Twain and Eddy: The Conflicted Relationship of Mark Twain and Christian Science Founder Mary Baker Eddy
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It was a coincidence of history that brought together one of America’s fastest-growing religious movements and its most famous humorist. Christian Science, which became the First Church of Christ, Scientist, started from nothing in 1866 and by the turn of the century had become a force to be reckoned with. Hannibal, Missouri’s Mark Twain had also made his mark, becoming a celebrated international figure with several bestselling novels under his belt. With his background in journalism, Twain felt it was his duty to offer his observations and opinions on the substance of Christian Science and the character of its founder, Mary Baker Eddy. His essays on the subject, assembled together in 1907 as Christian Science, represent both the most humorous and insightful look at Eddy and her church.
Despite the potent, even venomous criticism of Twain, the momentum that the church had established leading up the new century could not be stopped. By 1910, there were hundreds of Christian Science churches dotted across the country, with a growing international presence as well. Twain may have feared what he saw as a power and money-hungry movement that was capturing the attention of people he knew; even his daughter Clara eventually counted herself among its members.
This book provides insight into Twains troubled relationship with religion—and Christian Science in particular.
