The first article in this series ("Why now?" in the August 1994 Journal) explored the dimensions of Christian discipleship that flow from Mary Baker Eddy's stated life-purpose, . . to impress humanity with the genuine recognition of practical, operative Christian Science" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 207). Subsequent articles have reported on how Christian Scientists and those of other faiths who are concerned about today's challenges to religious freedom are living their love of Christian discipleship. Recently a letter came to us from Polly Castor, a Christian Scientist who lives in the New York City area. The experience she narrates in her letter illustrates how one individual responded to the signs of spiritual hunger around her by being alert, attuned, and in Paul's words, "ready to distribute, willing to communicate" (I Tim. 6.18).
"New occasions
teach new duties..."
Later we talked with Polly about this experience. What struck us most was her motive, it all began because she wanted to support a friend who was searching for meaning, for spiritual truths to live by. And she was willing to go to the friend's side of the road, and walk a long way with her, because she cared. Polly explained that she herself had gone through quite a long search before finding Christian Science, a search that led her out of atheism. She had explored many belief systems along the way.
