New Book Explores Little-Known Aspect of Christian Science Ministry

Often overlooked in the exploration of the history of the Christian Science church is its unique healing ministry to those in the armed forces. In his extensive new book, Christian Science Military Ministry 1917–2004, author and former Christian Science Army chaplain, Kim M. Schuette, carefully explores this topic.

The 670-page, fully indexed book is packed with inspirational, informative accounts of reliance on God for guidance and deliverance for service members and their families, both in peacetime and in combat situations from World War I through Vietnam and Desert Storm. Also related are scores of healings, accomplished through prayer, of mental and physical challenges, injuries and illnesses, accounts of crises averted, immorality healed, and lives restored. Schuette addresses the religious discrimination faced by Christian Scientists and relates prayerful approaches to overcoming it. The pioneering role of Christian Science women in the military chaplaincy is also recounted.

The author writes, “The setting of this ministry includes human life in extraordinary circumstances: danger, filth, passion, sickness, sin, deep-lying prejudice, and discrimination, as well as the joys of redemption, Christian fellowship, and spiritual healing. The heart of Christianity beat strongly.”

Researched and written over a ten-year period, it includes over sixty interviews with chaplain alumni, church members designated as Christian Science Ministers and Representatives, spouses, church officials and colleagues of other denominations also serving in the armed forces. Their stories illustrate the vigilance needed, the sacrifices demanded and the rewards resulting from standing for and fulfilling the constitutional provisions for the free-exercise of religion.

The book has a much wider audience than church members. It will be useful to the world of scholars interested in this little known aspect of the church’s outreach and impact; to church leaders interested in ministry in challenging and diverse environments; to those training chaplains to represent their own denominations; even to military leaders and policy makers interested in understanding the stance of Christian Science adherents. Careful not to teach the theology of Christian Science, its purpose is to show the effects of the application of its teachings.