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by Shirley Paulson
My hope for this blog is that we can talk candidly together about our efforts at conversation with other Christians. My experiences with Christian Science healing, as well as my deep love for God and all humanity, make me convinced that Christian Science is a gift to Christianity (and consequently, the whole world!).
I’ve experienced some pretty tough conversations, though, like the times I’ve been told I’m going to hell, or that I wasn’t Christian if I didn’t accept Jesus as God. Maybe you’ve encountered these, too. I hope that discussions among Christian Scientists in this blog will help us use what we have and gain more tools in support of great conversations with our fellow Christians.
I want to tell a little story here, as an introduction to the way I got involved in some of these wonderful conversations. Soon after I became a Christian Science practitioner, I eagerly became a member of my town’s clergy association. I was interested in learning about them, and I thought they’d at least be curious about Christian Science healing.
Wrong. There were a few polite questions, like, “What does the Reader do in your church?” or, “Does the church pay for your counseling work?” But once we got past the structure of things, it was as if I didn’t even exist.
After a couple of years of awkward silence between the clergy and me, I had a revelation on the subject. I noticed how they enjoyed talking with my daughter who was home on a brief break from her studies at Harvard Divinity School. It was a conversation I couldn’t participate in, and it dawned on me that all of the clergy, including Jews, Catholics, and Protestants, had attended seminaries or divinity schools. This was the shared experience that formed a great deal of their conversations.
Although I felt the graduate work in a seminary wouldn’t make me a better practitioner or supercede the spiritual growth I had gained in my Primary Class Instruction, I was interested in finding where Christian Science would fit in the conversation with mainline Christianity. I decided to enroll in one evening course in a nearby seminary, to see if I could really learn to converse better with other Christians.
One course led to another, until I finished my Master’s degree in Theological Studies. And I confess, I was shocked at what I learned! After a while I began to understand why Christians often believe Christian Scientists are going to hell; why Christian Scientists are not considered to be Christian; why Jesus is considered God; why the topic
of healing is so often dismissed; and why conversations between Christian Scientists and other Christians can become so uncomfortable. The only way to pass each course was to find the place where Christ was working among us, and to discover how to engage in the great conversations that would be inevitable among informed, thoughtful, and loving Christians.
So in this blog, I’ll share some of the history and theology of mainline Christianity that will explain the basic reasons behind the opposition to Christian Science. And more importantly, what there is in Christian Science that not only addresses those views, but shows what it is in Christian Science that truly sheds light on some of the long-held mysteries of Christianity itself.
It would be great to hear from blog readers, to know what kinds of experiences you’ve had in your conversations with Christians. Perhaps what’s worked, what hasn’t worked, and any questions you’d like me to discuss. It’s an exciting topic, because Christian Science belongs in the Christian conversation.
George Miller Says:
Ms Paulson,
You and I have talked before about this topic. I tried taking an on line course from a Bible College sponsored by the Nazrenes. I was not able to talk to the professors face to face so it did seem to work for me. The theology in the lessons was so foreign from what I have been taught in CS Class Instruction that it was hard for me to give them what they wanted in answering their questions.
After reading your blog I may take another approach to the course and give it another shot and take the final exam and write the 1,000 word paper they want on the Christ. I guess I will have to be careful in the paper to make sure it is accepted. They too teach that Jesus is God.
Yours truly.
George Miller, Jr.
Shirley Paulson Says:
George, I’m glad to hear of your efforts to participate in conversation with Christians. I think you gave yourself a rather tough assignment! Writing an academic paper for conservative Christians is about the most difficult conversation you can ask for. From what you’re telling me here, I’m not clear as to whether you knew what a “Nazarene” was when you started your course, but there are probably lots of other Christian Scientists who don’t know. So let me give a little background, for the sake of other blog readers.
The Nazarene Church considers itself a Christian evangelical denomination. That means they are considered “mainstream,” but they are typically conservative. One of their primary goals is to share their faith with others. These facts tell us two important things: 1) Their theology includes a Trinitarian doctrine (meaning that Jesus is God), and 2) they feel a need convert others, in order for their listeners to be saved.
When I know the person I’m talking to feels strongly about his or her theology and feels a need to convert me – as Nazarenes usually do – I generally wait to get involved in that conversation until I have prepared a bridge to cross over. This kind of conversation requires a lot more listening than usual. It’s a good idea to wait until you hear something you can agree with.
When you’re writing a paper without previous contact with a professor, you have some disadvantages right off the bat. It’s not impossible, but I think you have to be clear about where Christ is guiding you. In every course I took, I made a point to ask myself if I could find Christ in the assignment. If I couldn’t find it, I knew I didn’t belong there, and I was willing to leave. But if I could find Christ, then I could trust the guidance I found. Interestingly, after a great deal of prayer with each assignment, I did find the place where a healing message of Christ was speaking. Both professor and student were blessed in some way. But I didn’t have any papers to write for an evangelical Christian either!
If your online course was on the Bible, it might be preferable to find a course taught by more liberal Christians. You won’t have such a limited theology to work with. When assignments from conservative Christians include theological concepts, I recommend being well versed in mainstream systematic theology before writing papers for them.
Most important is to make sure you find the Christ blessing both you and the professor when you attempt an academic conversation on Christianity. It’s possible to find it there, but it does take a great deal of wisdom, maturity, patience, and unselfish love to find it. The bottom line here is that I would recommend practicing Christian conversation with more liberal Christians before getting deeply involved in academic work with conservative Christians.
Shelly Says:
Great blog!!! I love having conversations with other Christians. Some can be tough, but it’s so important that we stay apart of Christian dialogue. We are, after all, Christian.
LittleChild Says:
Shirley, having recently read your tips on conversing with mainline Christians and conservative Christians, may I ask if you’ll be sharing some of them in this blog?
Jesus knew the Old Testament backwards and forwards, which gave him credibility and caused religious folk to pay attention to him. Similarly, if we are to have “street cred” among fellow Christians, we need to know the lingo of our fellow lovers of the Bible. We need to understand the similarities and differences between orthodox Christianity and “primitive Christianity” (a.k.a. Christian Science) if we are to be able to speak humbly and intelligently on same.
I like your emphasis on listening. After all, every talker who loves his subject can’t help but warm up to a good listener. How else are we to establish a connection if we aren’t interested in what motivates the individual Christian we’re engaged in respectful conversation with?
I’ll be staying tuned to your blog!
Lesley Says:
Hi Shirley,
I recently heard that 44% of Americans believe that Jesus Christ will return to earth sometime in the next 50 years. How might a Christian Scientist respond to that if it came up in conversation with another Christian?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us – it’s really helpful!
Anonymous Says:
44%??? That seems like a big percentage considering that we’ve got a fair amount of agnostics/atheists out there. At least that’s what a lot of my friends are, but I believe you. And it makes me realize that I probably have a number of friends who believe that Jesus will return to earth. Good question!
Mike Says:
Re: #5
Lesley,
One thing I’ve done when talking with other Christians about the second coming of Jesus is to mention that I’ve read that there are a significant number of Bible scholars who have concluded that the context of the “second coming” passages in the New Testament indicate that the Christians at that time expected Jesus to return in their lifetimes. The fact that he didn’t seems to me to be one reason why the Christian Science view of the second coming makes sense. It is also one of numerous reasons (as I see it) to reject the extreme literalist interpretations of the Bible. But I’ve found that talking this way in conversations with theologically conservative Christians oftem makes them think I am even more heretical than they first thought! I’d be interested in Shirley’s take on this too!
Shelly Says:
Conversations with other Christians have not always been easy for me, but they’ve always deepened my desire to communicate the ideas of the science of the Christ with more love and understanding. And I have to say that I enjoy them immensly. There is nothing more rewarding than talking with others who feel a great love for the spiritualization of human consciousness, and although that trait does not belong exclusively to Christians, our shared love for Jesus as our Master, makes us brethren.
Sometimes conversations come to an impasse where we simply need to agree to disagree. But sometimes, and the most insightful for me, are the moments when a perceived impasse melts into an “aha” . The misunderstanding dissolves, and an actual expanded understanding of the nature of God, or of man blossoms for everyone.
A few years ago I went to a African American bookstore to hear an author speak about the black presence in the Bible. The author was a minister from Chicago, scholarly, and impassioned with his love for God. At one point in his talk he asked the audience “Do you have Jesus in your heart?” There were about 30 in the audience, and I was sitting in the front row about 3 feet from him. So when everyone in the audience answered “Yes, we do.” My silence rang out loud for him. He stopped and asked me again. “Do you have Jesus in your heart?”
Unfamilar with his question, the best I could say was “Well, what do you mean when you ask that?” And I made a little joke about a small little Jesus walking around in my chest.
The audience let out a little giggle. And then he said, “Oh no, that’s the historical Jesus”. “God is so big, but that particular unique way that God meets you personally, telling you of his existence, That is having Jesus in your heart”
My eyes just opened up. “Oh you mean the Christ?” “Well, of course” he said. Yes, I have the Christ in my heart.
That conversation was an eye opener for me. That there are Christian denominations that make a distinction between the historical Jesus, and that divine identity that Jesus embodied. I was very humbled.
Shirley Paulson Says:
How to respond to those who believe Jesus Christ will return to earth sometime in the next 50 years? This is a great example of where listening will really, really help!
If that came up in conversation, I would say something like: “Wow. That would be a powerful experience! Tell me what that means to you. How would it change your life? What would make you recognize him?”
Then, while the Christian is answering those questions, I’d be listening for something I can relate to. For instance, he or she may say something in the order of: “It would give me more confidence in what he said and did,” or “I’d recognize him by his love and his power.”
From there, I can find a little common ground. I might respond with something like this: “I can see how that would work, because that’s how I feel the presence of Christ right now.” And then, depending on the conversation, we may or may not keep talking about my concept of the presence of Christ. I like Mike’s point that pushing an extreme point of view only solidifies the belief in our heretical position. So, we have a better chance to have the great conversation by leaving the door open. You’ll see I’m not advocating watering down Christian Science. But by careful listening, you can find the smallest place to agree – honestly. And then the conversation will keep moving.
Lisa Konetchy Says:
I’d love to read more about this topic of talking with other Christians. I met a dear lady recently at the park who is Baptist and wants me to visit her church. I told her how would if she’d attend mine- and she agreed. We discovered that we both read the same bible- but of course she believes that Jesus is God and we don’t. She said how she was raised Catholic, and being saved has changed her life- helped her grow spiritually and has saved her marraige. I am thrilled that she’s grown in her relationship to God- and I think it’s great that they have groups for married couples(counseling) and singles and that it’s helped them. I agreed to attend for “friend” day… but I don’t plan on joining their church. I see now harm in checking it out though- and then if she and her sweet family come to mine, that would be great! She asked if we believe in the Holy Ghost- and I said yes, but not sure what exactly- I need to read up and prepare more… need to understand the bible more, as that is our basis. (I’d love to hear your thoughts)
Matt Stephens Says:
I can’t tell you how excited I was to run into this blog because the issue of finding common ground between Christian Science and mainstream Christianity is something that I’ve really been praying about for the last few months. Raised in Christian Science, I’ve never really had an opportunity to talk with other Christians, so when I started dating a girl raised in a non-denominational Christian church a few months ago some of the ideas appeared to be very foreign to me. Non-denominational Christianity is a fairly liberal version of mainstream Christianity as there is no established creed, but as you can imagine, this girl and I definitely had our theological differences. But in spite of these seemingly unbridgeable differences, I couldn’t help being drawn to her natural love for God and his creation. I recognized that this is the same Love that Mrs. Eddy placed such a great emphasis on. From this I knew in my heart that Christianity was working towards the same goal as Christian Science and I set out to find other areas of common ground.
I came to a very significant discovery while reading a book that she lent me called “Velvet Elvis” (strange name, I know, but it actually makes sense if you read the book). The author, Rob Bell, is the pastor of a very large and rapidly growing non-denominational church in Colorado. He had some very interesting ideas, some paralleling Christian Science very closely and some very different from anything I had ever heard a mainstream Christian say which was very exciting and uplifting to me. The kicker in this book is on page 139 where I came to a section called “Who we are now.” At this point I thought to myself, “well, now he’s going to go ahead take the traditional Christian standpoint that man is a sinner and that he’s got to work himself out of it.” I see this to be one of the greatest discrepancies between Christian Science and mainstream Christianity. But then Rob Bell completely takes me off guard and says the exact opposite. Commenting on Paul’s declaration from Colossians 3:12 that we are “God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved…” Bell writes that we are…
“Holy. Not ‘going to be holy someday’. Not ‘wouldn’t it be nice if you were holy, but instead you’re a mess.’ But holy. Holy means pure, without blemish, unstained. In these passages we’re being told who we are, now.”
Reading this from a mainstream Christian absolutely blew me away, because all of my life I thought that this concept was exclusive to Christian Science. I honestly believe that Christianity is working it’s way towards the realization that man really does live in God rather than matter and that this barrier between Christian Science and Christianity will dissolve very naturally. This would certainly make inter-religion discussions much more harmonious! I’m really interested in what everyone else has to say about this.
Shirley Paulson Says:
Ref. #4 Thanks for your enthusiasm, LittleChild!
You make an interesting point about Jesus’ knowledge of his Hebrew scriptures. Being well informed does help our conversation partners trust our perspective. The other advantage I find from being well informed is that it comforts me to understand where people are coming from. For example, the more I understand the historical development of the Church doctrines, the more I understand what they mean to mainstream Christians and why they believe them.
And that leads me to your question, “will I be sharing my ‘tips on conversation’ in this blog?” Yes, these are brief, 5-page papers I’ve written to offer a little background information in our conversations with conservative Christians and mainline Christians. They’re neither scholarly nor thorough, and they’re meant to serve only as general background information. If you click here, you’ll come to a small website with the “tips on conversation” as well as some very helpful documents produced by the Mary Baker Eddy Library for the Betterment of Humanity.
Mike Says:
Re: #11
Matt,
I feel that there are some very real and signfiicant differences between Christian Science theology and the theology of conservative Christians. But on the other hand, I believe that in some areas we have more in common than might be thought. A study of Mrs. Eddy’s writings reveals that she has a lot to say about such theological topics as sin, salvation, and being “born again.” All of these are of great importance to evangelical and fundamentalist Christians. Mrs. Eddy makes clear that human beings must acknowledge and repent of their sins, and experience the “new birth,” which involves what Paul says is putting off the “old man” (or, as we might say, the mortal concept of man) and putting on the “new man” revealed through Christ, which Christian Science teaches has always been our true identity as the perfect image and likeness of God. I think that fundamentalist Christians often misunderstand Mrs. Eddy’s teachings about sin — they think that Christian Scientists can commit any sinful act they please and just wave it away by saying that sin is unreal, therefor denying their need for redemption. But Mrs. Eddy has lots to say about redemption and even says that the higher purpose of Christian Science is the healing of sin.
Lesley Says:
I’ve found in my (somewhat limited) conversations with Christians from other denominations, that the barrier is sometimes as simple as our differing vocabulary.
For example, I was once approached by a woman while I was sitting on a public park bench eating lunch. She had been going around to every person in the park handing out pamphlets and asking them questions and when she got close to me, I overheard her ask a young guy if he had “accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior?” I knew she was headed in my direction next so I pondered this question and came up feeling a bit blank on what that means to me. When she did make her way over to me she took a different approach and asked if I’d be interested in her reading materials (a “mini-Bible” and another Christian pamphlet about sin). I took them and thanked her, and was secretly relieved she didn’t ask me the question. I suppose if she had, I would have answered yes, but because I haven’t grown up hearing that phrase there was a level of familiarity missing and I couldn’t really relate to that type of vocabulary.
Similarly, I know of people who have come to my church for Wednesday testimony meetings and been a bit baffled at phrases and words that we commonly use.
Shirley Paulson Says:
Ref. #10 Lisa, great to hear of your enthusiastic engagement with a new friend! It sounds like you did some good listening, to learn how her church experience has helped her so much.
One of the reasons I visit other churches is to learn how others experience comfort in their church homes. When I feel strange and awkward in their churches, I’m more sensitive to what makes others feel the same in my church home. The most important part I hear in your exchange was the love that allows Christians to become better acquainted with each other and to celebrate each other’s desire to be Christians.
And – you’re also right that you will have something valuable to give in your conversation when you think more deeply about your own understanding of the Holy Ghost. One of the great joys I find in these conversations is how they make me learn more about my own faith, and appreciate it ever so much more!
I’m happy to give you just a little headstart on your study of this topic. It gives you some perspective to understand that orthodox Christianity views the Holy Ghost as the “third Person” in the Trinity (or Godhead). Therefore, the Holy Ghost is thought of as “God,” just as Jesus Christ is thought of as “God.” What I like about the orthodox understanding of the Holy Ghost is that it serves as the divine power that makes the divine work in the human experience. It’s the link. Mrs. Eddy refers to the Holy Ghost as the Comforter, revealing… and leading… (See S&H p. 332). On that basis, I see the Holy Ghost serving as a link between the divine and human, in Christian Science, as well. In your conversation you might emphasize your appreciation of the relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. That is, you see the Holy Ghost as the power from God that works in the human.
And one other point about the term, “Holy Ghost:” This term was translated into English from the original Greek language. The word “ghost” is just as easily translated as “spirit” or “wind” or “breath.” Some more liberal or modern Christians use the term “Holy Spirit” just to avoid the “ghostly” sound of that term. But you can use either term and mean the same thing. Just listen to which words your conversation partner is using.
And… one word of caution when speaking with a born-again Baptist (as this new friend appears to be): if you can keep your focus on your love of Jesus and avoid the technicalities of theology (until you have learned more), you’ll probably be able to maintain the beauty of the conversation longer.
Anonymous Says:
This is interesting. I’ve kind of avoided conversations with diehard Christians of other faiths, but I’ve had cool conversations about spirituality with people where we’re not talking so much about theology. What are your experiences talking to people who might not even be sure they believe in God? Does your understanding of mainstream Christianity help you there?
Russel Says:
Shirley,
I’ve been attending a non-denominational, ‘emergent’ service for quite some time now in addition to the CS service where I teach Sunday School. I really enjoy the music and the young crowd, and the director (pastor) has a really fresh way of talking about different Christian values. I often have to change the lyrics of the songs we sing and I feel I have a much deeper meaning to many of the things that he says, but overall, it’s a great experience and it helps me stay connected to mainline Christianity.
The service is hosted at a Presbyterian church and there are always invitations to join Bible study groups and other normal church activities. Because the service is not Presbyterian, I’m not sure what I’m going to run into once I enter the ‘denominational’ church world there. I do want to learn more about the Bible and I feel this might be a good way to do it, but maybe I should also look at the other churches in the area instead of limiting myself to this one. Without knowing the distinctions between the mainline churches, I’m a little hesitant to jump into their theological teachings and run into what George (from #1) did.
Any ideas?
Alexis Says:
One question I have is: do we all need to go to seminary to be able to communicate with other Christians? Or do we just need to be more familiar with the issues that might obstruct communication (as you’re going to explain them in your blog)? It’s interesting; you had an open heart, a willingness to listen but still there wasn’t an opening with your clergy group — until you started taking classes. I think that could be discouraging to some who don’t see themselves as able to take classes, have the time, or even feel it’s their thing.
Another question I have is: after you started taking classes, did your communication with other Christians improve? Or did it have to do with getting the credentials (of seminary) so that they viewed you in a different light, perhaps as more legitimate? In other words, what broke the ice?
Thanks for your blog; it’s refreshing to think about these issues.
Shirley Paulson Says:
Ref #16 I love this question about whether my understanding of mainstream Christianity helps my conversations with unchurched and “unbelieving” people. I’m excited about the possibilities with these conversations because Christianity itself is what needs to be redeemed. Christianity is in decline, and I think it’s because its original spiritual meaning has been generally lost. The rise of spirituality without roots in Christianity is a loss to society, because the human Exemplar is no longer Christ Jesus.
Christian Science is often confused in public thought with Scientology, with New Age, with mind-body-spirit concepts, and so forth – perhaps because such Christian concepts as repentance, healing of sin, seeking the kingdom of God, and sacrificing are cloaked in orthodoxy and missing from healing.
I don’t think a study of orthodox Christianity is necessary in order to understand the heart of pure Christianity; but a ready knowledge of mainstream Christian practices helps us to discern where spiritual concepts can deepen the meaning of Christianity. And on that basis Christian Science offers the extraordinary gift of genuine Christianity to people who haven’t found God, as well as to those who have lost the deep spirituality of Christianity.
Kim Says:
Hi Shirley -
So glad you have started this thoughtful discussion. For years I have been talking to people of different faiths – sometimes one-on-one, and sometimes through encounters in Reading Room activities or as part of my community practice.Careful listening and prayer help to determine what to say.
One bridging point that has been helpful to me is to talk about healing and how I strive to follow Jesus’ example and to “heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons” as he taught his disciples to do. When I have had these conversations, I have been surprised at how gently and positively the topic has been received and how Christians of other denominations view healing. (Another huge topic!)
A few other things have helped me in talking with those of faith and those interested in spirituality (not necessarily God):
1) To understand that there is one God – go beyond a “we” “them” mentality. There are differences in how we all practice and in how we understand God, but similarities in that we are devoted to following and glorifying God. I take time to acknowledge the devotion of those with whom i am talking
2) This applies to people who might not even be sure they believe in God! (to respond to Anon’s question above). I acknowledge their spiritual journey and our similarities in striving for good, for meaning and well-being.
3) I have mentally agreed to not argue, debate or try to convince people. It is usually easy to tell if a person wants to earnestly learn more or just wants to prove themselves. When a situation like this comes up, I share that I am all for growing in conversations about Christ/God, etc., but find that arguing does not move any of us closer to God.
Shirley Paulson Says:
Ref. #18 Thanks for your question, Alexis, concerning how important an education in mainstream Christianity is.
It’s clear that the greatest gift a Christian Scientist can bring to the world is a healing practice. Remembering that Mrs. Eddy says physical healing is the smallest part of Christian Science (Rud. p.2), still the major reason healing is important is that it requires our understanding and participation in the Science of Christ. Even if the world doesn’t notice our most important healings, our experience with the kingdom of God is the light for the world.
I could not have survived the challenges in seminary without a strong reliance on my healing practice. Those are the experiences that enabled me to find Christ in all my course work.
Now, to your question – do we all have to go to seminary in order to have great conversations with Christians? No. The single most important ingredient for any level of conversation is active listening. By careful listening, we can discern how much we do or don’t understand of the other person’s thoughts and background. And then we can respond more accurately, from our own life experience, to the questions in his or her thought.
However, having said all that, I also want to encourage deeper involvement in the Christian community for a number of reasons:
1. Christian Science is a needed blessing for Christianity, and we are better able to share that blessing by understanding the needs.
2. I was surprised to discover how different typical Christian questions are, compared with our typical assumptions. We end up answering questions about Christian Science much more effectively when we understand the questions better.
3. Quite honestly, credentials do make a difference in some significant ways. As we understand credentialing in our own movement (such as church membership, Journal-advertising nurses and practitioners, and Teachers), theologians and ministers recognize the level of study accomplished by their peers.
Whether one’s individual healing practice leads someone to more specific studies in Christian dialogue or not, the more we learn as a whole, the more effectively we’ll engage in this essential conversation. One of the reasons for this blog is to share some of those questions unfamiliar to us, so that we can engage in them without necessarily having to go to seminary to learn them. I hope to inspire more learning by Christian Scientists at any level, because Christianity is in need of the healing message of Christian Science.
Shirley Paulson Says:
Ref. #17, Russel, I readily relate to the joy you have found in sharing fresh ways of experiencing Christian thought. In addition to the things I shared in my close contact with other Christians in my seminary classes, I did learn from others too. I found respect for the sincerity of others’ worship experiences, enjoyed the expansive expression of worship in contemporary music, and learned to yield to greater fellowship.
I’m also very glad to hear of your interest in learning more about the Bible. This is essential in the education of a Christian Scientist, since “we take the inspired Word of the Bible as our sufficient guide to eternal Life!” (S&H 497)
Let me offer a few observations on Bible education.
1. Mainline Christians are divided more between conservative and liberal elements now than between denominations. Rather than concern over the denomination, your greater concern is the how liberal is the approach to Bible studies. Judging from the inclusive nature of the worship service you describe, that’s probably a good indication that this is a liberal Christian congregation and therefore more likely to welcome your theological perspectives.
2. When you begin the actual study of the scriptural text, I recommend you keep asking yourself, alone with God – “What is the spiritual interpretation of this text?” I did this for myself before I entered seminary, and it served me well. I had studied the entire Bible on my own, with commentaries and dictionaries, and asked myself that question through every verse and chapter. Then, later, when I was in discussion with others at seminary, I felt my own strength and worth.
3. If you listen very carefully to the teacher and to the students, it will help you avoid unintended land-mines. There are certain basic teachings from the historical Christian church that draw the line in the sand concerning heresy. Christian Science definitely crosses that line. But if you listen humbly and patiently, you’ll find precious moments to add light to some of the discussions.
4. It will help you to keep in mind a few basic facts of Christian history when you embark on a study with mainline Christians:
a. Since the time of the Nicene Conference (of 325 AD), the historical Christian church has defined a true Christian as one who agrees that God’s creation is material, not spiritual. This is the reason Christian Science will sound like heresy to many Christians.
b. A contemporary scholarly approach to the Bible will probably lead you to what is popularly known as “tension” between the spiritual teachings and the “reality” of the world (namely, the “real” material world). They basically leave it as a mystery.
Let us know what you end up doing. We’d love to hear!
shelly Says:
reappearing of Jesus
I ran across this this morning and thought it was interesting.
“The material questions at this age on the reappearing of the infantile thought of God’s man, are after the manner of a mother in the flesh, though their answers pertain to the spiritual idea, as in Christian Science.”
The article goes on with questions from the heart. When I read this I realized the sincere love that others have for Jesus and for the understanding of the Christ for all mankind. And that those questions stem from doubt or fear.
I guess then, our job is in some way to quiet fear. Her ultimate responce is “Go, and tell what things ye shall see and hear: how the blind,spiritually and physically, receive sight…”
Danie Says:
Your blog sounds like it’s going to be very interesting.
Yes, I have had trouble talking with other Christians. The two complaints I get are that 1) People don’t always get healed 2) It’s not biblical and 3) It doesn’t make since. It would be very interesting to see what you have to say on these subjects.
I’d say more but I have homework to do.
Ollie Says:
I would reccommend taking an alpha course to learn more about mainstream christianity, you can learn a lot, etc. etc.
Aiden Says:
Wow nice article. What motivated you to write this?