Every child, every teenager, has a deep, irresistible desire to know God. He or she may not always think of it that way. But all children yearn to be loved, to be understood, to feel secure, and to be happy. In the deepest sense, this is a yearning for God.
The fact that every child already is the beloved child of God, Spirit, gives Sunday School a joyous purpose. Here a child may discover his or her true identity as God's spiritual idea. The Glossary in Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy gives a Biblically derived view of children. It reads, in part, "Children. The spiritual thoughts and representatives of Life, Truth, and Love." Science and Health, p. 582. So, the outlook in a Christian Science Sunday School is to see children as "representatives of Life, Truth, and Love"—not representatives of human factors, backgrounds, or limitations of character. What a haven this outlook provides for a child!
When I was growing up, I loved going to Sunday School. It was an anchor to me. It was something dependable. I knew what to expect from it, and sometimes when everything else in my life felt upside down, Sunday School was always there— right way up. It was a place where my questions and concerns about life were responded to seriously, respectfully, and impersonally. Not necessarily by any particular teacher, but by the teachings of the "impersonal pastor" Miscellaneous Writings, p. 322. (the Bible and Science and Health) and by the atmosphere generated by the spiritual mission of Church.
