Editorials

Suppose you've never heard of Christian Science or of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. Suppose you come from a different culture, have been brought up in a religion other than Christianity.

We were watching a little fellow who's almost five as he helped first his dad, then a next-door neighbor, and finally us as we shoveled out from a new snowfall. I wish you could have seen this fellow—his face truly was angelic.

Agendas serve as useful guidelines for action. Far from being a straitjacket, a good agenda gives a framework for activity and provides an orderly plan of procedure.

Navigating safely in strong winds takes special care. A commercial airline pilot I know described the phenomenon called "wind shear.

Road signs that say "Blasting area: turn off two-way radios" or "Wrong way: go back" might not seem very exciting, until we have a vivid experience of the reasons for paying attention to them! Following the rules is occasionally thought to be boring and restrictive. But if we tend to feel that way in connection with Christian Science, it's an indication we are missing something utterly basic— the true dimensions of scientific Christianity.

Christ Jesus , in his unique role as the Son of God, sowed the seed of truth in a remote area of Palestine centuries ago, and Christianity took root in human hearts. Even though Jesus never traveled a great distance during his ministry, his teachings have reached throughout the world today.

First questions about Christian Science often have to do with whether Christian Scientists are the people who believe in spiritual healing. Sometimes follow-up queries relate to what one would do in hypothetical situations.

One morning as I sat at an intersection waiting for a break in traffic, a large truck pulled out into the path of an oncoming car. The apparent point of impact was just a few feet in front of me.

Why would someone conclude that it's needful, even crucial, to put everything else aside and devote two weeks (perhaps one's only vacation time all year) to a course of spiritual study? This endeavor may well demand significant sacrifice, prayer, and reordering of priorities. What would prompt this step? For the student of Christian Science who is considering Primary class instruction (provided for in the Manual of The Mother Church by our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy), understanding why we should have class instruction is as important as feeling that we may want to do it.

The official name is Primary class instruction. And primary means "first in time or order of development.