In response to the Journal's talk with Peter Ackerman about nations and their struggles for freedom, we asked three Christian Science practitioners and teachers to offer their thoughts and experiences as they look out on the world. Since each comes from a different part of the globe, each one took a different approach to the subject. The first writer is from the United States.
Take a flexible ball, squeeze it. Release the oppressive pressure, and the ball returns to its natural shape. Similarly, knowing that oppression cannot change the true, free condition of the man and woman of God's creating inspires my hopes and shapes my prayers for humanity's ultimate freedom throughout the globe.
People aren't rubber balls, of course. But I find the image useful to remind myself that the original condition of humankind is freedom from all that would oppress, and that domination of any kind cannot leave a lasting impression. This may be easier for me to see, living, as I do, in a country known for individual freedom. I'm seeing more and more, however, that my own freedom is neither complete nor secure while others struggle under despotism. And that gives me an obligation to pray for those caught in political traps.
