From the Christian Science Sentinel, Jan. 14 & 21, 2008
The following posts are from a recent tmcyouth.com discussion. These selected comments are not republished with the Sentinel’s intent to endorse particular views, but to give a snapshot of current issues young people are thinking and praying about in today’s world.
Danie13
As a Christian Scientist, what kind of movies do you think people should watch? I’ve been wrestling with this question, and any response will be greatly appreciated.
by Matthew Cocks
A few years ago I spent some time reading about the life of Mohandas K Gandhi (more popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi). Gandhi was an Indian political and spiritual leader who lived most his life during the first half of the twentieth century. He was very influential in the process of India gaining independence from British colonial rule.
As fascinating as I found his extraordinary political career, it was his spiritual approach to life and thoughts on the nature of God which particularly interested me. Gandhi was a radical spiritual thinker. He loved simplicity, and is very well known for his strong encouragement of non-violence.
by John Biggs
It’s amazing how time has ceased to be an issue at all for me…every day is just so full. I almost don’t know what to write! Everything has been such a blessing, and an opportunity for blessing…there’s not just one over-arching story.
One thing I’ve been very grateful for is that while many sights and activities have been so new and breathtaking, I’ve really felt at home for the most part. I suppose that some of the things I’ve been doing and seeing are pretty exotic compared to my experiences before this, but it also feels very natural.
by Steven Cramer
It’s something you need when you travel to any country. It’s proof of your national identity. It gives you a right of passage. In a way, it gives you a purpose for being where you are. It’s your passport.
I know the practical importance of having a passport when traveling, but lately I’ve been thinking a lot about what that document really represents. Is it just something that is used when exploring foreign regions, or can we have a sense of identity, a right of passage, and a purpose no matter where we are?
by Kyle Turner
In Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy defines Christ as, “The divine manifestation of God, which comes to the flesh to destroy incarnate error.” In my search for community in Christ, I’ve loved this idea of God’s manifestation that destroys error, evil, fear, confusion, worry, and grief is the foundation that supports this community. (more…)
by Sandra Scott
I was feeling totally ineffective. After three days of concentrated effort on an important project, I just couldn’t seem to center my thinking on my research. My thoughts kept ricocheting around in circles. Instead of focusing on my work, I found myself thinking up grocery lists, wondering if the mail had arrived, answering my e-mail, and finally coming back to my project. It felt like a never-ending ride on the Tilt-a-Whirl!
by Miranda Miller
I have grown quite fond of this big town they call Boston. Every aspect of my experience here-this internship, new friendships, city life, spiritual growth-has become very rich over these couple of months. I have to admit, when I first arrived after having spent a year living near the charming city of Chicago, I was a little skeptical. But the more I looked around me, the more I began to notice how much Boston has to offer.
It’s as if there’s this giant reflecting pool, full of opportunities to get outside of myself and grow into a new realm of understanding, but it’s up to me to decide if I want to just walk on by, dip my toe in, or jump right in. Fortunately, unlike the reflecting pool outside my office window on The Mother Church plaza, there aren’t any “No Swimming” signs or security guards at my pool-it’s fair game!
by Miranda Miller
Hi! My name is Miranda and I’m the newest TMC Youth intern. I used to think I had somewhat of a unique name, until I found myself living with Katja, Annika, and Huguette (my 3 fabulous housemates). Now, I try to make my name sound more exciting by saying it with an enthusiastic Spanish accent. I’ve been living in Beantown for about a month now, working as an intern for The Mother Church’s Integrated International Planning Team. With a department name like that, you’d think we were all superheroes trying to make the world a better place, and you’d be right, minus the capes. But even if I were Bionic Woman, I wouldn’t tell you here. (more…)
by David Bates
Halloween is coming up at the end of this month and you know what that means. Stores are decking the halls with boughs of ghouls, ghosts, and goblins. Obviously these marketplaces aren’t literally stocking up on haunted creatures. Instead they fill the shelves with imaged representations of figures in the form of masks, make-up, and costumes. If you want to look like an evil Frankenstein or a bloody vampire, you simply select a costume and accessories that best suit your intensions.
To me, some of the scariest Halloween costumes are those that depict politicians. I’ve seen presidents Nixon, Clinton, and the current Bush each portrayed in mask form-very terrifying indeed. In fact, thinking about seeing mummy and werewolf trick-or-treaters standing right next to others portrayed as politicians taught me something. And it’s helping me see a new way to approach the people I think about, including those working in our government.
by Owen Lubuya
Nearly everyday when I go to work at TMC Youth or the Records Management Department, I pass by The Mother Church. I have been looking at the architecture of the building for a while. But one day in late July, as I was looking at the architectural detail of both the original church edifice and the extension of The Mother Church, I realized that it’s really amazing when the minute details catch your attention.
The architectural work made me ponder deeply one of the synonyms of God: infinite Mind. Mind is all-knowing and He is aware of all the ideas that emanate from Him. Intelligence is an attribute of God and man in his true entity expresses this divine intelligence in various ways. Among those ways that this intelligence is expressed is through minute architectural details. It also made me think about the oneness of God with His creation. The beautiful and organized architectural work is not only found in the building of The Mother Church, but also in the design of the different offices on the church plaza-and of course in buildings throughout the city of Boston and the world!
