If you’re reading this column, you’ve probably studied the Bible Lesson published in the Christian Science Quarterly at some point in the past day. More than that, you’ve probably worked with it, gotten useful ideas from it, and found ways to apply those ideas to benefit yourself, your family, your community, and the world at large.
Maybe you studied the Lesson using one of our print or digital Full-Text Editions. Or maybe you listened to one of the audio editions, or worked directly with our pastor, the books the Lesson comes from: the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy. Which of those formats you find most helpful depends on your particular circumstances; there’s no single right procedure for studying the Lesson. What is important is that you approached it with an expectation that it would provide answers—solutions to anything that might arise during the day—and that it would inspire you to think more deeply about the metaphysical truths the Lesson holds as well as the questions it raises. And, of course, deeper study of the Lesson and expanded prayerful work with the pastor bring answers to those deeper questions, too.
As we prepare for publication the various editions of the Quarterly, we’re always considering how we can make them more useful, more effective avenues of communication with the pastor. We also receive many helpful suggestions and requests from our readers. These ideas are evaluated through prayer and inspiration, and those that contribute to a deeper engagement with the content of the Lesson, rather than just focus on its form, are implemented if financially feasible.
Since its first publication two decades ago, the Full-Text Edition (for the last few years also called the Study Edition) has seen two major redesigns as well as various minor changes. In January 2013 it will see its next transformation. While past changes have focused on portability, often at the expense of readability and space for taking notes, the growing availability of electronic editions that can be studied easily on mobile devices allows us to shift our focus away from portability, making it possible to enlarge the regular print version. This allows for larger type, with a higher proportion of white space between lines, which makes it easier to underline or highlight passages and makes the text feel less cramped. There will also be more white space around the text for people who like to make notes in the margins. We’re also eliminating the use of white type on colored backgrounds, something many people find hard to read.
This reverses a long-standing trend toward ever smaller type in the Full-Text Edition, a trend which necessitated the creation some years ago of a special Large-Print Edition. With circulation of this specialized edition declining, we are rapidly approaching a time when producing it will no longer be financially responsible. As a result, we’re phasing out the Large-Print Edition at the end of this year, confident that the new Full-Text Edition’s enlarged type will be comfortably readable for most people who currently subscribe to the Large-Print Edition. However, we are also aware that it may be a difficult transition for some. We will work closely with subscribers to match them with editions that meet their needs. A letter with more detailed information about the options available is on its way to all subscribers. A Web page, BibleLesson.com/news, will also have this information as well as downloadable sample pages so readers can evaluate for themselves which Bible Lesson edition will be best for them.
Other than our pastor itself, perhaps no text is closer to your heart or more central to your practice of Christian Science than the Bible Lesson. By the same token, nothing is more important to us than providing the Lesson in the most practical forms possible, allowing you to work with it in the ways you find most inspiring and productive and to find the healing ideas you need for every situation. After all, healing and salvation for all are the heart of each Bible Lesson.
