Avoiding stereotypes
Recently, you wrote to contributors to the Christian Science magazines, sharing some radical ideas. Ideas shape experience, and these were radical only in the sense that they did not conform to the preconceived perceptions [of many of us] about writing for the magazines. The length of an article, for instance, has no set number of words but should suit the message. The clothing of an idea should not weigh down the form so much that the impact is blunted by heavy explanation or stereotyped vocabulary.
A wonderful growing point is implicit in this approach. I think a terse statement by Mary Baker Eddy crystallizes what has so far been said: "Truth cannot be stereotyped; it unfoldeth forever" (No and Yes, p. 45).
Christianity demands the expression and living of the qualities and ideas of God. Nothing in Christ Jesus' life included stereotypes. He confronted and discarded them. He did not accept that a loving Father—all good—could restrict or limit His expression. It would be natural to assume, therefore, that God's infinite variety is expressed in countless ways and forms. Expressing brings each of us closer to God.
Today's seed is tomorrow's growing. The ideas planted take form through the ideas expressed within, not through a pattern imposed. Does this not mean we primarily cherish spiritual ideas first and foremost? The human heart needs to know that the visitor in the form of a written contribution comes both softand sure-footed. The guise or form—poetry, drama, prose, even a combination of them—is secondary. ...
Who knows what spiritual ideas will cause a revolution in our thinking and expression, or guide and quiet the restless thought?
Gargunnock, Stirling, Scotland
Testimonies of healing
A year or so ago I watched a talk show audience on television applaud, cry, and be in awe because a guest had experienced a healing of some physical problem. It amazed me to see so many people in such awe over a single healing—not because it wasn't an important healing, which it was, but because healings are so normal and numerous in my life and in the lives of most Christian Scientists. Yet, I'm afraid Christian Scientists sometimes take them for granted.
After watching the show, I decided to keep an account of every healing for the next year. As I recorded each healing, I would go back and reread the previous entries. This caused me to give gratitude continually for them. It also gave me courage and confidence to face the next challenge, just as testimonies in the periodicals and at Wednesday meetings do.
The enclosed testimony is for your consideration—joyfully, if tardily, submitted!
Beaverton, Oregon.
Contributing editors
I thought I knew what an editor was—in fact, I even made sure by reading my big fat dictionary. As an author of many books, a newspaper columnist, a guest editor for a magazine, and a contributor to the Christian Science periodicals, I have had editors who gently improved my submissions. But now you have me stumped! What is a contributing editor?—a term you use at the end of some articles.
Escondido, California.
Editor's note: Since those of us who work here on the editing staff must tend closely to the details of our work in Boston, we have little time to be out in the field. So, to expand the scope of our work, we have asked Christian Scientists in various locations to accept writing projects from us on assignment, occasionally to conduct interviews, and to watch for and inform us about trends of thought that need to be addressed in the periodicals.
The Journal invites readers to engage in a lively exchange with one another regarding the ideas presented in its pages. Please send your comments and questions. Letters should include the writer's full name, address, and telephone number, and be addressed to:
Letters to the Editor, P–602
The Christian Science Publishing Society
Journal, Sentinel, and Herald Editorial Department
One Norway Street
Boston, MA 02115–3122 U.S.A.
Our e-mail address is: journal@csps.com
