My freshman year of college I was out of state, living in a dorm with students from all over the United States and a few other countries. It was enriching to be in such a diverse environment and to discover different ways of thinking and doing things. And it was natural to try out some of these new things. Unwittingly, though, I tried some that had unexpected consequences.
For one, as I encountered various worldviews, I became skeptical of the truth of Christian Science I had known growing up. True, I could give all the “right” answers in Sunday School. But without my own proofs of the efficacy of Christian Science, I started thinking it might be just one of many views—valid to the mind of the holder, but having no inherent truth of its own.
Also, there was kind of a fad in the dorm to say, “I’m so depressed.” It might be followed by “because I haven’t finished my paper,” or by “because he hasn’t called.” Didn’t matter. I just remember this constant repetition of “I’m so depressed.” With a naïve curiosity furthered by a desire to fit in, I tried to figure out what it meant. Until then, I don’t recall ever having a moment of feeling sad, lonely, or unhappy. I’d been brought up knowing God’s love for me and for all, and had honestly believed God to be all good, and His good to be all.
