The decision to take Primary class instruction in Christian Science brings one to a vital point in his growth as a Christian Scientist. Having arrived at this point, one can be certain of his God-given ability to be guided spiritually and to choose for himself who will be his teacher. The process of gaining freedom from the influence of someone else's opinions, however sincere they may be, prepares one to make this decision. It also prepares one to be open-minded and receptive to the Christ, Truth, as it is unfolded by the teacher in the classroom.
Were Primary class teaching a matter merely of presenting the subject content of Christian Science in a clear and logical form, the question Who shall be my teacher? would be of minor importance. But the teaching of Christian Science, if it is done rightly, involves much teaching of the individual pupil. Mary Baker Eddy-tells us in Rudimental Divine Science: "It is impossible to teach thorough Christian Science to promiscuous and large assemblies, or to persons who cannot be addressed individually, so that the mind of the pupil may be dissected more critically than the body of a subject laid bare for anatomical examination. Public lectures cannot be such lessons in Christian Science as are required to empty and to fill anew the individual mind." Rud., p. 15;
This, coupled with the fact that under normal circumstances the relationship of a pupil with his teacher is for life, means that the time of making this choice is a time for recognizing the presence and power of divine intelligence and for claiming one's identity as the reflection of that intelligence. Some at this point may already have found that they know how to pray and receive their answer directly from the divine Mind. Others may not yet have learned of their ability to be guided through prayer—they expect to gain this through class instruction—and they may need to consider some practical questions that will help them make the decision.
