Articles

As a student  of Christian Science for some 50 years now, I wish to express my gratitude for all of the ongoing prayerful work that goes into shoring up the timeliness and relevance of this religion in the 21st century. Many contemporary examples of this work can be found in the current Christian Science periodicals.

Like many women throughout the ages, I have struggled with the model for womanhood that the world presents to us, primarily its standard of material beauty. At times, I have tried to achieve this standard, while at other times I have striven to feel independent of its false definition.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. — First Peter 5:6, 7 It is generally held in the practice of Christian Science healing that a right understanding of man’s relationship to God, the application of specific spiritual truths to the circumstance at hand, and selfless love for God and man, heal all inharmonious conditions.

It was such a privilege to be a part of a jazz workshop a number of years ago, working with musicians who were willing to share years of honed experience. While most of us were amateurs, all of the teachers were currently making commercial CDs or performing live all over the world.

One day, as I planned a lesson for my Sunday School class the following week, I came upon the meaning of the word grace. As it is used in the Bible, I understand its meaning to have an aspect of undeserved goodness, such as when someone does you a favor unexpectedly.

Each Christmas season I read the story of Jesus’ birth from the Gospel of Matthew (see chap. 2:1–11 ).

I had been studying Christian Science for a little over a year when a fellow Christian Scientist presented me with three Christmas gifts: a bottle of perfume, a box of chocolates, and a three-month subscription to The Christian Science Monitor. I was pleased with the first two gifts, but not so pleased with the third.

The first verse of a hymn frequently sung this time of year says, referring to Jesus: “.

Many Bible students turn to the Psalms for inspiration, comfort, and guidance. Often the beautiful truths recorded there become a foundation for prayer for oneself or for others.

Who doesn’t wish to feel whole and healthy? In the King James version of the Bible, the book of John tells of “a certain man” who waited for 38 years to be healed of an unnamed malady, so he could carry on a fuller life (see John 5:2–14 ). Every day, he sat by the same pool—called Bethesda—hoping for the periodic angel visitor to stir the water.