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Mr. Young Goes to Boston

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from the Christian Science Church details his lengthy career within the Church hierarchy and his eventual disillusionment with it. As a lapsed Scientist myself, I was particularly interested to know just what internecine machinations precipitated the slow downfall of one of the world's great religious institutions. The author, along with me and many others, continues to believe in the efficacy of the message while feeling a deep sadness at the lack of coherent leadership at the helm.

I've just finished reading this book, which I bought used. I'm delighted to notice that it is now newly back in print! It deserves to remain in print as an important footnote to church history, documenting how institutions go astray, despite a founder's strenuous efforts to keep a teaching pure.

Few students of Christian Science are aware of the bizarre management methods that pervade church culture. But, more than methods, we are invited to consider the intense disobedience by church management which has persisted for over a hundred years. Alan Young saw it all from near the top, and had the courage and honesty to detail his observations in this tiny volume.

When members fail to hold management accountable, institutions jump the rails. History will continue to deliver failure until the course is corrected through obedience. Until we face our duty, dysfunctional practices will continue. This history is not pretty, but the telling is honest and the tone is gentle. It deserves honest examination by thinking members who have courage to question "authority" and hold it accountable to the highest standard. Young has sharpened the questions for us. But we need to press for answers. Until we do, a little child shall lead them, asking why 'The Emperor Has No Clothes.'