Ideas have consequences. Consistently held false religious beliefs damage our emotions, our intellect, our physical well-being and our relationships. Through the stories of ten former Christian Scientist, this reality is illustrated and hope-filled correctives are offered. One of these stories include the author’s, herself a former fourth generation member who provides the reader a big picture of what she and others have experienced in their redemptive healing.

In the ten chapters of Leaving Christian Science the reader is introduced to ten former Christian Scientists alongside a synopsis of ten core beliefs empowering abuse. These key beliefs include false notion of: Matter, as being mere mental error, rather than physiological reality; the human Body, as an imagination of the mind, instead of physical being created by God; the notion of God, being only a set of principles, rather than a knowable personal being; Sin, is an illusion, instead of the moral condition of humankind revealing our need of redemption; Mary Baker Eddy, is seen as the revelator of biblical truth, rather than a false teacher; Jesus, is a divine idea highlighting humanity’s immortality, instead of the Son of God and Savior who offers a personal relationship; Prayer, involves the exercise of Christian Science principles, rather than intimate communication with God; the Holy Spirit, is Mary Baker Eddy or Divine Science, instead of a member of the triune God as revealed in the Bible; Contagion, (the universal human problem) is a faulty mental state, rather than our own moral condition from birth and choice; and finally the Bible, is merely inspired, rather than also rightfully seen as infallible and authoritative.

These ten false beliefs and their biblical correctives are provided and illustrated for the benefit of the reader to consider authentic Christianity as defined in the early historic creeds (Appendix D). The reader is given both a concise history and theology of Christian Science (Appendix A); clear and concise definitions of key terms used in Christian Science (Appendix B) and a helpful resource list for further support and study (Appendix C). Throughout the book we find gentle, kind and short encouragements from the author and a broad variety of Christian leaders to consider the freedom offered in the historic Christian gospel.

As someone who has worked in the field of cultic studies for nearly four decades and myself having exited from a similar, but different background than Christian Science, this is a must-read for anyone looking for insights and recovery from false teaching and the abuse experienced in Christian Science. The book is exceedingly user friendly, compassionate and well-informed. I highly encourage it’s reading for those disillusioned with Christian Science and more broadly anybody seeking to better understand how false religious ideas within any church has consequences producing abusive behavior, but that hope and healing is possible irrespective of our personal histories.

Patrick J. Knapp, PhD

This is a book I've been waiting 30 years for and didn't know it. I'm delighted to have found it!

(I received an advance copy as a part of the book launch team).

It contains stories of hope and liberation and faithfully tells of the difficulties of leaving Christian Science to the fulfillment that comes from embracing Jesus as savior.

I found the book to be very helpful for those of us living with a spouse still in Christian Science. All testimonies of conversion are inspiring, but particularly so when you know the obstacle that the Christian Science system presents to escaping and finding healthy thought processes. Seeing through these stories how God has acted has been marvelous. I highly recommend this book for those living with a spouse still following Christian Science.

The book is also easy to read and practical. Lauren has finished each chapter with helpful and balanced 'homework'. The questions are well crafted and to the point, but gentle and show her real care for the reader. The 'Pastor's Point' and scripture references are clear and grounded. She then ends each chapter with a short personal note to the reader. I found these a wonderful way to bring reassurance and compassion to what could be challenging topics.

There's detailed appendices to assist readers who may not be as familiar with the terminology and definitions of Christian Science. There's also 'where to now' resources that will help those wanting to find out more.

Lauren Hunter has brought us an inspiring book that I believe will be a blessing to many struggling with Christian Science. It should be of interest to all 'simple seekers for Truth'.

Doug R, Victoria, Australia.

I know very little about Christian Science. I ran across some anti-Christian Science material in Walter Martin's Kingdom of the Cults in high school, before I was even a church goer. My wife's dad had been raised Christian Science until high school, but he and all his family had left it before she was born. But I have never known a practicing Christian Science adherent.

I read this book because a friend, Rev. Chris Smith, had written the short Pastor's Perspective at the ends of two of the chapters.

If you are looking for a sophisticated, systematic appraisal or comprehensive critique of Christian Science, this is not the place to go. What I did find here were several heartfelt, smart testimonies of people from various walks of life who had left Christian Science for biblical Protestant Christianity. All the stories were interesting. All were clear and easy to follow. All point to an experience with Christ that was very unlike what they had found growing up in Christian Science.

I liked the format and the length as well. It was well put together.

I'd highly recommend this book to anyone within the Christian Science faith who wants to see why thoughtful, honest former members left. Also to any how have left and want to connect their story to others'. And I'd also recommend this book to any who care about others inside the Christian Science religion.

This is a beautiful testimony to Truth’s freeing power. Each story is a personal journey of the discovery of a personal loving relationship with Jesus. First, though, each person shares the pain or confusion that leads them to question Christian Science. Their stories are all different, but each rejoices in the discovery of Truth. They are so wonderfully encouraging.

This book points us clearly to the source of truth, the Bible. Each section is organized around a specific Biblical truth. Each chapter starts out with a quote from Mary Baker Eddy and a brief biography. That is followed by a few questions and a brief lesson about a particular difference between Christian Science and the Bible. Then there is a small section that focuses that lesson on your life. It ends with a note from the author. These authors are Protestants, but they are from many different denominations so there are a wide variety of practices referenced. They don’t agree on all the details, but they are all clear that salvation is only through faith alone in Christ alone, and that the Bible is the only revelation of God.

If you, like me, are not familiar with Christian Science, I would recommend reading the appendixes first. That will give you the framework to understand the thought system they are working through.

I would recommend everyone read it. If you are searching for truth, this book presents it again and again in it’s most gloriously loving form. If you are trying to understand their beliefs, this book will give you the basics and the Biblical answer to them.

I received this book as a free ARC through NetGalley and Veritable Books. No favorable review was required. It was my pleasure to provide my honest opinions.

I frequently get asked the question “What the difference between Christian Science and biblical Christianity? I remember asking this question myself when I was first doubting Christian Science. Lauren Hunter’s book "Leaving Christian Science" is the resource I wish I had when I was first coming to know the real, living God of Scripture. Each chapter presents an amazing look at the unique way God pursues His people and calls us into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. As each person shares their story, beautifully told by Lauren, we see the dire consequences of attempting to live out the false teaching of Christian Science opposed to the real freedom and peace that comes with following Jesus Christ. The pastor points that follow each essay further provide a rich foundation of scriptural depth revealing how Christian Science teachings stray from biblical truth. Lauren’s insightful letters that conclude each entry guide the reader through their own faith journey as we see God at work in the hearts and lives of each person interviewed. It’s an encouraging read and a helpful resource for anyone interested in stories of redemption, transformation, and the importance of Scripture.

(I received an advance copy as a part of the book launch team. I was also honored to be both interviewed and asked to write the foreward and an appendix article.)

I relate to each story because I was 4th gen CS and tried living the lie for over 60 years. CS is a cult because it places Mary Baker Eddy and her book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” above Jesus Christ and contradicts the word of God. In fact she DENIES who Jesus is. It is NOT Christian and NOT biblical.

Thank you to the author for writing this enlightening book and especially to the courageous former Christian Scientists for being willing to share their stories. ....some of which are gut wrenching What they were subject to in the name of "truth and love" is just awful.

The level of pressure experienced by these people trying to live up to this Christian Science ideal is unbelievable. I have such respect , admiration and deep compassion for them. Imagining the courage it took for them to leave the only way of life they ever knew and the fallout of lost relationships.

I loved the author's "love note" at the end of each of the stories . So beautiful.

“Leaving Christian Science” is a gift to anyone impacted by this religion. With great candor, 10 former members describe their journeys out of Christian Science—from loving and believing it, to questioning its teachings, to finding a deep faith in the biblical Jesus. They also describe wounds created by their upbringing in Christian Science and share how they dealt with them. Along with each story, Hunter encourages the reader in his or her own journey, offers biblical insights, and shares a pastor-authored devotional related to the story. “Leaving Christian Science” offers validation, encouragement, biblical truth, and pathways toward spiritual and emotional recovery.

I have been waiting for over 35 years for someone to write a book like this, which provided numerous person's perspective backgrounds, and experiences surrounding Christian Science. And, more latterly, their reasons for leaving Christian Science, and also how they finally arrived at their decisions, after experiencing the indoctrinations of a Christian Science religion, since childhood.

And it was also refreshing to read Lauren's understanding comments on the stories at the end of each chapter. as Lauren, herself, understands the trials and tribulations that people have experienced, due to coming from a Christian Science upbringing. Finally, I hope that Lauren Hunter writes a 2nd book about leaving Christian Science.

As I would like someone to document my story about leaving Christian Science, after the loss of my younger brother from cancer in the late '70s.