The Forever Leader: The Life of Mary Baker Eddy (1901-1910) [Paperback]

Doris Grekel (Author), David L. Keyston (Cover Design)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 7, 2011

This is the final volume in Doris Grekel's inspiring biography of one of the greatest religious leaders the world has ever known. Mary Baker Eddy's life work was devoted to the establishment of the divinely scientific method of healing employed by the Master, Jesus, and revealed to her receptive thought by God. You will see how she brought God into every detail of her life and the founding of her church. You will feel the love she expressed in guiding her students, healing those that were sick, and even raising those from the shadow of death's door. Mary Baker Eddy has left a rich legacy for the benefit of mankind in her textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures -- the establishment of a divinely Scientific system of metaphysical Mind-healing -- a system that is not dependent upon ecclesiasticism or religious dogma, but a practical boon to suffering humanity. This volume explores the numerous trials and triumphs during Mrs. Eddy's glorious career in bringing forth her church and continuing vital healing work for humanity. From the Woodbury case, through the final editions of her textbook, to the establishment of her church's periodicals, including the Christian Science Monitor, the reader will feel the divine presence brought to every task at hand. This is the third volume in the Womanhood of God Series, a comprehensive biographical account of Mary Baker Eddy. The first two volumes may be obtained from the publisher, Healing Unlimited, at 800.962.1464 or www.HealingUnlimited.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 684 pages
• Publisher: Healing Unlimited (June 7, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964580381
• ISBN-13: 978-0964580381
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,718,132 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spiritual History of Mary Baker Eddy & Christian Science, July 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Forever Leader: The Life of Mary Baker Eddy (1901-1910) (Paperback)

A highly interesting, inspired and lovingly written but sure to be controversial three volume biography of Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer, Founder and Leader of Christian Science (CS).

From the point of view of Christian Science, this is the best three volume biography of Mrs. Eddy written to date. Unlike the Peel biographies with their secular bent and attempts to paint Mrs. Eddy as no more than a very significant historical figure, Grekel starts where Rober Peel left off and thoroughly explains the spiritual identity and significance of the discover and founder of Christian Science. For Grekel, unlike Peel, Mrs. Eddy represents the human manifestation in the flesh of the the 2nd Coming of Christ found in Christian Science. Mrs. Eddy is seen by Grekel as fufilling both Old and New Testament prophecy from Isaiah to the Gospels of the promised revelator of the Comforter. To Grekel, Mrs. Eddy's spiritual identity is to be found in Revelation as the Woman of Prophecy and only those Christian Scientists that can see this are the "remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.Rev 12:17. It is clear that the authoress, Doris Grekel and co-author Morris are obviously writing wholly from the standpoint of convinced disciples of Mrs. Eddy. Doris makes no apologies for that approach.

While many from within and without the Christian Science movement will disagree with both Grekel's approach and her credentials, few readers will deny that this book is nothing short of a loving "Ode" to Mrs. Eddy. Dr. Robert Putnam, a student of Bliss Knapp, has described this book in a short review of books on Mrs. Eddy and Christian Science as a "flawless account". Others will decry it for a lack of historical objectivity and as a thinly veiled attack on the current and past management of the very church Mrs. Eddy founded, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston Mass.

If it is widely read inside the Christian Science movement, it will be sure to be highly controversial. CS folks who condemned the re-publication of Bliss Knapp's book, The Destiny of the Mother Church, will condemn all three volumes of this trilogy for the same reasons. To say that this book almost deifies Mrs. Eddy is an understatement. There is no attempt to portray her human failings as the recent Gill bio did. This and the other two books take the exact OPPOSITE of the Peel and Gill approach. Hence, while many of the "true believers" will love these three books, the historical so-called professional critics of Mrs. Eddy will decry it as "not objective and not even foot noted" and Mrs. Eddy's traditional orthodox "Christian" enemies will denounce it as Christian Science carried to both theologically and logically indefensible and absurd conclusions. Nevertheless, these books may have to wait centuries until they, like Science and health will be accepted by a wider audience. I think Grekel would agree with this assessment. That few Year 2000 readers would understand much less appreciate the import of this, the first book the Grekel's trilogy is no surprise from the standpoint of Christian Science theology. "the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." John 1:5. Also "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Cor 2:14

In short, if you love Mrs. Eddy you will probably find much "new" information in these books. The Grekels ably use early CS literature, the CS Weekly - later Sentinel and the Journal of CS, later CS Journal to trace both Mrs. Eddy's thought as well as the growth of her church. They also bring to light much correspondence between Mrs. Eddy and her students and church officers. Unfortunately the book would be more helpful if it had footnoting of the Peel works. The Grekels rely on published and unpublished memoirs and reminiscences of early students of CS to support their intrepretation.

The issue of the Mrs. Eddy's intent in the continuation of the Mother Church following her passing is explored. It is plain however, that the Grekels are NOT at all 100% subscribers of the "Mother Church, A Church Meant to Last" or the "Permanancy of the Mother Church" (Adam Dickey CSJ Article et al) view. They come down more along the lines of the Helen Wrights, the CS Research Foundation and others in their insistence that the CS Board of Directors ignored and disobeyed what they call the "Estoppel Clauses" or those clauses in the Manual of the Mother Church requiring Mrs. Eddy's express consent. The Grekels ignore that this view was the decided minority view after Mrs. Eddy's passing.

I suggest a reader withhold judgement until finishing all three books. While I found them a very interesting source of information for the advanced CS metaphysician, I would not recommend them for the general public at all.

A reader is encouraged to read the primary sources on Christian Science, the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, the Manual of the Mother Church. Other works such as Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896 and the First Church of Christ, Scientist & Miscellany which traces the building of her beloved church and selected correspondence until her passing in December 1910. All the published writings other than Science and Health were collected in what is called "Prose Works".

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Forever Leader, January 10, 2000

By 

NANCY S. DARGLE (South Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Forever Leader: The Life of Mary Baker Eddy (1901-1910) (Paperback)

I completely agree with the previous reviewer's comments. It was a blessing to read. I felt I was partaking of a feast of love while reading this book. It is definitely aimed at the student of Christian Science and reveals tremendous insights into the experiences and lessons which Mrs. Eddy went through. Much can be gained by reading these books which will help the student in his/her understanding and practice of Christian Science.

It is by all means the best book ever written about Mary Baker Eddy and every Christian Scientist should read this and the other two books which are part of the series. We owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to the writer. Thank you.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Awesome" might begin to cover it, January 6, 2009

By 

Laura Alethea - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Forever Leader: The Life of Mary Baker Eddy (1901-1910) (Paperback)

I purchased this trilogy a couple of months ago and read it for the first time. Actually, "devoured" might be a better description. The author certainly loves Mrs. Eddy, which I find very refreshing. I will be re-reading this one a lot, I am sure.

The author's personal conclusions, particularly in regard to the Stetson controversy, are certainly thought-provoking. Even if you do not agree with or even cannot understand some of her interpretations, this book is very useful for illustrating why there is so much disagreement about Mrs. Eddy and why she took the actions she did. It certainly should make those inclined to second-guess her judgment "take pause."

All of this is, of course, in the context of those who are studying Christian Science. I agree with the first reviewer that these books are not suitable for the general public. I would say that earnest students of Christian Science will profit from putting this book on the desk next to the the Gill and Peel biographies and comparing them.