Ryder Stevens and "Christian Science"

[Penanggalen]

I recently learned about a lecture that will be presented at my college:

"Genuine Manhood and Womanhood: Your Sacred Identity"
The Christian Science Organization is having a FREE lecture! National speaker Ryder Stevens discusses healing through understanding our sacred, intimate relationship with our Father-Mother, God.

Ryder Stevens is apparently a promoter of the teachings of "Christian Science," (which sounds like an oxymoron to me). I've occasionally spotted signs for a church called: "Church of Christ, Scientist" and wondered what on earth their thing was. Well... this guy is coming to the College of William and Mary in a couple weeks, and I thought it would be fun to hit him with a tough question. Since I will likely only have the chance to ask one question, I thought I'd put it to the jref forum: What's the hardest question to ask someone who believes in "Christian Science"?

I don't know what exactly Stevens will be preaching, so I don't want to pre-judge him, of course. He reportedly taught courses on the concepts of "Free Exercise of Religion" and "Freedom of Religion as a Human Right" in the former Soviet Union. I don't know if that's for real and even if it was, I don't know if he was just preaching civil liberties (which is good) or just preaching Christianity. My understanding is that he will be making claims during this lecture on the ability of "Christian Science" to physically heal people. In my view, that's a testable claim and one that deserves a fair critique.

So... any thoughts? Is there anyone out there with a better understanding of "Christian Science" who could formulate a really hard-hitting question? The best designed question would have to sound rational to an otherwise credulous audience and also be difficult to answer. In other words, it would have to be one that would make him look foolish when dodging it or twisting it.

Thanks,

-Justin

 

[Nogbad]

I recently learned about a lecture that will be presented at my college:

"Genuine Manhood and Womanhood: Your Sacred Identity"
The Christian Science Organization is having a FREE lecture! National speaker Ryder Stevens discusses healing through understanding our sacred, intimate relationship with our Father-Mother, God.

Ryder Stevens is apparently a promoter of the teachings of "Christian Science," (which sounds like an oxymoron to me). I've occasionally spotted signs for a church called: "Church of Christ, Scientist" and wondered what on earth their thing was. Well... this guy is coming to the College of William and Mary in a couple weeks, and I thought it would be fun to hit him with a tough question. Since I will likely only have the chance to ask one question, I thought I'd put it to the jref forum: What's the hardest question to ask someone who believes in "Christian Science"?

I don't know what exactly Stevens will be preaching, so I don't want to pre-judge him, of course. He reportedly taught courses on the concepts of "Free Exercise of Religion" and "Freedom of Religion as a Human Right" in the former Soviet Union. I don't know if that's for real and even if it was, I don't know if he was just preaching civil liberties (which is good) or just preaching Christianity. My understanding is that he will be making claims during this lecture on the ability of "Christian Science" to physically heal people. In my view, that's a testable claim and one that deserves a fair critique.

So... any thoughts? Is there anyone out there with a better understanding of "Christian Science" who could formulate a really hard-hitting question? The best designed question would have to sound rational to an otherwise credulous audience and also be difficult to answer. In other words, it would have to be one that would make him look foolish when dodging it or twisting it.

Thanks,

-Justin

Isn't illness all in the mind as far as Christian Scientists are concerned? Something to do with the nature of reality and substance or something. I think mainstream Christians consider them heretics as Christ did not really die on the cross if you follow their logic.

I may be off the beaten track but if I am right then some sort definition of reality would be interesting (and something he might feel he would like to have a crack at).

 

[firecoins]

aren't these the people who refuse blood transfusions? I think these are the idiots who refuse evidence based medicine for prayer. Ask them why they let their practioners die despite scientifically proven treatments being available.

 

[Upchurch]

aren't these the people who refuse blood transfusions?

You're thinking of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Christian Scientists consider prayer an alternate method to medical practices and procedures, but they don't make you choose the one over the other. IIRC, they do frown on doing both at the same time, but don't quote me on that.

 

[Dancing David]

OOOK?

Xian Science: um, hepped make me who I am today.

Warped my little brain and made me the galloping sceptic witch hight priest nihilist buddhist I am today.

Nothing like almost dying from a lack of medical treatment to lay a guilt trip on you.

MBE claimed it was proof against Hypnotism.

 

[Bob Klase]

You're thinking of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Christian Scientists consider prayer an alternate method to medical practices and procedures, but they don't make you choose the one over the other. IIRC, they do frown on doing both at the same time, but don't quote me on that.

Sort of.

http://www.ethnicityonline.net/christian_scientists.htm

Generally, drugs, blood products, blood transfusions, organ donation and life support are not acceptable within the teachings of Christian Science. However, although all healthcare decisions are up to the individual, some parents may agree to their children receiving life-saving medical intervention.

No medical intervention is permitted when a Christian Scientist is dying, and no rituals or rites need to be performed.

Christian Scientist parents believe that they have the right to refuse medical treatment for their children, including vaccinations. However, some vaccinations may be permitted if they are required by law.

Christian Scientists may accept dental care but it must be performed without any pain relief.