On evolution
I enjoyed Jeffrey Hildner's article "What Science and Health says about evolution" [January]. It's interesting to note that Charles Darwin and Mary Baker Eddy both had domineering fathers, suffered illnesses for much of their lives, and were recipients of revelation who further evolved their revelations throughout their lives.
Psychologist, systems scientist, and evolutionary theorist David Loye wrote a controversial book, Darwin's Lost Theory of Love, which focuses on Darwin's largely ignored post-The Origin of the Species work. A correction was made in the June 2003 Journal: "The title of one of Charles Darwin's works was misstated in our Letters column [March, p. 4]. The correct abbreviated title is On the Origin of Species. And, in case you're interested, its full title is On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Race." Loye proposes that Darwin's initial thoughts on evolution evolved from a theory that tells us we are aggressive, selfish, alone, subject to chance and a grand biological preprogrammed fate, to a theory that views mankind as primarily driven by love, "the need to transcend ourselves," that we are linked to everyone and everything by something beyond, call it God, spirituality, the cosmic connection, or the quantum vacuum.
I look forward to science and religion evolving their appreciation and understanding of Darwin beyond the traditionally limited scope. What a healing that will be!
Buena Vista, Colorado
Healing depression
I am writing to say how moved I was by the article "Help with depression" by Elise L. Moore in the December Journal. It brought tears to my eyes. My thought was that I could only hope to be able to help someone so selflessly.
Glenmont, New York
An important role
How grateful I am for the many ways I have been blessed by the [Christian Science] periodicals over the past few years. Not only have they helped me find healing for myself and my family, but they have also been an important element in my outreach activities: discussions with a class of inquisitive teenage Sunday School students; work in a downtown city Reading Room whose visitors may know nothing about Christian Science but simply love God and the Bible; conversations with friends of various denominations who also turn to prayer. In each of these activities, I have blessed and been blessed.
The article "Publishing for the seeker" [December] was absolutely wonderful! It really helped to expand my perspective on the purpose of the periodicals and the goals of those who publish them. It helped me to see that the Journal and Christian Science Sentinel are not just for Christian Scientists; they are promoting goodwill, respect, understanding, and love, and are prompting us to think beyond our own denomination to a world seeking healing.
As spiritual healing becomes more widely recognized, Christian Scientists must expect and be ready for outreach opportunities. The Christian Science periodicals are paving the way for this, enabling us to understand more clearly what the world is thinking about, what the issues are, and how we can promote greater unity of thought.
Recently some letters to the editor have criticized the lack of deep metaphysical articles that once filled the pages of the Journal. I must admit that there have been times when I too have questioned this. But then, when outreach opportunities presented themselves, I found myself utilizing articles, ideas, and thoughts presented in the Journal. As a result, I came to realize the vital role the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health, plays in providing us with the deep metaphysics we seek. The periodicals are fulfilling an important role—enabling the world to understand and utilize the gift of spiritual healing.
Woodstock, Georgia
All letters to the editor (see addresses on the right) will be considered submissions for publication unless you request otherwise, and are subject to editing for length and clarity. Opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily those of The Christian Science Journal.
Thank you so much for the four short articles in the December Journal explaining the purpose of each of our Leader's magazine and radio publications. Very informative and made me proud that I'm a subscriber!
Lodi, California
Understanding Scriptures
Thank you for Brian Clendenen's "A book that brightens Scriptures" [November]. As a new student of Christian Science a number of years ago, I had a similar experience when two young Mormon missionaries came to my door, wanting me to buy and read their book. I offered to trade books with them for two weeks, as I was willing to try their book if they would try mine.
I read it with no trouble at all, because I used the light of Christian Science in my reading of The Book of Mormon. The young men left me the book without charge. I was just sorry I did not have an extra [Science and Health] to give to them, as the one I had was just too precious to lose. Since then, I have learned to always have an extra copy of Science and Health on hand for giving.
Balfour, British Columbia Canada
Faith Communities
It is important for Christian Scientists to know about the Quaker religion [see "The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)" December]. My grandfather gave funds to William Penn to transport the Bristol Quakers to Pennsylvania on the ship Welcome. Grandpa, Sir John Knight, had been mayor of Bristol and a friend of King Charles II. Grandps was a devoted Quaker. Penn's treaties with the native Americans were not broken. Penn was a man of peace and wanted freedom of worship.
Davis, California
Letters to the Editor, C04–10
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