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Cherish one of God's greatest gifts, the practical, life-giving Science of Christ!
Metaphysical Application Ideas for the Weekly Bible Lesson December 21 — 27, 2009
Metaphysical Application Ideas for the Weekly Bible Lesson December 21 — 27, 2009
Subject: Christian Science
Prepared by Rick Stewart C.S., of Dresden, Germany [bracketed italics by Warren Huff]
[Editor's Note: The following application ideas for this week and the Possible Sunday School Topics that follow are offered primarily to help CEDARS campers and staff (as well as friends) see and demonstrate the great value of daily study and application of the Christian Science Bible lessons year-round, not just at camp! You can sign up to have them emailed to you free — in English by Monday each week, or by each Wednesday you can get a FREE TRANSLATION in French from Pascal or in Spanish from Ana. SIGN UP at www.cedarscamps.org/newsletters]
Dear Friends,
Isn't it great to study a Bible Lesson on the subject of “Christian Science” at Christmas time? What a great decision Mrs. Eddy made. For me it makes Christmas presents-time into more “Christmas presence” time. And it is a great time to cherish one of God's greatest gifts to humanity, the practical, life-giving Science of Christ. It is wonderful to remember that God promised us “Immanuel” and in a very little package, He delivered a giant present. Then when that present grew up he promised a Comforter, the Spirit of truth, that would lead into all truth, and He delivered again.
This week the Golden Text promises a Bible Lesson unfolding to us exactly how we can experience that “peace on earth, good will to men” that so many of us wish for at this time of year.
Golden Text: Luke 2:14 This week's lesson keynote is the message the Shepherds heard as they kept watch over their flocks near Bethlehem. Glory to God and Peace on Earth. I love this promise coming from “the heavenly host” for peace on earth. This promise was not alone for the future or for the afterlife, but for here and now. And this week we learn how Christian Science has helped fulfill this prophecy of peace.
Responsive Reading: The introduction to this week's lesson comes from two chapters of Isaiah. We are reminded first of great things that God has done and then promised what He will do. We are told that God will destroy the “covering” or “veil” that is spread over humanity. That covering is also translated as “a cloud of gloom” or “grief.” And the way it is destroyed is “swallowing up death in victory” and “wiping away tears from off all faces.” How do we get to that secure, peaceful existence, the “strong city?” By keeping our thought on God, trusting in Him, we find “perfect peace.”
About 90 years ago a young couple witnessed God's promised Comforter, Christian Science, removing that great “cloud of gloom.” Their little girl, only 1-1/2, had a terrible fever. The doctor attending her offered little chance of her living through the night and he said if by any chance she did live, she would never walk. The wife, daughter of Czech immigrants, contacted another Czech immigrant. This lady promised to pray for the little girl with a new discovery, Christian Science. She had a copy of Science and Health and used her understanding of this Science to heal the little girl. The little girl survived the night and in three days was completely well. Not only did she walk, but she ran. She loved to play basketball as a school girl. And at age thirteen she joined the Christian Science church in her hometown, Perry, Iowa. She married, raised four kids, and removed “clouds of gloom” for over forty years in the healing practice of Christian Science. I guess you could say that there is nothing quite like the peace of a life restored. That is the peace that my brothers and sister and I were taught about by our mom, the little girl who was healed. And that is the peace we are going to learn about in this week's lesson..
Section 1: Great peace have they which love thy law.
In B-1 the prophet Micah tells us of a promised “ruler in Israel…. whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” This verse is quoted in the Gospel of Matthew 2:6 regarding the birth of Jesus. The Gospel of John tells us how through the birth of Jesus the “Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” In S-2, Mrs. Eddy echoes Micah's words that although the birth of Jesus “marked the first century of the Christian era,…the Christ is without beginning of years or end of days.” We always love to hear at Christmas time of the Three Wise Men following the star in the East. Following that same light which wise men and women have always followed, Mary Baker Eddy was led to her discovery. The discovery she named Christian Science and she identified it as the “divine laws of Life, Truth, and Love.” S-4 These laws certainly do bring with them a wonderful peace as we see God healing “every ill that flesh is heir to.”
Section 2: The peace that comes from knowing only one Father, God, Universal Love
We start with comments from two Prophets. B-5 is a statement from Malachi, which seems straightforward, acknowledging first that there is only one father and then that one God has created us. But this section of Malachi is a call to social justice, and proper treatment of even foreigners. The father referred to is actually probably Abraham because of the form of speech used. In some ways we might think of this in regard to the healing and resolution of the Palestinian/Israeli conflict, seeing that both identify themselves as descendents of Abraham. In B-6 Micah (a young contemporary of Isaiah) foresees a time when the “strong nations” shall turn their weapons of war into agricultural tools – “swords into plowshares” and “spears into pruning hooks.” But B-7 and B-8 raise the discussion to Jesus' perception that we are children of one Father, God. (Remember Jesus' instruction to begin the Lord's Prayer, “Our Father.”) Raising this discussion to Jesus' level, we discover a Father, God, that is Spirit. This one Father then inspires us to more just treatment of our brothers and sisters. S-6 shows us that our Savior, Christ was “in the flesh,” but not of the flesh. He was the perfect example of the true man of God's creating, and showed us how we could remove through the Christ, the belief of existence separate from God, Good.
Section 3: Peace, peace to those far from God and those near, awakened by the Christ to financial responsibility
B-10 Isaiah 57 tells of the activity of the “high and lofty One…whose name is Holy” reviving the heart of the humble and the contrite ones (sincerely remorseful, sorry for wrongdoing). And the New Testament example we have of this is the story of little Zacchaeus found in Luke 19. B-11 Campers or your small kids would love these two versions of the Story of Zacchaeus. One is found at the YouTube link www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdQUYieVpv8 and another cute version also on YouTube is listed as follows: The Wee Little Man. In Dresden, we see reminders every day of little Zacchaeus. We have lots of huge sycamore trees with their unusual bark. The story goes that the Sycamore tree developed this bark after Zacchaeus slid down so fast to answer Jesus' call to him. And it is important to remember what a great response and revival there is from those who have taken from others and then heard the call of the Christ seeking them. B-12 Romans is a wonderful call of the Christ for better ethics in business. Wonderful qualities for doing business as outlined here can do great things in restoring a world economy in the midst of financial crisis. And this restoration and revival begins with individual consciousness responding to the invitation of the Christ. The wonderful citations from Science and Health in this section provide a chart for how to succeed in business with the Christ always trying: choosing Christly qualities of thought to reawaken our personal and worldwide economy; taking business and economies out of the hands of fear, selfishness, greed, and sin, and placing them in the hands of the Science of Christ.
In 1986 I was lecturing for the Christian Science church in Nassau, Bahamas. One of the members hosted me for lunch and made her car available to me for use while I was there. Her name was Lady Templeton, and her husband joined us for lunch. We had the most wonderful conversation about business ethics, applying hard work and Christian ethics in the business world. At that point I had no idea that the man I was talking with was known as one of the world's most successful businessmen and according to Money magazine, “arguably the greatest global stock picker of the century.” He was Sir John Templeton. You can find wonderful Christian business ideas at a website dedicated to Sir Templeton. http://www.sirjohntempleton.org/
On a more personal level, our family heard many times of the moral stand of my grandfather as he sought to provide for his family of nine during the Great Depression. Grandfather had started as a train fireman and worked his way up to engineer. But as so many others in those times, he was without a job. The family did everything they could to get by. My mom told of all the kids selling homemade fudge for a few extra cents. And my grandfather volunteered enough time at the local power plant to cover the electric bill at home. The local Christian Science church held Sunday School first, and then the church service followed. One particular Sunday my grandfather sat in church as the collection plate was being passed around. He knew he had one dollar and a dime (ten cents) in his pocket. He also knew he had seven kids at home and that he hadn't worked at his regular job for two years. So he was asking himself which should he put in the church collection, the dollar or the dime. What was wisdom, what was right? Another thing my grandfather knew was that Christian Science had saved and healed his second child (my mother) when she was at the point of death as toddler. So Grandfather made his choice and when the collection plate came to him, he gave the dollar. At what had to be precisely the same moment the telephone rang at home and my mother answered. It was the city electric plant calling for my Grandfather. Their generators had stopped and none of the engineers could solve the problem. And then someone said, “Call Archie Lafferty, he can fix anything.” So they called and my mom, already home from Sunday School, answered. My mother ran all the way to the church to tell my Grandfather of the call. He went to the power plant and sure enough he was able to solve the problem. Almost immediately after that Grandfather was called back to work on the railroad, and he was never out of work again for his entire life.
Section 4: The great peace of “health restored”
B-13 The Psalmist calls for God's health care system to be known, “thy saving health among all nations.” B- 14 The Gospel of Mark 5 tells of a woman sick for 12 years with an “issue of blood.” This would have been doubly bad because not only was she sick and suffering, but the religious laws of the day would have also condemned her as unclean. This would have meant she had to be separated from normal society. In the huge crowd she reached out to touch the hem of Jesus' robe and was immediately healed. Jesus sensed the reaching out and told her, “Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole, go in peace. The Science and Health citations make it clear how even today this healing power of the Christ is operating through the teachings of the Comforter, Christian Science. S-16 Jesus healed continually throughout his ministry and he taught the generalities of his Principle, but the definite rules for demonstration remained a mystery until Christian Science was discovered. S-17 Christian Science improves and alters the body by causing the human mind to change Its base and allow the harmony of the divine Mind to be expressed. The application of the Comforter, Christian Science, heals both functional and organic disease.
One of my favorite illustrations of the healing efficacy of Christian Science in restoring functional and organic health is that of Doris Henty. You will find this account in the foreword of the book, “Addresses and Other Writings on Christian Science” by Doris Dufour Henty. Science and Health was given to her family around 1910. At first the book was rejected but later Doris' mother began to read the book. Her brother was healed of hereditary consumption (tuberculosis). And Doris although she had had “multiple operations on her face for carious bones. …One side of her face was paralyzed…her mouth at an angle,…..and one eye shut. The doctors said they could do no more for her.” They gave her no hope. The family continued to read Science and Health and the healings continued. Doris began to improve and one day exclaimed, “I can feel my face!” Her father took her to a specialist in Manchester, England, who looked at her and said, “The age of miracles is not over. The nerve has joined.” At this time Doris contacted a Christian Science practitioner in Boston, James Neal, to pray for her. And she also read in a local newspaper of a cousin winning a beauty contest. “Rather sadly she said, 'I could never do that,' but then she added, 'But I have the beauty of holiness.' ” She went to her schoolroom and all morning she thought about the beauty of holiness. At lunchtime when she came down, her Mother exclaimed, 'Doll, have you seen your face?' Doris replied, 'God cannot see a mortal face. He can only see the beauty of holiness.' By the evening, her whole face had moved round to a normal angle.”
Doris devoted a long and joyful life to the healing ministry of Christian Science.
Section 5: The peace that comes from the promised Comforter.
B-15 The Prophet Isaiah assures that God will nourish and comfort Jerusalem just like a mother. B-6 John 3:16 tells us of his wonderful gift of gifts, His only begotten Son, leading the way to everlasting life. B-17 Doesn't Philip seem to be expressing the problem that so often plagued the Israelites. They “knew God,” but were never quite sure of Him when things got tough. Time after time they followed Baal and other gods. That shows an uncertainty, they weren't really sure. Philip can see the Master right before his eyes, and yet asks, “Show us the Father.” Doesn't that uncertainty still plague us today? Isn't the question still asked, What is Truth? Is the promised (and delivered) Comforter recognized? This 14th chapter of John's Gospel contains the assurance to Philip, “I will pray for God to give another Comforter.” The Greek word for Comforter is “parakletos.” That translates also as “Counselor” or “Advocate” as in a legal sense. So the Comforter would actively counsel, support, guide. And then there is the powerful assurance that “he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also, and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to my Father.
These works that bear witness, or give evidence of an ever-present Comforter, the Holy Ghost, are a powerful reassurance. Webster defines “comfort” in part as the verb, “to cheer,” “to give strength and hope,” and “to ease the grief or trouble of” someone. What a wonderful thought: that the Comforter, which Jesus promised that God would send, brings ease not disease. B-17, verse 26 And the cheering Comforter brings this “ease” which heals grief and trouble of any kind. The Comforter brings true cheer, true happiness, and that sense of life-thrilled love. B-16
This knowledge, as brought out in S-22, recognizing the Science of Christ — the power of this comforting, encouraging, cheering “God with us” (Immanuel), sent from God, and loving our neighbor as ourselves — reveals the ever-present healing power of divine Love.
And these “works” are here. This Comforter is here. It was with my little girl, Alma, and me just three weeks ago. We were crossing a street to go to the “Grosse Garten,” a very large public garden that was formerly part of the King's summer castle grounds. Alma was on my shoulders. We had a bag of bread to feed the ducks, and our beloved family dog, Theo, was on a leash at our side. We crossed a busy street towards the Grosse Garten and were on the other side when I realized an older lady that had entered the street after the crossing signal went red, was not going to make it across in time. A large dump truck with engine revving had already started forward. With my hand that was holding our dog's leash I pulled the lady out of the path of the truck. As I grabbed for her, the leash went slack. Our dog, Theo, not understanding what was going on, backed directly into the front wheels of the moving dump truck. What appeared before my eyes was a picture of the wheels running over his hindquarters and back. My immediate reaction was a booming and resounding, “No!” Theo ran from the street with little sound and settled on the grassy median. Alma and I went to him and began to let the “Comforter” tell us what was really going on. Did I believe the picture before my eyes, or did I listen to what the Comforter was telling me. Alma who is two, responded by a series of three words, “Theo……owah……….betten (praying).” And we were. Theo's back still had the tire tracks on it. So I brushed this evidence away and it went up in a puff of dust. It seemed symbolic to me as if I was brushing the false evidence that said Theo was just a physical creature, subject to accident, injury, etc. I repeated from Science and Health the assurance, “All of God's creatures, moving in the harmony of Science, are harmless, useful, indestructible.” (p.514:28) And I remembered how the Textbook tells us to handle an apparent accident, you begin by declaring that it never happened. (p.424:5) And I continually affirmed that fact. In a few minutes Theo was able to get up and walk the 100 yards to our car without a problem. He jumped up into his usual place and we headed home. My heart was overflowing with gratitude for what we had already seen of the Comforter at work. We got home and Theo was able to climb the stairs to our apartment. The gratitude and prayer continued. I did call a dear friend and Christian Science practitioner to support the work. And what powerful evidence of the Comforter was being unfolded. Theo was able to go downstairs to go to the bathroom in the evening. And then he slept deeply and comfortably. When he awoke the next morning he walked without a limp and enjoyed complete freedom of movement. I was so grateful.
Section 6: At peace, peace on earth, good will toward man.
How many TV shows and movies have we seen where the hero or heroine unlocks the mystery and moves to the next level. Here is “mortal” man trying to enter the gate and city that he can't enter. Nothing unclean enters here. Ah, but the Comforter unlocks the gate which brings our thinking where it can receive the pertinent info to enter the Kingdom. The Kingdom is spiritual. The Christ (the Lamb) is shining the light on the page. We have that defining moment! We see we are spiritual, not mortal. We feel the warmth that comes with the light. We look back on the journey from sense to Soul from the within the gates of understanding. And instead of wondering, we PRACTICE what we know. We heal.
[This weekly Metaphysical Newsletter is provided at no charge to the 1,200 campers and staff who were blessed this summer at CEDARS–as well as to thousands of CEDARS alumni, families and friends who request it, or find it weekly on our website. But, current and planned gifts are much-needed to cover the costs of running this service and of providing camperships for such inspirational opportunities. Your support is always tax-deductible and appreciated–but this year and month your help is especially needed! Precious donors have challenged us to raise $25,000 by year-end for our “Maintenance Musts” in order to receive a Matching $25,000 Grant! Only $5,000 to go! So, during this ideal time before snow flies, and with several gifts already in, we are happily starting needed “Maintenance Must” projects. We look to God–and to friends like you–to keep them going.
With no delay please “freely give” today, in your chosen way:
With no delay please “freely give” today, in your chosen way:
1) Write a tax-deductible check payable to CedarS Camps and mail it to the office: 1314 Parkview Valley, Manchester, MO 63011; or
2) Call Warren or Gay Huff at (636) 394-6162 to charge your gift or to discuss any short-term or long-term gift that you are considering; or
3) CLICK HERE RIGHT AWAY TO SUPPORT CEDARS WORKwith an online gift using PayPal.com, which can be funded using a Visa or Mastercard account.]
2) Call Warren or Gay Huff at (636) 394-6162 to charge your gift or to discuss any short-term or long-term gift that you are considering; or
3) CLICK HERE RIGHT AWAY TO SUPPORT CEDARS WORKwith an online gift using PayPal.com, which can be funded using a Visa or Mastercard account.]
[Camp Director's Note: This sharing is the latest in an ongoing, 9-year series of CedarS Bible Lesson “mets” (metaphysical application ideas) contributed weekly by a rotation of CedarS Resident Practitioners and occasionally by other metaphysicians. (To keep the flow of the practitioner's ideas intact and to allow for more selective printing the “Possible Sunday School Topics” come in a subsequent email.) This weekly offering is intended to encourage further study and application of ideas in the lesson and to invigorate Sunday School participation by students and by the budding teachers on our staff. Originally sent JUST to my Sunday School students and to campers, staff and CedarS families who wanted to continue at home and in their home Sunday Schools the same type of focused Lesson study, application and inspiration they had felt at camp, CedarS lesson “mets” are in no way meant to be definitive or conclusive or in any way a substitute for daily study of the lesson. The thoughts presented are the inspiration of the moment and are offered to give a bit more dimension and background as well as new angles on the daily applicability of some of the ideas and passages being studied. The weekly Bible Lessons are copyrighted by the Christian Science Publishing Society and are printed in the Christian Science Quarterly as available at Christian Science Reading Rooms or online at eBibleLesson.com or myBibleLesson.com. The citations referenced (i.e. B-1 and S-28) from this week's Bible Lesson in the “met” (metaphysical application ideas) are taken from the Bible (B-1 thru B-24) and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy (S-1 thru S-30). The Bible and Science and Health are the ordained pastor of the Churches of Christ, Scientist. The Bible Lesson is the sermon read in Christian Science church services throughout the world. The Lesson-Sermon speaks individually through the Christ to everyone, providing unique insights and tailor-made applications for each one. We are glad you requested this metaphysical sharing and hope that you find some of the ideas helpful in your daily spiritual journey, in your deeper digging in the books and in closer bonding with your Comforter and Pastor.]
Enjoy!
Warren Huff, Camp Director director@cedarscamps.org (636) 394-6162
[P.S.S.T.-Get your piece of the peace! Claim and use the Science of Christ that's already been given to you!]
Possible Sunday School Topics by Steve Henn [bracketed italics by Warren]
for the 12-27-09 Christian Science Bible Lesson on “Christian Science”
Possible Sunday School Topics by Steve Henn [bracketed italics by Warren]
for the 12-27-09 Christian Science Bible Lesson on “Christian Science”
What is Christian Science? In section 1 of Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy defines it as the “divine laws of Life, Truth, and Love…” (107:2-3 divine). Consider spending [some thoughtful time and possibly] some class time this week to explore what exactly these laws are and how they apply to the daily lives of both you and your students.
An online version of the 1828 Noah Webster Dictionary defines law as “an established or permanent rule”.
Nowhere in either definition are Christian Scientists singled out as a chosen people – rather, each definition is decidedly inclusive of all mankind. As you explore this lesson with your students, see if you or your students can identify some of the promises that God, Love makes to all. [To each one “whose mind is stayed on God” (RR, Isa. 26:3) “perfect peace” is promised. The Amplified Bible expands on Isaiah 26:3: “You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.“ The Science of “the Prince of Peace“ fully shows in each section how we can more fully lean on and confidently hope in God and so remain undisturbed and totally at peace.]
Golden Text:
What does “glory to God” mean? How do we give glory like the shepherds at Jesus' birth were told to do? [Consider how Jesus always gave glory to God –instead of bragging: “I can of mine own self do nothing.” John 5:30 “Why do you call me good? There is none good but one . . .” Matt. 19:17 How should you do the same?] How can you and your students share a divine sense of glory [as well as of peace and of good will] with friends who are not Christian Scientists?
Responsive Reading (RR):
What do you think is the “covering” or “veil”? (line 7) Can you give it another name? [maybe a cloud of grief? The New Living Translation says: “he will remove the cloud of gloom, the shadow of death that hangs over the earth.” Wesley's Notes say: “The veil – The ignorance of God . . . which . . . was upon the Gentiles . . . . now is upon the Jews.”]
What promises do you see in these verses that are made to both individuals and mankind collectively? What must we do to receive the blessings from these promises? (A: Nothing! We have inherited the kingdom! … Bosede Bacharay talks about “cashing the check” that's already been given to you. What would stop you from putting it in the bank if it's right in your hands, just for you!?)
Section 1: [“Great peace have they which love thy law.” (B-4)]
The verses selected in the Bible for this section appear to suggest a separation of people, between those who serve the Lord and those who do not (the few and the many of B-1, along with the sure prophesy of B-3 and the love of the law in B-4). How does Mrs. Eddy refute the claim that Christ and Christianity are for a chosen few? (see S-2) What can your students use from this section to help them reconcile apparent judgment calls in the Bible with the universality of Christ and Christian Science? You can use this conversation to help them connect spiritually with their friends (or even strangers) who are not Christian Scientists or even Christians. [Everyone can be blessed by discovering and loving the “divine laws of Life, Truth, and Love.” (S-4) These laws as set forth in Christian Science certainly bring with them a wonderful peace as we see God healing “every ill that flesh is heir to.” What are some of these ills that everyone would love to be free from?]
Section 2: [“The peace that comes from knowing only one Father, God, Universal Love”]
The beginning of Section 2 in the Bible correlates perfectly with the universality of Christian Science (B-5, B-6). However, it then declares that “the peace of God…shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (B-9 – italics added for emphasis). Is the Bible then saying that belief in Jesus is the only way to obtain the “peace of God”? Who is “Him that sent me”? (B-7) Mrs. Eddy refers to Him as “one Father” and calls his presence a unifier, by which we are all made brethren (S-7). How does all of this culminate in S-9? (“Universal Love is the divine way in Christian Science”) Explore with your students the depth of this statement, for it includes much love for our fellow man, regardless of creed, religion, belief system, or any other factor of material identification. [B-8 and the Lord's Prayer show Jesus' perception that we are children of one “Daddy”, the word “Abba” that Jesus used for God. Think about and discuss how Jesus' starting the Lord's Prayer with “Our Daddy” can help resolve conflicts with and between our Palestinian and Israeli brothers and sisters.]
Section 3: [“Peace to those far from God and those near, awakened by the Christ to financial responsibility”]
The Bible sets us up with a blanket statement that all will be healed (those far off and those near – B-10). There is a distinct consequence of this universal feeling of brotherhood toward all mankind. How did Jesus' reaction impact Zacchaeus, when everyone else was calling a sinner? (B-11; Luke 19:8) How can we have the same impact on others around us? What labels do we unconsciously or communally place on others without question? Can we heal our thought of others? Does our healing of our thought have a substantial impact on our relationship with others? Look at Section 3, S-10 through S-12, to explore the “science” Mrs. Eddy talks of. If it's a science, it must be something someone can demonstrate on a consistent basis. Do your students look at their practice of Christian Science as a practice of something reliable? If not, point them to S- 13. Certainly there are great promises within the joys of Christ, Love, Principle and so on. But there are disciplines one must adhere to, just as in any endeavor. How do your students expect to get good at a passion of theirs, be it sport, art, or any other pursuit? Do they demonstrate good theater or good play simply by thinking good thoughts?
[How could you practice breaking up cliques, leveling wealth with honesty and judging worth according to wisdom? (S-12, 239:7) If everyone worked from these values, how would that make a difference at a personal and worldwide level?]
Section 4: [The great peace of “health restored”]
Do your students see how universal this lesson is? (B-13 — “all nations”) How can you help your students to see just how perfectly and completely they are connected to “all nations” around them? Did the woman with the issue of blood ascribe to any religious doctrine? (B-14) Does it matter that Mark does not identify her any further than “a certain woman”? Her faith made her whole? What is faith, and what was her faith in? In Jesus the man? What truly healed this woman? How can your students repeat this wonder here and now? Look into section 4 of Science and Health with an open mind on what Christian Science is. What do your students think Christian Science is? How do S-15 through S-18 correlate with their already formed views, and how do they bring new aspects of Christian Science to light? [God's health care system-the Science of the Christ as practiced by Jesus–is the most-effective as well as the most cost-effective ever known to mankind. In healing the woman sick for 12 years with an “issue of blood” there was no waiting and no fees. (B-14) Rick Stewart wrote in his “Met” this week: “this healing power of the Christ is still operating through the teachings of the Comforter, Christian Science. Jesus . . . taught the generalities of his Principle, but the definite rules for demonstration remained a mystery until Christian Science was discovered.” You may want to share the remarkable healing of Doris Henty's facial scaring, deformity and paralysis related in Rick's “Met” this week. It would be good to share how Doris' vision of herself as having ‘the beauty of holiness' stirred her thought to change its base and allowed the harmony of divine Mind to be expressed. (See S-17, p. 162:4-11 and Addresses and Other Writings on Christian Science, Doris Henty)
Section 5: [The peace that comes from the promised Comforter.]
Who is the Son referred to in B-16? Is it necessarily Jesus? Must we believe on Jesus to have “everlasting life”? Just a few minutes ago, Jesus said that whoever believes on him (Jesus) believes not on Jesus, but on “him that sent me” (B-7). What is going on here? What does it mean to “believe in him”? Must we follow Jesus and him only to feel the peace he speaks of, to receive the “Comforter” promised in B-17? Look to Mrs. Eddy's “weary hope” in S-22 to explore this idea further. What is the promised Comforter? (S-22) Is it owned by any doctrine, creed or religious system of belief? What is Christian Science (S-19 through S-21), and what further light do these citations shed on this question?
[Rick Stewart says in this week's CedarS “Met”: “Webster defines “comfort” in part as the verb, “to cheer,” “to give strength and hope,” and “to ease the grief or trouble of” someone.” How has Christian Science cheered you? or eased your grief or trouble? How can it help you to help another through rough times?]
Section 6: [“At peace, peace on earth, good will toward man.”]
In the description of the holy city, what is stated as required before anyone can enter? Is it for one nation, or one people? Is it a literal description of heaven? What do the different elements symbolize? Here is where the companion book to the Bible (Science and Health)becomes infinitely helpful. Look at this section as a whole, paying particular attention to S-23 and S-24. This holy city is so much more than just a locality. One final time, explore the question, what is Christian Science. S-25 and S-26 shed even a little further light on the question. How do these citations open Christian Science up even further for connecting with those of other religions, sects, experience and opinions? [Let's make sure that we impart the warmth that comes with the light-and not come across as “the frozen chosen”. With our hearts on fire with gratitude, the journey from sense to Soul is speeded up and our PRACTICE of what we know opens wide the gates. Discuss ways you can “take it to that next level” in the coming year.]
