5) Shy sharer
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.
—
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.
—
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.
