positive and negative, as a charismatic founder, leader, prophet,
and healer.
The chapters that make up Part Two examine Christian Science in the light of the literature
on mind control. Church practices and its Manual of the Mother Church are critiqued with
references from mind control sources such as Cialdini, Hassan, Lifton, Martin, and Singer.
Lifton‘s eight criteria are applied in detail with examples from the author‘s experience, case
histories, and accepted church practices. Christian Science ―differs from the more obvious
mind control groups‖ because ―it does not need to break its members wills‖ (150). Instead,
―irresistible carrots – absolute truth, healings, a foolproof way to overcome life‘s problems,
guaranteed salvation‖ (150). Individuality is subjugated to doctrine: ―The things that make
us human are dangerous to Christian Science‖ (162). Everything experienced ―must be
