Christian Science and Interfaith

[Sue]

I have been involved in a women’s interfaith group for approximately 9 months now. The group is some distance from my home and with the encouragement of the members of this group I am now starting up a new group close to my home. I am interested in dialogue with others who have involvement in interfaith groups.

I see my involvement with interfaith as an acknowledgement of the universal nature of God and as an opportunity to identify, acknowledge and honour the presence of the Christ (the action and influence of God, and man created in his image and likeness) and the Holy Ghost (the inspiring influence of God on human thought and experience) as I understand them.

My biggest challenge is to remember that I am not personally responsible for explaining Christian Science. That God is Mind and is present in my consciousness, guiding me with the right words, and in the consciousness of others, helping them to understand. I am learning to listen more effectively to God and to others, not thinking what my response will be but to give them my whole attention, then turning to God for the words. I have also learnt not to be so defensive and view a misunderstanding of CS as an attack on CS but see it as an opportunity to correct misconception about CS.

I think CS has a very unique role to play in the growing interfaith movement. Mrs Eddy’s quote P 360 line 30 has been an invaluable guide. I have found that a sharing of the Christ and the role of Jesus in teaching and demonstrating the Christ as taught in CS is a concept that bridges all faiths I have come in contact with.

Looking foward to some dialogue and any other ideas or references you have found helpful.

[paulson]

I'm always thrilled to hear of other Christian Scientists who listen and share their best. What roused my own interest in the subject was my realization that so many people misunderstood and appeared to dislike what they thought they knew about Christian Science. I decided to attend seminary for the sole purpose of finding where Christian Science fits in the conversation among Christians. Having grown up in Christian Science, I was startled to learn what the historical and theological roots of this disconnect are about. I discovered then what you are experiencing -- that listening well precedes a great opportunity for valuable discussion. Christians are often deeply touched with what they learn of Christian Science, if we use language they relate to, and keep our motives pure.

You may be interested in the occasional blogs in TMCYouth, called "Great Conversations Christians."

I'm glad you started this blog, as I'll be interested in seeing more about the experiences from others.

[klyck]

Happy to be a part of this discussion! I have been involved in a Ministrial Association for about two years and just love it. I agree with Sue's sentiment written above: "I have found that a sharing of the Christ and the role of Jesus in teaching and demonstrating the Christ as taught in CS is a concept that bridges all faiths I have come in contact with."

I have such respect for those who are actively finding ways to be of service to their fellowman. When I have explained that Christian Scientists practice healing as Jesus healed, it has been met with the same respect that I have shown to others.

This group has been involved in starting up a Community Table ( a community potluck for all those in the community - with special advertising going towards those who need the Food Pantry) and now a regular newspaper column.

ShirleyS+C: I am looking to expand my understanding of the Bible. What classes did you find helpful?

[paulson]

klyck, in answer to your question about what classes I found helpful, I think the answer to that question leads in two directions.

I did spend a lot of time and effort studying the Bible, and it began with attending classes offered by Christian Scientists. I found a deeply spiritual thread running throughout the Bible, and then ultimately I studied it on my own very, very thoroughly. I used translations, commentaries, maps, dictionaries, and textbooks. I read the Bible all the way through, making careful notes about spiritual concepts that were developing. And I kept an orderly record of the history, as I went along, so as to keep the stories straight. Later, when I attended seminary, I found my own study was the most valuable thing I did. The courses in seminary taught me various approaches to these studies, but none of them gave me the tools for the spiritual search I did alone.

The second answer to your question has to do with the purpose for my attending seminary. I did not go, looking for a deeper understanding of Christian Science, or even the Bible. I wanted to learn how Christian Science could be better understood and explained in the context of contemporary Christian thought. I do hope other serious Christian Scientists will join that conversation, because I found my questions and ideas discussed in Christian circles that would benefit from a Christian Science perspective. Also, I found that by learning more of the Christian history and culture, I understood more clearly how to communicate the ideas that would bless.

The most important classes I would recommend for anyone seeking conversation with Christians would have to do with early Christian history. That's where the deepest theological issues were discussed and debated, and Christianity today was shaped and formed by those early discussions. That's where Christian Science takes issue but also makes contribution. It's an exciting time to be in these conversations. So -- Early Christianity. That's what I vote for (after you study the Bible deeply, looking to find the "inspired Word" for yourself).

[klyck]

Thanks Shirley.
This is very helpful!