Roger Gordon - Christian Science Sentinel, Aug. 6, 2007
Recently, I’ve been looking at the tenets of Christian Science in a fresh way. More than just a set of rules, I’ve found, the tenets grant opportunities to really get in tune with God. As I’ve thought about them, it seems to me that the central message of the tenets is to know, feel, and love God supremely. These important points simply prepare my thought to reflect God’s thoughts. And they are all about gaining a higher and holier state of consciousness, which heals instantaneously. The last tenet in particular is a promise that can bring great rewards: “And we solemnly promise to watch, and pray for that Mind to be in us which was also in Christ Jesus; to do unto others as we would have them do unto us; and to be merciful, just, and pure”(Science and Health, p. 497). This helps us feel God in our lives and provides guidance in making good decisions. Consciously living this tenet helped me know God in such a comforting way—one that eventually led me to make a good decision in my life.
by Catherine Hellman
Have you ever been praying about a challenging experience and wished that the healing would just come? I’ve learned from my study of Christian Science that since God’s children are spiritual and always perfect, each healing is already complete—even if the human adjustment takes a bit more time then we would like.
Matthew Cocks - The Christian Science Journal, March 2008
I have always believed there is a God, or I suppose at least sensed that there’s something more than ourselves. But as I grew up, I developed the belief of a punishing God. I was quite scared of God actually. On one hand, I had the feeling that God was on my side, but on the other hand, that bad stuff would happen if I did anything wrong. It has been only in this past year (four years after learning about Christian Science) that I have gotten over this idea of a punishing God. It’s still something I work at really’understanding that God loves unconditionally, like a mother or a father. I kind of always knew that in theory, but in practice, I’d be fearful and worry about being punished. I’m still progressing in my understanding of the depth of God’s unconditional love.
Ali T. - Christian Science Sentinel, Oct. 1, 2007
My mind was churning as I contemplated and planned. What could I do next summer? It was only the fall of my sophomore year at Williams College, but I was already forecasting months ahead of time. I felt that if I was on the ball, I could do anything.
I’ve been told more than once that I over-think. Whether I’m behind the starting block at a swim meet or planning my major field of study, my mind is usually running like a faucet—and it can be hard to shut it off.
Kevin H. - the Christian Science Sentinel, Dec. 17, 2007
A few years ago, I didn’t know where my life was headed. I’d just begun college, and I had a growing feeling of uncertainty about the future, which turned into a fear of the future. I didn’t know which major to choose or which friends to hang out with, and I found being a college student was more of a struggle than I’d ever imagined.
The Christian Science Journal, Nov. ‘07
O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. — Psalms 106:1
Roger Gordon - The Christian Science Journal, Dec. 2006
I was thrilled. I had been admitted to college at one of the top theater schools in the United States, in the conservatory’s most competitive year ever.
Freshman year I took theater classes all day long with the same group of 15 students. The program was designed so we would get to know each other intimately, and we formed a very tight knit ensemble together. In our classes and outside of them, we laughed, cried, mourned, and celebrated life together.
by Casey Fedde
Adaptation. That is one of the things I’ve struggled with ever since stepping foot on the university campus as a college freshman. Transitioning from high school to college was like removing a blindfold and breaking the chains of childhood; college is liberating (in more ways than one), but it can become overwhelming very quickly.
One of the greatest academic freedoms of college for me, though, is choosing classes. For the first several semesters, registration was a greatly anticipated day. Since writing has always been one of my passions and talents in life (and pondering the quirks of English grammar an amusing pastime), I very fittingly found myself at home in the English department. However, my university has a small English department, so choosing classes–let alone professors–hasn’t always been in my control. Most semesters I have found myself in a required class for my major being taught by a professor that is…well, to be honest, monotone and terribly uninspiring.
by Kindahl Jackson
It is that time of year again for Christmas lights, pumpkin pies, and bringing out all of your winter coats. I love the holiday season! Every college student I know seems to have a calendar countdown to the day they’ll head home and relax for winter break.
As I’ve been looking forward to the approaching break, I’ve been thinking about what home really is. A lot of college students search for a home away from home. I know I did.
by Kindahl Jackson
It is that time of year again when exams, deadlines, and projects seem to engulf every college student. I am one of those college students who open up their planners and wonder where I can fit in time to sleep and eat between studying and class time. It all seems to limit the time I get to pray and to study Christian Science on a daily basis.
I viewed my spiritual progress Christian Science and getting closer to God last semester as something I would pencil in if I had time, but seriously that meeting at five won’t wait! I kind of stopped trying to apply Christian Science everyday with regards to my class work, but did pray when I truly thought I needed it-generally right before an exam or a huge project was due! This of course was a bad idea.
