The Faith Doctor: A Story of New York

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27168

Title

The Faith Doctor: A Story of New York

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Edward Eggleston's novel explores the clash between rational society and the rising cult of faith-healing in late 19th-century New York. Through the lives of a wealthy banker, a devoted faith-doctor, and a skeptical intellectual, the story examines the psychological power of belief, the dangers of credulity, and the complex human nature that thrives under modern conditions.

Summary up to 500 words

Set against the backdrop of late 19th-century New York, Edward Eggleston's *The Faith Doctor* explores the tension between emerging spiritual fads and established rationalism. The narrative centers on Charley Millard, a wealthy but socially awkward man from a farming background who moves to the city to manage his fortune. There, he becomes engaged to Phillida Callender, a young woman who practices 'faith-cures' based on Christian Science principles. Phillida believes disease is a mental illusion cured solely by prayer and belief, a stance that creates significant friction with Millard, who cannot reconcile her reliance on spiritual intervention with medical science. The story expands to include Philip, a wealthy intellectual and Millard's cousin, who serves as a foil to the faith-healers, representing a skeptical, rational worldview. Through various characters, including a woman recovering from paralysis and a practitioner who charges for services, Eggleston critiques the era's obsession with mind-cure and aerial therapeutics. The narrative balances social satire with genuine empathy, portraying the victims of their own enthusiasm while questioning the efficacy of these new philosophies. As the plot develops, secrets regarding the nature of the cures and the true motivations of the healers come to light. A key subplot involves the recovery of Wilhelmina Schulenberg, a woman paralyzed for years who begins to walk under Phillida's guidance. While Phillida attributes this to faith, Millard grows increasingly disturbed by the secrecy surrounding her 'mission work' and the growing opacity between them. His aunt, Mrs. Martin, offers a nuanced perspective, acknowledging Phillida's sincerity while noting that her methods differ from those of more commercialized 'Christian Science' doctors who charge fees. The novel culminates in a resolution that emphasizes truth, open communication, and the enduring value of human connection over delusion. Philip's character arc, particularly his confession and subsequent improvement, further underscores the theme that honesty and intellectual integrity are superior to blind credulity. Ultimately, the book serves as both a social commentary on the specific fads of its time and a timeless study of how belief systems shape human behavior and relationships, warning against the dangers of allowing enthusiasm to obscure reality.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• New York