What Is a Pioneer to you? Someone who's not afraid to brave new territory or gain a new perspective? An individual who steps out ahead with vision and courage? Whatever your definition, you'll probably agree that the world greatly needs pioneers.
As highlighted in the October 1998 issue of the Journal, more than 1,500 students and faculty from thirty-eight countries gathered last August to consider what it means to be a spiritual pioneer, especially during this time of renewed societal interest in spirituality. The conference, entitled "Pioneers of the Spiritual Millennium," was held at The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. They looked at Mary Baker Eddy's pioneering role in the areas of spirituality and healing, and took a fresh look at her primary work, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.
At one point during the conference, participants were given a paperback copy of Science and Health for their own use or to give to another. The speaker for that session emphasized that this book continues to offer guidance to today's spiritual pioneers. The participants were then given fifteen minutes of quiet in which to pray and read the book with fresh eyes. It was a holy time!
