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Christian Science Lectures

Shirley T. Paulson, CS

A member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship

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Shirley Paulson’s combination of Christian Science healing practice with a master’s degree in theological studies from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary has opened the door to a number of valuable ecumenical interfaith activities. She is currently representing the Christian Science Church on an observer basis at the board of the National Council of Churches (NCC) and is serving on the Faith and Order Commission on NCC. She also recently served on the national and local boards of the Religion Communicators Council.

Her lectures are designed primarily for classrooms. Professors without firsthand knowledge of Christian Science often appreciate the opportunity to have a knowledgeable and experienced speaker available for the class. Paulson’s lectures address the relationship between Christian Science and the specific religious academic topic explored in the class. Some examples include:

  • How the concepts of Christian Science relate to the history of Christianity for a class on world religions

  • Mary Baker Eddy’s life as a woman theologian for a class on women and religion

  • Why Christian Science is Christian for fundamentalist Christian classes

  • A contemporary understanding of healing for an interfaith discussion

  • An introduction to Christian Science for adult Sunday School classes from mainstream Christian churches

Additionally, Paulson gives talks for young Christian Science audiences who enjoy learning about how Christian Science relates to the wider context of Christianity. She has also given talks for the Parliament of the World’s Religions and CESNUR (an international network of associations of scholars working in the field of new religious movements).

Her prior experiences include Christian Science Committee on Publication for Illinois, Midwestern Circulation Manager for The Christian Science Monitor, chaplain in Cook County jails, and chairperson of her local clergy association. She writes regularly for the Christian Science Sentinel and Journal and has been interviewed on Sentinel Radio.

For further information on the variety of topics and classroom experiences, you can email Paulson at shirlpaulson@gmail.com to request access to her lecture website. Please visit christianscience.com/lectures/classroom-lectures/ for brief video clips of professors, students, and sponsoring churches who commend classroom lectures.

Titles

  • Mary Baker Eddy: her idea and her book
  • What is Christian Science?
  • The Christianity of Christian Science
  • The theology of Mary Baker Eddy
  • Interfaith, ecumenical, or classroom lectures about Christian Science