What is spiritual rebirth? David C. Kennedy will tell you it's the fundamental key to true self-improvement. And for one simple reason: "It's the coming to light of what we really are." Or, as Mary Baker Eddy explained it, "With the spiritual birth, man's primitive, sinless, spiritual existence dawns on human thought ..." (Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 17). David explores this topic in detail in his article "A higher view of self-improvement" (p. 32). A Christian Science practitioner, David makes his home in Naples, Florida.
The quote that begins Channing Walker's article this month (p. 40)—"Can't we all just get along?"—may have been made famous by Rodney King, the Los Angeles man who uttered those words after the acquittal of police officers who had beaten him triggered widespread rioting. But it reverberates to this day with anyone who reads the newspaper—or faces the daily demands of interpersonal relationships. However, says Channing, a Christian Science practitioner in Glendora, California, "As glimpses of God's Fatherhood, and therefore of humanity's brotherand sisterhood, multiply, divides begin to close."
We were already thinking about fresh takes on our favorite November subject—gratitude—when Amanda Weitman's piece dropped into our inbox. But, says Amanda, the lessons she describes in her article extended far beyond the realm of thanks giving. "What's cool," she says, "is that even though the experience gave me many opportunities to grow spiritually, the result was that no evidence of the complaint was left on my work record. It was like the whole thing never happened, and yet I still get the benefit of all the lessons learned!" Check out "Siding with good" (p. 52) for more.
