LETTERS

Journal's "reporting" on Jesus' healings

I just received the February Journal. Looking through it, I turned to the article "A 'reporter's' perspective on Jesus' healings" [p. 31] and started to read. What a joy it was to read. How creative and how inspirational. I felt as if I were one of the reporters in the crowd.

Thanks for making the Journal such a refreshing publication. In the past, many years ago, I had a hard time reading and understanding the ideas expressed. Now, perhaps because I am making progress in my own spiritual journey, the articles seem clear, enjoyable, and uplifting. I just wanted you to know that I realize and appreciate the efforts of all the Journal staff to make the publication more accessible to the public.

Mary Alyce Minor
Mont Vernon New Hampshire

More about the Gospels

In reading the article in the December 2003 issue of the Journal,

"What the Gospels say— or don't say—about Jesus' birth" [p. 40], I commend Professor Follis on the analysis, and it was most interesting. Many people, I'm sure, don't realize that two of the Gospels do not cover the birth of Jesus and many other of the pertinent facts Professor Follis covers in the article.

There were a couple of small points she mentioned that specifically caught my attention. She states, "It's also not surprising, then, that Matthew's account declares that three wise men paid tribute to the 'royal' infant." Matthew's account does not actually declare that three wise men came from the east—only that "there came wise men from the east" [see Matt. 2:1]. I could find no reference to "three" applied to the wise men anywhere in the Bible.

Also, later in the article, she states, ". . . it's easy to understand why the author of Luke's Gospel doesn't mention kings . . ." Luke truly did not mention kings, but neither did any other Gospel. The statement leads one to believe that someone talked about kings coming to the manger but that Luke didn't. The Gospels don't mention "three," nor do they mention "king" in connection with visiting the infant Jesus in the manger.

David E. Phelps
Ocala, Florida

Elaine Follis's response:

The writer of the letter is correct on both counts. While royalty and wisdom are closely connected in a number of instances in ancient Near Eastern literature, there is no explicit reason here to suggest the Magi are other than members of a learned class from a foreign culture. This is, to be quite honest, the first time I have actually realized the number three is not present in the narrative! For all these years, tradition has augmented text in my thought, and I do appreciate having my attention called to that fact.

Thanks for "Spiritual healing" series

I write as a lifelong Christian Scientist (a member of The Mother Church since 1942). For most of that time I have been a subscriber to the periodicals, including the Journal. As I understand it, the main purpose of the periodicals is to help folks learn how to heal. In this context, I have found the interviews with practitioners most impressive. Especially helpful to me was the interview by Jeffrey Hildner with Robert A. Johnson in the January 2004 Journal [p. 23]. Thank you for this effort. Keep up the good work.

Mary Elizabeth Sanders
Baton Rouge Louisiana

Gratitude for articles on gratitude

For many years I have been blessed by reading the Journal. Many of the articles printed in the Journal over 50 years have strengthened me to meet various challenges. Some articles have been saved, others shared. It has been a joy to witness the progress the Journal has accomplished in its goal to benefit all mankind. I would like to express gratitude for the article entitled "Gratitude—and the light of healing" by Colleen Douglass [November 2003, p. 35]. She stated that gratitude is a celebration of good in our lives, in ourselves, and in others.

The article by Hildegard Arnesen titled "Gratitude freed me from melancholy" [November 2003, p. 38] prompted me to appreciate our Christian Science Hymnal and sing with gratitude. I am grateful that Hildegard American shared her experiences in Russia with the many readers enjoying the Journal. Will look forward with anticipation to the many lively surprises being revealed in the Journal.

Ruth H. Holmes
Aberdeen, Washington

On Faith Communities

I recently inquired about Sufism from a very good friend who is an Iranian Muslim. He and his Serbian Christian Orthodox wife (another wonderful story!) have been reading Science and Health for several months, and we have had many stimulating conversations regarding spirituality and spiriutal healing. His answer to inquiry made me smile, and I thought it might do the same for you: "For Sufism, I can point to pages 50 and 51 of the Journal, February 2003. I really liked that article. I am afraid I don't know much about them, though I am very interested to read more when I have time."

I wonder how many times a Muslim has used a Christian Science magazine as a reference to answer a question about an arm of his own religion? We certainly have entered the 21st century!

Lynne Buckley-Quirk
St. Louis. Missouri

Great cover image!

A great cover on November issue! I can feel God, Love, right through the paper! I am so thankful to partake of this spiritual "food" every day.

Madeleine Tuttle
Healdsburg California