One must fulfil one’s mission without timidity or di”ssimulation, for to be well done, the work must be done unselfishly. Science and Health, p. 483

Based on challenges we’ve heard expressed from many CSO members, we developed a list of the most common areas of resistance to CSO activities. We asked the Christian Science Board of Lectureship to share some healing ideas addressing these areas of resistance. Below are their responses. We hope they help you overcome any challenges you may face, so that the work you do is satisfying and the CSO has a healing presence on campus!

Top 10 (or so) areas of resistance to CSO activity

1.People on my campus are too intellectual and aren’t interested in God or religion.
“The time for thinkers has come.” (Science and Health, p. vii) That is common ground. And no matter who we’re exchanging thoughts and ideas with, the shared ground is always there. WHO as a student ISN’T a thinker? And who wouldn’t improve his or her study skills? The “reason” side of Christian Science will demand a rigor of thought that will surprise them and sharpen them. Ask any student—ask anyone—how long we actually do focus on what is going on now—the real and continuing present. It challenges us to no end—well, some end—to stop our thoughts wandering into the past or future and worry or speculate about what might happen or did not happen. That is where our application of Science begins to make a huge difference. And that is only a starting point! What more exciting “new thing” could we entertain than to open up new possibilities?
John Scott, CS, Helensburgh, Scotland

People may not be interested in the God they think religion offers. But I’ve never met anyone not interested in truth, love, and intelligence. There’s a headiness about the human intellect in the university setting, kind of a grown-up version of little kids saying “look how far I can jump.” This leads to competition often centered on defining problems with little light on solutions. But the university is a place for thinkers and there are always those who break loose from the typical traps of intellectualism. A former CSO president at Yale was a divinity student and found some medical students who were interested in how spirituality could impact medicine. They formed the “theo/ med group” which co-sponsored with the CSO a lecture at the divinity school.
Dave Stevens, CSB, California, USA Alum, Harvard U. and Principia College CSOs

“The time for thinkers has come.” (Science and Health, p. vii) What better challenge to the perception that religion must be “anti-intellectual” than this line from the first page of Science and Health? You might sum up the demands of this textbook on Christian metaphysics as “Thinkers Wanted.”

Since college and university students are actively exploring systems of thought and bodies of knowledge within their coursework, it’s natural to engage in deep discussions on ethics, morals, and values in and out of the classroom as they determine career paths and life goals. But with a lack of consensus on what will make people both happy and fulfilled, many students feel a tremendous anxiety about the choices they face. They’re searching for answers that satisfy the heart as well as the head.
Christian Science presents a practical definition of God that appeals to the most rigorous intellect and at the same time offers better health and relationships and a profound sense of worth and purpose. And that will be welcome on any campus.
Robin Hoagland, CSB, Massachusetts, USA Alum, Williams College and U. of Edinburgh CSOs

2.There are a lot of fundamental Christian groups that are against Christian Science.
Just agree to disagree. Sometimes you’ll find folks are bent on making the material spiritual. Some see the Bible as a historical book and not as the nexus of God’s revelation to humanity through faith and understanding.
Understand that as a reader of the Bible Lesson, you know the Bible. Don’t let yourself get wrapped up in debates. Seize the high ground. As stated in the Bible, “worship the Father in spirit and in truth.” (John 4)
Get familiar with the Gospels, especially Luke and John. Don’t worry about what you say or don’t say; trust it all to the glory of God. It takes you out of the equation and puts it where it all belongs—to Him.
Ryder Stevens, CS, Washington, USA Alum, Principia College and Boston University CSOs

There is a lot of misinformation about Christian Science on college campuses today, even in the classroom. One of the best ways to respond is by sponsoring a lecture directly in a religion classroom. By doing this, you are providing answers to some rather serious questions that are on the minds of many. You are bringing “a true and just reply to public topics condemning Christian Science.” (That’s a quote from the Church Manual [p. 93] describing just what a lecture is supposed to do!) This “condemnation” comes from both fundamentalist Christianity as well as more liberal Christianity, although in different forms.
Lecturers with backgrounds in Christian history can address the root of this misinformation and concurrently enable Christian Scientists on campus to be better understood and respected. And the best part of a classroom lecture is that the academic community has been given an opportunity to dismantle the ugly teachings handed down through decades, and to hear the genuine blessings of Christian Science.
Shirley Paulson, CS, Illinois, USA Alum, Principia College CSO

The CSO at Miami University (Ohio) put table tents up in the dining area announcing a lecture. Members of some Christian groups showed up to the lecture and waited for the Q&A period to attack Christian Science as not being Christian. The discussion went on for another hour and a half. Some of them left sure they were right, but most stayed and gradually what won out was a deep sense of our common love of Christ Jesus and yearning to follow the direction of the Sermon on the Mount. CSO members and those from other groups left with hugs and kind words, “God bless!”
Dave Stevens, CSB, California, USA Alum, Harvard U. and Principia College CSOs

I would encourage you to engage. Challenge the unnatural reluctance to reach out. Instead of resistance you might find yourself making connections and developing friendships that could last a lifetime. This is one of the best ways of destroying stereotypes of both Christian Science and Christian fundamentalism.
“When the heart speaks, however simple the words, its language is always acceptable to those who have hearts”. (Miscellaneous Writings, p.262)
John Quincy Adams, CSB, New York, USA

3.I don’t know if I want to be THAT open about being a Christian Scientist.
Some people think Christian Science is weird.

It might seem appealing to stay “under the radar” with our friends, classmates, and professors and appear to be like everyone else. But there IS something different about a Christian Scientist. There’s a confidence that good is natural and to be expected, that health is normal, and turning to God brings practical answers. People will notice. It’s hard to keep your light under a bushel! It’s like trying not to smile when you’re happy.

Those who seem quickest to dismiss the spiritual reasons for your attitude and outlook or who call anything unfamiliar to them “weird” may be the very ones who are most looking for the comfort of the Christ themselves. Being a Christian means you can’t help but share that love of God with others. And when someone is helped by what you have to offer, you’ll find it was worth standing out from the crowd.
Robin Hoagland, CSB, Massachusetts, USA Alum, Williams College and U. of Edinburgh CSOs

Many of the people that first heard of the teachings of Jesus thought that they were very unusual. I mean, think of it from the standpoint of someone who was living in the Roman Empire, familiar with the Hellenized culture that the Roman Empire was imprinting on everyone. The founder of this new religion had had the shameful experience of being crucified—a punishment only reserved for those charged with insurrection!

What I’ve found is that I can’t justify not telling people about Christian Science. In this teaching lies the answer to every problem of the world—from diseases to social problems to injustice and development challenges. Why should I put feeling uncomfortable with sharing ahead of my selfless giving of what this teaching has to offer?
Lyle Young, CSB, Ontario, Canada Alum, Ball State U. CSO

You may be surprised at how much others on campus will respect your religious views rather than thinking you’re weird. Having given many lectures on Christian Science in college classrooms, I’ve found that most students know little or nothing about Christian Science and are fascinated by the radical concepts presented in Science and Health and the resulting healings. Some of the deepest and most rewarding discussions you will ever have during your college years are the ones in which religious views are openly shared and explored.
Marceil DeLacy, CSB, Washington, USA Alum, U. of Washington CSO

This is what I do every day: Several times a day I stop to preach the gospel of Christian Science Love continuously, silently, mentally alone. This includes having the knowledge, and conviction, as well as declaring, that neither fear, doubt, nor even ignorance of Christian Science is able to keep Christian Science from the people. That people seek it, look for it and find it, and are blessed and healed by it. As a result of this I have had the most exciting experiences in my own practice and everywhere I go. Opportunities present themselves to me for sharing Christian Science. In the lecture work, every door for the public has opened up.
Marta Greenwood, CSB, England

4.Honestly, I’d just rather be doing other things with my time. College is all about having fun and experiencing new things. CSO work sounds boring.
Too often people tend to compartmentalize their lives, thinking that work stuff, fun stuff, relationship stuff, and spiritual stuff are all separate. But Christian Science is all about living the whole of your life with a sense of the abundance of good, with a deep feeling of Spirit, of Truth, of Love. Being active in a CSO is simply a matter
of connecting with other people who share this view of living, who want to learn more about it, and who are convinced that spiritual living makes a difference in this world. Don’t ever let CSO work become part of mortality’s dull grind.
Scott Preller, CSB, Massachusetts, USA Alum, U. of Colorado, Boulder and Boston U. CSOs
The world wants you to think that way. It wants you to get away from God as far as you can go! But can you really get away from God? Remember the “Prodigal Son” parable? He wanted to have fun, but that type of fun did not last. It had a price. And he came back.
CSO work can be fun. It’s only boring if you make it so. You can have fun; not all work is tedious. But always remember that God does the work, and you must reflect that work.
Lorenzo Rodriguez, CS, Florida, USA

CSO work enhances the college experience with opportunities to be able to speak about spiritual aspects of life. So many people are thinkers. It brings you into contact with a bigger number of people on campus who share similar ideals.
Marta Greenwood, CSB, London, England CsO resOurCe guide

5. I don’t think I can explain Christian Science well enough to others. what if they ask me a question I can’t answer?
You don’t have to explain what you love—it will show in your attitude towards others, listening to what they are really asking. Its letting our grain of understanding find its own way to open thought.
Earlier this year, I was on a panel (at a university) and the audience was very mixed—and quite a few students had come. There were three of us—each given ten minutes to speak: a Hindu, a Muslim, and myself. The first two were on the university faculty. One was an engineer and the other a communications expert. The term “Principle” was what struck a chord with my other two “friends” on the panel.

The Hindu felt his many gods, finding the best in everything indicated a higher common goal which he felt might be “Principle.” The Muslim engineer found that Principle and Mind spoke to him in a new light.
We find ourselves sharing where we each are—and letting the Christ take each one higher.
John Scott, CS, Helensburgh, Argyll, Scotland

It is important to have at least a rough understanding of a few of the tenets; also take a look at the platform of Christian Science in Science and Health. (p. 330—340) One of the big mistakes folks make is pointing out differences; it is important to show our commonality, like the Bible as central, the virgin birth, the resurrected Christ, Jesus Christ is our Saviour, he is the way, the truth, the life.

Christian Science is concerned with the healing of sin, in all its forms, commission and omission, saving mankind from sin, sickness, and death, bearing faithful witness to the Holy Spirit, the Comforter here, now, as Christ Jesus promised.
Other resources: look to Mrs. Eddy’s articles in Miscellaneous Writings, particularly “Bible Lessons” and “One Cause and Effect.” Extra credit: No and Yes.
When in doubt, share a healing; “witness” to the power of the Comforter to heal, redeem, and save.
Ryder Stevens, CS, Washington, USA Alum, Principia College and Boston U. CSOs

I’ve seen students have great conversations just answering honestly, “I don’t know” or “I’m trying to figure that one out, too.” That established a respect for their honesty. Then when they continued with “but here’s what has been important to me,” the conversation flowed. I also think one need not answer every question even if you do know. Some are asked just to start an argument. Truth is not something to be argued, but rather to be explored.
Dave Stevens, CSB, California, USA Alum, Harvard U. and Principia College CSOs

When I talk with people about Christian Science, I don’t try to explain all of the religion. I listen humbly to how God is directing me, and I only bring up the few simple ideas that feel right to help uplift someone’s thought in that moment. My motive is not to try to tell someone “the right way to think.” I simply share ideas about what has been helpful to me in my life, or how I would think or pray through similar issues. Then what they see is a person who cares and wants to be of help, not someone trying to change them, or condemn them.

Once I began trying to share what I thought I knew of Christian Science with others, I could see there were many concepts that I had simply believed, but that I really needed to understand better. Knowing that I couldn’t help others by just spouting off doctrinal rhetoric, I was challenged to actually think through and see how the ideas in Science can be a practical benefit to those who seemed to need and want them the most. This activity of sharing was an invaluable benefit to my own practice of Christian Science, as well as to the people I was sharing with. The more I share, the more I see how receptive people are, and the easier it becomes.
Tom McElroy, CS, California, USA 6.People will think I am proselytizing or trying to convert them.

Seriously, when was the last time you met a proselytizing Christian Scientist? We just aren’t wired that way. Jesus didn’t run around telling everyone to be Christians. He knew the truth and the actuality of Spirit, and he said so, and his works proved it. That was more than enough to attract the hungry hearts. And that is the model for Christian Scientists. If we know the truth, we are to say so and to prove our words. After all, Jesus did teach us not to hide our light (which is so needed in this world) under a bushel.
Scott Preller, CSB, Massachusetts, USA Alum, University of Colorado, Boulder and Boston U. CSOs

When I look for the Christian (the expression of Christly qualities) in others, I realize that the expression of those wonderful qualities (Science) makes everyone a Christian Scientist. That thought brings respect into our communication, turning into nothingness anything that would try to separate us. This attitude takes the fear of being “preachy” or trying to “convert” out of the relationship and all that is left is mutual love and respect.

If you were walking behind someone and they dropped a $100 bill and you picked it up and ran after them waving it in the air saying, “Hey this belongs to you,” would they be angry with you? No way! They would be soooo grateful and you would feel wonderful. That’s how it is with sharing Christian Science. It’s like returning something to someone even though they never knew they had it.

I like to think of Christian Science as an intervention of spiritual ideas that free us from limits and fears. Everyone is grateful for more freedom, even students of Christian Science.
Ginny Luedeman, CS, Oregon, USA Alum, College of Marin CSO

Christian Science is the Comforter promised in the Bible. (John 14:16). It is the law of God “….in [everyone’s] inward parts … [written] in their hearts.” (Jeremiah 31) In other words, Christian Science is not something that’s foreign to people, but something that embraces everyone and is native to everyone. Everyone has an innate desire to love and be loved, and love is the essence of Christian Science. If you express this Comforter by loving people and by wanting to share this Science of Love (by seeing it as being native to everyone), you won’t give people the impression that you’re trying to convert them. Rather, you’ll honor, love, and bring healing to them.
Lyle Young, CSB, Ontario, Canada Alum, Ball State U. CSO

I first received Science and Health in 1975. At that time no one knew about this book and its availability in this part of India. There was no Christian Science church in my area.
As I started appreciating the new ideas given in Science and Health, I wanted to share it with the whole world. We formed a group in Chandigarh which became a Society and is now helping to open up Christian Science to the community. Even now, I tell my Sunday School pupils and church members that each one can serve his or her neighbors and community by sharing just one single idea from Science and Health because it gives them solutions to the problems they are facing.
Our objective is not to convert anyone but to provide them with solutions which make their burdens light. I love this line from the Bible: “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John It reassures us about Christian Science’s efficacy in re- establishing the freedom of anyone who is held in bondage by a belief. With this faith in our heart, let us go ahead and share the liberating ideas Mary Baker Eddy has given us in Science and Health.
Sushil Likhi, CS, Chandigarh, India

As you live Christian Science and keep your great love of God at the forefront of your college experience, you will find so many blessings in your own life. Your own talents and spiritual individuality will come out in wonderful ways. People will want to know what it is about you that is different. If you ask God to help you share your love of Christian Science, He will. If you speak based on your love, people will respond.
Martha Moffett, CS, Minnesota, USA Alum, Smith College CSO

Remember, proselytizing means to induce someone to convert to a specific faith or denomination. A campus lecture is designed to reach mainly people who haven’t heard about Christian Science, or those who are interested enough to engage in a public discussion about it in an informal setting. That’s all. No conversion involved— just honest, authentic dialogue! The Science of the Christ is universal; it is available to everyone. Lectures are public events that bring a spiritual message to the community— one that offers healing ideas based on the teaching of Christian Science.
Kevin Graunke, CSB, Wisconsin, USA Alum, U. of Wisconsin, Whitewater CSO

Christian Science challenges you to think from a different perspective. Science means knowledge. CS provides knowledge about what governs our experience, society, the world, and the entire universe.
It is important first to sit down and see divine Science as universal and not just one of many religions to choose from. Nobody can claim ownership to truths, and the teachings of Christ Jesus. Churches don’t own a “key” to salvation. We need to rethink what we are practicing and sharing.
Fujiko Signs, CSB, Tokyo, Japan

When I traveled in India, a knowledgeable Hindu told me there were 330,000 gods in the Hindu religion. He then proceeded to explain basic beliefs and myths, giving our group handouts. Was he trying to convert us? No. He was informing us. To not inform people about Christian Science is to misinform them. No information is misinformation. Actually, it is a Christian duty to reach people not just with the letter, i.e. information, but with the spirit.

“To convert” in the Hebrew means to turn back or return to God. One Bible dictionary (Vine’s) says it’s the movement back to the point of departure. I definitely pray to help everyone return to God, return to an original spiritual view of God, creation, and identity. Materiality departed from the original view. Why not substitute the phrase “return to God” when you think “convert” or the Bible says “convert” and see if that doesn’t give a new view? (James 5; Miscellaneous Writings, p. 279)
Elise Moore, CSB, Tennessee, USA Alum, Michigan State U. CSO

One of the reasons Christian Science has a legitimate place in a university is its scientific basis. When an academic scientist starts a society to facilitate interest in their new research, or gives a paper on a new finding, no-one thinks about being converted. They come to listen or to join because they want to explore new ideas. Christian Science is ideas-based, and college orgs can emphasize that it’s about discovery (not creed) in the fullest sense of the word.
Abigail Mackay, Victoria, Australia Alum, University of Cape Town CSO

7.There aren’t enough of us to start a CSO. I’m the only Christian Scientist on campus or the only one interested in sharing Christian Science.
Errr…. Hello! There was only one Christ Jesus, there was only one Mary Baker Eddy, only one Martin Luther King.
And think what quick planning meetings you’ll be able to have!
But seriously, you are never alone. God is the power behind this activity, and with God all things are possible. You can be certain of this: you won’t be the only one on campus interested in Christianity, metaphysical healing, spirituality, or the relationship between science and religion (even though you may be the only one on campus that knows of Christian Science at the moment).
Daniel Scott, CS, Scarborough, England Alum, Cambridge U. CSO

Have you considered sponsoring a Christian Science lecture? This can be a great way to generate interest in starting a CSO on your campus. At a university in Florida a transfer student wanted to start a CSO, but he was the only one he knew of who was interested. The university required a certain number of signatures of students on campus before a new organization could be started and begin to hold meetings.

A local branch church was sponsoring a lecture and the student worked with the branch church to ask the lecturer to lecture for his university as well. The branch church was willing to pick up the cost of two lectures; in fact, this was an answer to their prayers to reach out to young people in the community.

The lecture at the university was part of a weekend devoted to spirituality on campus. They put a tent up in the middle of the campus with big signs inviting people to the lecture (it was about finding your God-given purpose). The lecture was held midday when many students would be crossing the campus. The lecturer began talking with just a few interested students, but other students dropped by throughout the talk. Many asked questions. There was a sign-up sheet for people who were interested in having a CSO on campus. By the end of the hour and a half, enough students had signed up for a CSO to get started on campus!
Martha Moffett, CS, Minnesota, USA Alum, Smith College CSO

Have you considered that God sent you to this campus to bring the Christ, Truth, out into the open? God sent Philip into the desert to talk to one man, an Ethiopian, which opened the entire continent of Africa to Christianity. God sent Peter to talk with
a crowd of people gathered at Cornelius’ house. They were all convinced that Peter spoke the ultimate truth. God sent Paul here, there and everywhere speaking to people who often weren’t interested. These men really weren’t alone preaching the good news or the healing power of Christ. They were ambassadors, sent by God, to fulfill a holy purpose. You have a holy purpose and God is working with you to help you fulfill your mission.

(John 4; Science and Health 483) Elise Moore, CSB, Tennessee, USA Alum, Michigan State University CSO

8.I’m busy. Between sports, classes, and work, I don’t have enough time to take on more responsibilities.
Sounds like organizing a CSO is a burden. But it isn’t. It actually REMOVES burden. Doing God’s will lightens your load. Being a Christian Scientist is not really another chore. It’s an expression of who you are. You are a Christian Scientist while you are active in sports, classes, etc. Sharing with others what gives you the most substance and satisfaction in your life is natural and tremendously satisfying.
Michael Pabst, CSB, New York, USA Alum, Munich U. CSO

College provides the perfect set-up for developing your own priorities and balance in life. It’s a training ground for formulating how you will move forward with new concepts, in new relationships, and with your career goals. You have to ask yourself, what it is that enables you to play sports, to think and reason, and to find new job opportunities? How does that happen?
My experience has been that turning to God first for direction and focus enables more to be accomplished, not less. And I particularly saw that proven when I was praying for others, teaching school full-time with five kids at home, and going to graduate school all at the same time. Spiritual qualities such as order, poise, focus, and balance are necessary to be productive. They also support a spiritual calmness that accomplishes more because it’s based in God. CSO activities won’t drain you; they’ll support you as you sort it all out.
Suzanne Riedel, CSB, Colorado, USA

The funny thing is that people have been feeling this way for centuries—it’s hardly a modern phenomenon. How easy it is to be convinced that the everyday demands on us crowd out time for spiritual things. That’s probably why Jesus said to seek God first, and all the other things will fall into place because God knows our needs and provides everything for us as we turn wholeheartedly to the Divine. CSO activities are a way to stop the relentless routine and regain a spiritual perspective. We’ll find they engage our God-given qualities of creativity, intelligence, spontaneity, and fun which spill over into all our other responsibilities, making those easier and much more enjoyable.
Robin Hoagland, CSB, Massachusetts, USA Alum, Williams College and U. of Edinburgh CSO

We don’t need more time. We need more inspiration. One person may stare at a problem all day long and not find the answer. Another solves it in a few minutes. Christian Science lets us have more inspiration in our lives by showing us we have no other source of consciousness than infinite, divine Mind. The fact that you have lots of demands on you is the very reason why it’s important to commit to the spirituality that will help meet those demands. When we have that inspiration, life fits together, and is a blessing. Without it, life feels too much like you’re on a hamster wheel.
Scott Preller, CSB, Massachusetts, USA Alum, U. of Colorado, Boulder and Boston U. CSOs

If the idea of getting involved in CSO activity sounds good, but you think you just don’t have the time for it, maybe it’s because you already have some preconceived concept of what CSO work means—and maybe that concept isn’t what’s right for you. This particular form of Christian outreach has to be inspired, just like every other activity in your life. Turning to God and seeking a fresh way to look at how involvement in a CSO might fit in naturally with your other activities is a great starting point. If your motive is to bless others and grow in your understanding of God, then you have every reason to believe that God can show you a way to get involved, without placing extra burden on your daily schedule. In fact, you’ll probably find that, with these motives
in mind, and with a new outlook on what CSO activity could mean for you and your campus, this spiritually grounded activity will help make other responsibilities in your life feel lighter, too.
Tom McElroy, CS, California, USA

9.Christian Science has helped me in my own life. Isn’t it enough just to live it? why do I have to share it?
You don’t have to. You WANT to. Don’t you naturally share with your friends what you find helpful in your life? Of course, you do—every day. And Christian Science is the most profound thing of them all. It shapes your decisions, your motives. It gives you strength and clarity. And it heals! You would naturally tell others about it—when there are appropriate opportunities, of course. God provides those opportunities. And they bless you and others.
Michael Pabst, CSB, New York, USA Alum, Munich U. CSO

Student browsing the “Goodness Day” inspirational table sponsored by the U. of Michigan CSO in 2005
How often do we tell people about a really good movie we’ve seen, or new song we’ve heard? Every time, right? We want them to experience it along with us because it’s so good! Well, why not Christian Science? Its message is bigger—infinitely bigger—than a movie or a song, no matter how good the latest ones are!

Sharing Christian Science with friends is natural, because you love the Christ—in them and in yourself. Actually, your living of Christian Science is a real-time example of what it means to lift up Christ in your life. Every day. Mary Baker Eddy wrote, “Let your light reflect Light.” (Miscellaneous Writings 154) And because you’re lifting up Christ, letting its Light stream through you, expect your friends to notice! They’ll want to know—and you’ll be ready to share. And you can do it in an authentic, unforced way.
Kevin Graunke, CSB, Wisconsin, USA Alum, U. of Wisconsin, Whitewater CSO

How much fulfillment can an excellent musician or writer have if no one else enjoys his creative beauty or reads her works? It’s not enough to be alone with the good we are learning. God, the continual Giver, created us as His expression—to give. Those who cover a light to remain in a dark place or hide the one talent in the earth, will find fear and limitation, instead of freedom and growth. It’s a sneaky argument, that keeping good to yourself paves an easy path to good living. We can’t help ourselves by withholding good from others but instead deprive ourselves of progress in spiritual being. Life’s fullest blessings happen to givers.
Suzanne Riedel, CSB, Colorado, USA

Pleazzzzzzzzzze share it. If the man who shared it with me at the party had thought the same, I would not be alive to write this nor would my children be healthy adults today. When he told me about Christian Science he didn’t know it was just what I was looking for. We were all smoking and drinking ourselves legless under the dinner table at a party. So pleazzzzzz go for it, I beg you.
Marta Greenwood, CSB, London, England

Living is sharing. Your thoughts are expressed in your life as well as your words. If you do a kindness, don’t you speak kindly? If you are being patient, don’t you speak patiently? It’s equally important to act on good words as well as speak in support of good actions. Words without deeds is hypocrisy but deeds without words is fear. I do find it easier to simply act rightly rather than speak to people who are uninterested, unreceptive, resistant.

But Jesus told his students “Go into all the world, and preach the gospel [healing power of Christ] to every creature.” (Mark 16) People need to hear the truth! God is working with you and making every right word productive and healing. (Science and Health 410)
Elise Moore, CSB, Tennessee, USA Alum, Michigan State U. CSO

We certainly do have to live it, but we can’t live it for ourselves alone, we have to live it for the world. Christian Science represents a scientific breakthrough in spirituality that the world needs to know about. See Retrospection and Introspection 93:17. We can’t let personal considerations or unease stop us from sharing the greatest gift there
is to give. That would be selfish. Funnily enough, Jesus didn’t send out his disciples
with these words: “As ye go, keep your mouth shut, don’t mention that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal yourself, cleanse yourself, raise yourself from death, cast out your own demons: freely ye have received, freely keep it to yourself!”
The more you share the cup of cold water in Christ’s name the easier you’ll find it, and before you know it, you’ll really love sharing it! It is always cool to give gifts, especially this one!

Knowing that power comes from God, we have a responsibility to share it. However, in the CSO case, with great responsibility comes great joy, huge spiritual growth, and even greater dominion. We know “that all things work TOGETHER for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans Moreover, CSO work is, in fact, always a “privilege” and never a burden (and I speak as one who was treasurer for my CSO for nearly 7 years, and also president for some of those years).
Daniel Scott, CS, Scarborough, England Alum, Cambridge U. CSO

One thing I love about Mary Baker Eddy is that when she discovered the laws of God that made Christian healing possible today as in Jesus’ time, she didn’t use what she learned just for her own benefit. If she had kept it to herself instead of sharing it, we wouldn’t know about her discovery today. Because someone shared Christian Science with you or perhaps with your parents before you, you’ve had the advantage of knowing how to rely on God for all sorts of needs. Me, too. Don’t others deserve to have the same advantage we’ve had?
Marceil DeLacy, CSB, Washington, USA Alum, U. of Washington CSO

10.The CSO recognition process on campus is too long or difficult, so I probably won’t be able to do anything, anyway.
I find the story of the building of the Mother Church inspiring. As the workers moved forward with the construction of the church, challenges plagued them at every step. Prices rose during the course of the building; vital deliveries were repeatedly delayed; labor disputes and contractual complications threatened to disrupt the work; and the weather turned against them—the worst Boston had ever seen. The obstacles were overwhelming. And furthermore, the deadline seemed impossible.

Many of the Christian Scientists assigned to oversee the completion of this project had serious doubts of the feasibility of Mrs. Eddy’s demands. But she understood God to be the doer, Christ the doing, and man the done. Her understanding enabled the complete idea of Church to be seen by the immature sense of her followers, which led to the timely completion of the building project. She demanded that it be completed because she knew God had already built it. She knew they could demonstrate over shortages and resistance because she knew Christ was doing it. Nothing could reverse or stop Christ’s work. Christ was revealing God’s magnificent idea, revealing that God’s idea is complete, full, finished, done.
Mrs. Eddy fulfilled her duty to God’s demand. Her workers obeyed her orders. And in spite of overwhelming obstacles, the work was done by the deadline. It is up to us to fulfill our duty. As we obey, our work will progress rapidly. What seems impossible is, in fact, possible—possible to those obedient to God.
Keith Wommack, CSB, Texas, USA

Have you ever heard the quote, “Life’s a journey, not a destination”? Well, I think that applies to CSO activity, too. If you’re inspired to begin the CSO recognition process on campus, then don’t worry about what the outcome will be, or how everything is going to work out along the way. Trust in God’s disposal of events. That is, if it seems like the right thing to do, take the first step. Then know that however the process unfolds, because you are responding to God’s direction, you and others that you come into contact with during the process are going to be blessed. And, you might just find that, with God at the helm, the journey will be a lot more rewarding than you expected it to be at the outset.
Tom McElroy, CS, California, USA

11.Our CSO is large but has become stagnant. It isn’t interesting anymore. We’ve done things the same way for so long that it’s too hard to change.
Christian Science is revolutionary. If something associated with it has become stagnant or difficult to change, it’s time for rediscovery! So take action by 1) remembering the good Christian Science has already done, 2) learning more about what it really is, and 3) proactively finding new ways to practice and share it with those who know little about it. Busting through mortal mind’s resistance to and apathy about any one of those things for me has been demanding at times, but always exhilarating and rewarding.
Mrs. Eddy wrote, “Judge not the future advancement of Christian Science by the steps already taken, lest you yourself be condemned for failing to take the first step.”

(Science and Health, p.459) Sometimes I’ve had to take those first new steps alone with God, but once things started moving again people have been ready to be involved.
So, treat yourself to resolving that nothing can stop the work God gives you to do. The world and your campus need the love and healing Christian Science offers. “Give them a cup of cold water in Christ’s name, and never fear the consequences.” (Science and Health, p. 570)
Susan Rynerson, CS, Massachusetts, USA Alum, M.I.T. CSO

Divine Mind is always unfolding fresh new ideas to each of us: “Spirit, God, gathers unformed thoughts into their proper channels, and unfolds these thoughts, even as He opens the petals of a holy purpose in order that the purpose may appear” (Science and Health, p. 506). Mary Baker Eddy wrote her Church Manual to provide a framework for church and related activities that would be relevant to all ages and infinite in its unfolding blessings for each individual and organization under its sheltering wing. And in that Manual you find the provision for establishing a CSO under the By-Law entitled “Privilege of Members” (73).

Have you thought about just having a pizza night for everyone in the CSO to discuss purpose, vision, and perhaps an action statement for the CSO? You might start by looking at the Manual By-Law that establishes your privileges. Some good questions might be:

Why is it a privilege to have an active CSO and be involved in it? If I’d never attended a CSO meeting before, how would inspiration from this By-Law form my ideal of how a CSO on my campus would look and function? Why is sponsoring a lecture the only CSO activity that’s spelled out in the Manual? What does that tell us about length, frequency, and structure of meetings? How can our CSO meet the needs of students on our campus who may have no knowledge of Christian Science?

Those are just some ideas to get you started. Each CSO is unique, and Mind’s infinite wisdom will provide the answers you need to be effective on your campus today!

Sarah Hyatt, CSB, Charleston, South Carolina, USA Alum, North Carolina State U. and Florida Atlantic U. CSOs