S3. Ep 35 The History of Christadelphian Hands-On Energy Healing

Today we’re learning about the history of hands-on energy healing in the early Christadelphian community! In this episode, Zinnia discusses the founding of an ecclesia in Edinburgh, Scotland that quickly became interested in practicing hands-on energy healing. These new believers were radical free thinkers who offered sassy -but scriptural- retorts to the demands of Robert Roberts and John Thomas around the validity of baptisms. They also hosted lectures and classes for anyone interested in learning the art of “curative mesmerism”. The Edinburgh ecclesia not only became practitioners of “curative mesmerism” themselves, but also became involved in creating and supporting a local mesmerism organization and promoted the practice as part of the “doctrine of health” to other ecclesias while attributing their healing abilities to God. We also discuss the attitudes that attracted these early believers to Mesmerism and the various theories around what may have contributed to the decline of the practice of mesmerism in this ecclesia. We also learn about Robert Roberts “irresistible” experience with another man, the reason why Robert’s wife was re-baptized after their marriage, and hear about Zinnia’s experiences with hands-on energy healing in the modern day. Please join us for another fun blast to the past learning more forgotten history about the Christadelphians!

Listener discretion advised.

If you’re interested in coming on the podcast or have comments or questions, you can contact Zinnia at lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com

References:

The Early History of the Kingdom of God in Britain" by William Norrie

Part one

Pg. 128 “The Edinburgh Church of Baptised Believers of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God”

Pg 167 Sassy Rebuttals

Pg 178 Edinburgh Church

Page 202 Curative Mesmerism

Pg 245 On Jane Norrie’s rebaptism

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