BibleMary Baker Eddy (1821 – 1910) was a pioneer in exploring the relationship between spirituality and health. Chronically ill for much of her early life, she sought help from a range of conventional and alternative therapies without finding lasting relief. However, experimentation with homeopathic remedies and unmedicated pills (placebos) convinced her that the true basis of health must be mental rather than physical. At the same time, as an avid reader of the Bible – in an era when women were largely barred from religious leadership and theological discussion – she frequently pondered Christ Jesus’ promises that his followers should perform the same works of healing that he did, and she questioned why such healing had not continued beyond the first few centuries after his time.

Explore Mary Baker Eddy’s life and work through the Mary Baker Eddy Timeline