Fathermothergod: My Journey Out Of Christian Science (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
The author was incredibly brave to have written this book. It is obviously a very personal and emotional topic, but she presents her side of Christian Science in a very raw and personal style that hooked me and keep me engaged throughout. The psychological abuse of this type of religion, in having to keep everything secret and shut out all non believers, is perplexing and sad. It took a tremendous toll on this family, yet they persevered as best they could.Well written and very incite full. I would recommend this to someone looking for an inside perspective on Christian Science or someone just curious about one of the many religions of the world. This memoir of growing up as a Christian Scientist (which I did not realize meant primarily growing up without access to medical care) was interesting and compelling, but there were some areas that wanted more insight. The book really became interesting when Lucia was describing her mother's decline and her suspicion that her father's life work was causing him to dissuade her mother from seeking medical care. Early on in the book, Lucia's mother takes two children who are coming down with chicken pox to their grandparents' house, where, it is hinted, they are served applesauce laced with aspirin. This plants the seed of doubt that persists throughout the book, and flourishes with the strength of the ugliest garden weed when Lucia's mother is later quite obviously dying. Perhaps as the daughter, Lucia will never really know whether or not her mother was denied medical treatment by her father, or if the mother's religious commitment was primarily for her father's benefit. It is in this area that a reader really wants more information. Other than that, the book is compelling and interesting. I do wonder if a Christian Scientist would feel that the book portrayed the religion primarily as a religion that refuses medical care. Surely there must be more to it, but only the passages related to medicine were quoted and requoted throughout the book.
What do You think about Fathermothergod: My Journey Out Of Christian Science (2011)?
Very interesting and good depiction of the life of modern day Christian Scientists
—lolo
Very interesting memoir, well-written. 3.5-3.75ish
—skyzpink
