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The First Church of Christ, Pragmatist: Christian Science and Responsible Optimism

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Abstract

A common criticism of Christian Science is that it is neither Christian nor scientific. American psychologist and philosopher William James would not, I believe, share this view, even though he does make critical comments about Christian Science’s orginator and her dogmatic followers. Following a suggestion of James, I distinguish two types of critical inquiry into Christian Science—outsider criticism and insider criticism—and show that the latter yields the better results. A pragmatic version of Christian Science can be offered that is distinct both from the myopic critics who malign it and from the dogmatic followers who recklessly adhere to it.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. St. Ambrose University, 518 W. Locust St, Davenport, IA, 52803, USA

    Tadd Ruetenik

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  1. Tadd Ruetenik
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Correspondence to Tadd Ruetenik.

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Ruetenik, T. The First Church of Christ, Pragmatist: Christian Science and Responsible Optimism. J Relig Health 51, 1397–1405 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-011-9508-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-011-9508-2

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