Articles

A church-related assignment led me recently to a rereading of the Gospel of John. I came to Jesus’ passion in the garden of Gethsemane, but was startled to find that there was no kiss!—no record of his being thus identified by Judas as Jesus ( John 18: 1–12 ).

Chances are you’ve seen that notice if you’ve ever driven through a fishing community. Word circulates about what’s being caught and the lure becomes irresistible.

Mary Baker Eddy founded the Church of Christ, Scientist, in 1879. Following its disorganization in 1889, she moved in 1892 to organize The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, as a church that would carry on the universal mission of Christian Science.

Journal readers, who also subscribe to The Herald of Christian Science, will find something quite new about their September Herald. All of our readers will enjoy this article by the former Managing Editor of the German Herald, Michael Seek, which also appears in all four editions of the September Herald in their respective languages.

On the face of it, the experience I’m about to relate is the weirdest thing that has ever happened to me. But it turned out to be a valuable lesson and a means of helping others facing similar experiences.

When I am asked, “So, what do you do?” my response frequently brings a raised eyebrow. “I’m a Christian Science nurse,” I say.

Though I was not raised in Christian Science, as a child I always loved the Bible and the accounts of Jesus’ healings. I asked my parents and Sunday School teachers why we did not heal as Jesus said we would, and they replied that healing was only for those in ancient times.

I became a member of The Mother Church when I was 16 years old. My membership kept me safe through my rebellious teenage years.

I have always felt a special calling to pray regularly for the world. While I was growing up, my immigrant parents taught my brothers and me to appreciate other cultures.

We raised our two children on a remote cattle ranch in New Mexico, 150 miles from the nearest Christian Science branch church. We had no television, and mail was delivered three times a week.