SQUARE ONE

IF YOU'VE EVER BEEN PROSELYTIZED BY SOMEONE intolerant of all but his or her own beliefs, you know how uncomfortable that feels. You want to express kindness, even forbearance, but you find it difficult. And the last thing you want to do is get into a debate. Why? Because in cases like these, people doing the proselytizing usually want only to convince you of the absolute rightness of their beliefs. And this inflexibility, even when one's motives stem from a desire to see other people "saved" or redeemed from sin or wayward theologies, slams the doors of resistance and division rather than opening up dialogue and real spiritual sharing.

This month's cover feature—"Religious warfare—what's the answer?"—seeks to explore the pressing issue that dominates so much of today's headlines. Three of our contributors have tackled this subject from various perspectives, and each brings practical, spiritually sound approaches for us as spiritual thinkers and healers to ponder and implement.

Also, read the informative discussion the Journal held recently with the Christian Science Board of Education on many of the questions church members often ask concerning Christian Science teachers, the Normal class, and Primary class instruction. This thoughtful, healing discussion will clear up many misperceptions about how the Board undertakes to follow the directives in the Manual of the Mother Church on these important issues.