A thought provoking account of faith and how often our power to believe is twisted to fit the needs and desires of others.
I kinda liked this book, like because well I downloaded a copy on Netgalley shelf took forever to read it and it expired and had to download a copy to kindle and it was just refreshing reading about peoples experience with faith, institutions and how they turned around- because that turning point for all of them is such a takeaway point on the power of resolution and how freeing it is to believe in God and not the god made by man.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

I’m not sure what I was looking for when I picked up this book, but I can safely say it ended up in my DNF because it just couldn’t hold my interest. Typically, I love collections of stories of people with a shared history, particularly in regards to having survived a cult or religion...not sure if the issue was editor or the actual content that just failed.

This is a beautiful testimony to Truth’s freeing power. Each story is a personal journey of the discovery of a personal loving relationship with Jesus. First, though, each person shares the pain or confusion that leads them to question Christian Science. Their stories are all different, but each rejoices in the discovery of Truth. They are so wonderfully encouraging.
This book points us clearly to the source of truth, the Bible. Each section is organized around a specific Biblical truth. Each chapter starts out with a quote from Mary Baker Eddy and a brief biography. That is followed by a few questions and a brief lesson about a particular difference between Christian Science and the Bible. Then there is a small section that focuses that lesson on your life. It ends with a note from the author. These authors are Protestants, but they are from many different denominations so there are a wide variety of practices referenced. They don’t agree on all the details, but they are all clear that salvation is only through faith alone in Christ alone, and that the Bible is the only revelation of God.
If you, like me, are not familiar with Christian Science, I would recommend reading the appendixes first. That will give you the framework to understand the thought system they are working through.
I would recommend everyone read it. If you are searching for truth, this book presents it again and again in it’s most gloriously loving form. If you are trying to understand their beliefs, this book will give you the basics and the Biblical answer to them.
I received this book as a free ARC through NetGalley and Veritable Books. No favorable review was required. It was my pleasure to provide my honest opinions.

A Better Life!

Ten former followers of Christian Science tell their stories of leaving—why they left, and what their lives have been like since. Many of these people were from families that had been multi-generational followers of Christian Science. Their journey out held many challenges, but without exception, all of these individuals found a happier life, with a personal relationship with Jesus.

“Just when you thought you were raised to know “the Truth,” you realized it wasn’t the truth at all.”—Lauren Hunter

A red flag of caution should be raised whenever a group claims to believe the Bible, but also claims to have a new revelation and/or person to interpret it. Because of this, they declare they are “more informed” or “higher up” in the spiritual food chain because of this enlightenment. In this case, that person was Mary Baker Eddy founder of Christian Science.

If someone offers you an updated or “additional” way to believe, do as scripture recommends, and test the spirits:

“Dearly loved friends, don’t always believe everything you hear just because someone says it is a message from God: test it first to see if it really is. For there are many false teachers around.” 1 John 4:1

Make sure you understand an organization’s meaning of Jesus. Their definition may be far different than yours.

“God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed.” Hebrew 6:18

Reading these stories will open your eyes to the beliefs held by other groups who claim to be Christians. These brave people have gone through a lot to claim Christ as theirs. I recommend this 5-star, easy to read book, to everyone.

Veritable Books, through NetGalley, has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Leaving Christian Science, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.