3) Self-conscious about CS
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
