0.0 – Christian Science Author – Alan Young – Biography and Publication Index

ALAN YOUNG is known and beloved the world over, having earned widespread acclaim in his profes­sional acting career in television and movies. 

As a past Christian Science lecturer, he is also well loved for his inspired and timely talks on a variety of spiritual top­ics. In this little book, written in the 1970s, but never before published, he relates his experiences with the Christian Science Board of Directors and the Boston­ based Mother Church organization.

First as Director of Communications for the Mother Church from 1968  to 1971, and then as a Chris­tian Science lecturer, Alan Young was engaged in a gentle but determined crusade to further the teachings of the Second Coming of the Christ, as found in the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, who fulfilled Jesus' prom­ise and prophecy to bring the 'Comforter.'

Alan's innocence, optimism and dedicated per­sistence in trying to serve his beloved Leader shine forth in this powerful story, as he tells with pathos and hu­m or of his struggle with the Christian Science officialdom, and describes his fruitless efforts to help the church organization use modern means and meth­ods to 'go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.'

This is a tale of idealism and frustration. In the years that Alan Young was Director of Communications, whenever there was a decision to be made which took courage he always faced the issue, no matter how un­pleasant or unpopular it might be, and insisted that Boston make the right decision. Unfortunately the hi­ erarchy rarely did. As this narrative shows, Mr. Young was not alone in facing this dilemma. Everywhere he found talented and dedicated Christian Scientists ea­ger to move forward, only to be knocked back time af­ ter time, and left stranded in the bureaucratic mire.

Alan Young's sad story brings to mind Mrs. Eddy's encouraging words to her beloved student, Ira O. Knapp, when he came to her with a tale of woe be­ cause he had met with only negative responses to his spiritual insights. 'When you have tasted gall and wormwood,' she said, 'you will be ready for manna.' 
If Mrs. Eddy were here today she would surely say the same to Alan Young. It is heartening that in spite of all the wormwood and gall he met with from the ecclesiastical hierarchy in Boston, Alan Young never lost his capacity to smile and laugh, especially at himself, and to inspire others with his extraordinary warmth and kindness. What a devastating loss, that the Field was deprived of his tal­ent, first as Communications Director, with his energy and know-how, and second as a lecturer who would have continued to draw thousands.Show all