Robert Peel (Christian Science)
Encyclopedia
Historian and journalist Robert Peel (1909-1992) was a significant ecumenical
figure in Christian Science
, best known for writing his church's definitive three-volume authorized biography of its founder, Mary Baker Eddy
. He also wrote studies of Christian Science's most well-known feature: spiritual healing.
An alumnus of Harvard University
, Peel studied with the preeminent authority on American Puritanism
, Perry Miller
, and his detailed scholarship did much to correct historical misimpressions and bridge the gap with traditional Christianity
. Reversing several historic stereotypes and setting its subject against the kind of intellectual backdrop Miller had specialized in, the trilogy drew unusual acclaim.
During his later years, because of his familiarity with Christian Science's early history, he foresaw and spoke out against the church's trend toward growth through marketing and promotionalism rather than through its traditional emphasis on its healing theology, which placed him at odds with top church executives during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
He was also a prime contributor to other works on which his name did not necessarily appear, an author of numerous articles in Christian Science periodicals, and a part-time unlisted Christian Science practitioner
.
Ecumenism
Ecumenism or oecumenism mainly refers to initiatives aimed at greater Christian unity or cooperation. It is used predominantly by and with reference to Christian denominations and Christian Churches separated by doctrine, history, and practice...
figure in Christian Science
Christian Science
Christian Science is a system of thought and practice derived from the writings of Mary Baker Eddy and the Bible. It is practiced by members of The First Church of Christ, Scientist as well as some others who are nonmembers. Its central texts are the Bible and the Christian Science textbook,...
, best known for writing his church's definitive three-volume authorized biography of its founder, Mary Baker Eddy
Mary Baker Eddy
Mary Baker Eddy was the founder of Christian Science , a Protestant American system of religious thought and practice religion adopted by the Church of Christ, Scientist, and others...
. He also wrote studies of Christian Science's most well-known feature: spiritual healing.
An alumnus of Harvard University
Harvard University
Harvard University is a private Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, established in 1636 by the Massachusetts legislature. Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the first corporation chartered in the country...
, Peel studied with the preeminent authority on American Puritanism
Religious fanaticism
Religious fanaticism is fanaticism related to a person's, or a group's, devotion to a religion. However, religious fanaticism is a subjective evaluation defined by the culture context that is performing the evaluation. What constitutes fanaticism in another's behavior or belief is determined by the...
, Perry Miller
Perry Miller
Perry G. Miller was an American intellectual historian and Harvard University professor. He was an authority on American Puritanism, and a founder of the field of American Studies. Alfred Kazin referred to him as "the master of American intellectual history"...
, and his detailed scholarship did much to correct historical misimpressions and bridge the gap with traditional Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
. Reversing several historic stereotypes and setting its subject against the kind of intellectual backdrop Miller had specialized in, the trilogy drew unusual acclaim.
During his later years, because of his familiarity with Christian Science's early history, he foresaw and spoke out against the church's trend toward growth through marketing and promotionalism rather than through its traditional emphasis on its healing theology, which placed him at odds with top church executives during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
He was also a prime contributor to other works on which his name did not necessarily appear, an author of numerous articles in Christian Science periodicals, and a part-time unlisted Christian Science practitioner
Christian Science practitioner
A Christian Science practitioner is an individual who follows the practice of healing through prayer according to the teachings of Christian Science...
.
External links
- Mary Baker Eddy: The Years of Discovery, ISBN 0-87510-085-6 (first published 1966; Holt, Rinehart and Winston)
- Mary Baker Eddy: The Years of Trial, ISBN 0-03-086700-2 (first published 1971; Holt, Rinehart and Winston)
- Mary Baker Eddy: The Years of Authority, ISBN 0-87510-142-9 (first published 1977; Holt, Rinehart and Winston)
- Christian Science: Its Encounter with American Culture, Library of Congress 58-8542 (Henry Holt and Company, 1958). See ISBN 0-933062-24-9
- A Century of Christian Science Healing (significant editorial contribution), ISBN 0-87510-067-8 Library of Congress 66-15060 (The Christian Science Publishing Society, 1966)
- Spiritual Healing in a Scientific Age, ISBN 0-06-066484-3 (Harper and Row, 1987)
- Health and Medicine in the Christian Science Tradition, ISBN 0-8245-0895-5 (Crossroad, 1988)