An opportunity to learn more about Christian Science and visit one of downtown Oxford’s historic buildings is happening Sunday, Nov. 12 at 3 p.m.
Barbara Vining, a public practitioner of Christian Science for more than 40 years and resident of Toledo, Ohio, will be speaking about the ‘universal law of healing? at the First Church of Christ, Scientist at 71 S. Washington St.
‘We have something that’s really wonderful and we want to share it with others,? said Oxford resident Sandy Rosemann, chairperson of the board which oversees the local church. ‘The knowledge of healing is for everybody.?
Last month, the Oxford church marked the 60th anniversary of its dedication in October 1946.
Christian Science refers to the universal, practical system of spiritual, prayer-based healing, available and accessible to everyone.
‘To me, it’s just the epitome of love ? it is love itself,? said Rosemann, who started practicing the religion in the mid-1990s after being born and raised a Catholic. ‘I just want people to check it out. I can’t get over (the fact) that people don’t know who we are or they’re really afraid of (Christian Science) when it’s just the most beautiful thing.?
Christian Science a teaching that does not rely on conventional medicine, but holds that the ills of the flesh can be healed through prayer and faith in God.
Christian Scientists see sin, disease, and death as derived from a ‘false sense? of separation from God. Healing is accomplished when one realizes one’s perfection and unity with God.
The primary source for learning Christian Science is the textbook ‘Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures? written by Mary Baker Eddy and first published in 1875.
Eddy is the discoverer and founder of Christian Science. She also founded the First Church of Christ, Scientist and newspaper The Christian Science Monitor.
The fact that Eddy founded a ‘worldwide religion? more than 100 years ago ‘when women weren’t respected? demonstrates the reality of Christian Science, according to Rosemann.
‘How could something have gone through the world so quickly and beautifully, if it wasn’t real?,? she said.
Christian Science bears no resemblance whatsoever to Scientology and has absolutely no relationship or connection with the religion founded by a science fiction writer and popularized by Hollywood celebrities.
‘I think it’s the word ‘science? that confuses some people,? Rosemann said. ‘It’s definitely Christian.?
‘The term Christian Science is what we feel is the science of God,? she explained. ‘It’s here, it’s now, it’s active, it heals, just like Jesus did way back when.?
Vining’s Nov. 12 talk will focus on how love and goodness stem from an actual spiritual law of healing ? a law that heals mentally, bodily and spiritually ? which anyone can understand and prove.
It was through her understanding of Christian Science that the lumps in Vining’s breast disappeared and never returned. The practice also healed Vining’s grandmother of a broken back.
Admission to Vining’s lecture is free and child care will be available.
‘It’s not like we’re trying to convert people,? Rosemann explained. ‘We don’t want that. We just want to share that goodness ? God is for all.?
Christian Science was first brought to Oxford in 1887 by Mary Burdick.
As local interest grew, a Christian Science Society was formed in May 1901, which led to the organization and incorporation of the First Church of Christ, Scientist of Oxford in June 1903.
Construction of the church building we see today on S. Washington St. commenced in May 1931 and was completed in August 1932.
The church was dedicated 14 years later when the building was completely paid for.