In the interview with Christiane West Little ["The Language of Listening," December 2008, p. 18], I particularly related to the discussion of falling into a trap of a "holier than thou" attitude toward those who think differently.
I share the great diversity of religion and philosophies in my family that she mentions as present in her family. I loved her answer to the statement, "When we worship a religion rather than God, it can feel like obedience without the joy." She said: "... the is so important! God already rejoices over us. We don't need to take personal responsibility for upholding Christian Science ... Instead, we need to just accept the facts that 'I am the instrument of God's love, of God's peace. I am the instrument through which God sings His joy over His creation,' ... We're all actually living and moving and having our being as the Bible verse says, all within the divine Love that embraces humanity. And as we listen to this message, we can't help but express that love with which we are being loved by God. This comes with great joy. To welcome the healing babe of Christmas into our hears, every day, no matter what the season!" I am especially grateful for this Christmas gift from the author, which erases a comment made to me by a Christian Scientist years ago when I began studying this wonderful religion: "You poor dear ... you stand alone!" This article truly is "a gentle reminder that "divinity embracing humanity' starts in our own backyard."
SUMMERFIELD, FLORIDA, US
