Editor's note: Hazel Joynes, a contributing editor from England, met with four Christian Scientists in Yorkshire last October. They were The discussion focused on how Christian Scientists, individually and as a Church, can better communicate with their neighbors.
Hazel Joynes: To its followers, the two words Christian Science speak of Christian healing, salvation, regeneration, and spiritual solutions. It would seem, though, that this is not how the vast majority of the community interprets them. How can we help our neighbors recognize what Christian Science really is?
Ralph Mallinson: You're referring to the misconceptions the general public has about Christian Science: for example, that its adherents are the people who don't believe in doctors, who are connected with spiritualism or scientology, or who don't care for their children properly; that it's a cult, or that it's not a Christian religion. I think the best way to correct these is to live Christian Science ourselves in daily life, and as Christ Jesus told us, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matt. 5:16. It's by our fruits that we will be known.
