The Christian Way Forums / The Christian Way Forums / Outreach to Loved Ones in Christian Science

This is a Awful Site

Do_Go_Be_Man — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:49:35 GMT

this is a awful site,

from [url=http://www.christianway.org/forums/FindPost16652.aspx]New to Forums -- Introductions and Personal... » Getting rid of my Christian Science books[/url]:

[quote]this site is awful it only allows those who agree to post. sorry i will no longer be a member. if you are trying to reach otu to cs members this was a awful way to go about it.[/quote]
Welcome to the forums. As explained in various places, most forums are moderated. The forums also serve various audiences:

[li]Christian Scientists[/li]
[li]Former Christian Scientists[/li]
[li]People with loved ones in Christian Science[/li]
[li]People wanting to know more about Christian Science from the perspective of those who have experienced it[/li]
I understand how, from your perspective, you would disagree with much of what is shared here.

How would you step beyond bashing and improve the forums?

As you read through the forums, you may notice that Christian Scientists are encouraged to post even though they disagree. The only posts that have ever been deleted, edited, or not approved are those that:

[li]Represent legal difficulties such as slander and libel[/li]
[li]Contain abusive language not aligned with the published terms and conditions of the site such as cursing and misrepresentation of identity[/li]
[li]Stray so far from the topics and purposes of these forums so as to be irrelevant such as those that have no connection of any sort to Christian Science and our shared experiences[/li]

Christian Scientists and those that represent themselves as such are actually given quite broad latitude in what they share.

Do Go Be Man
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Marriagd Counseling Approach??

Godskid — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:55:35 GMT

My husband is CS, I am a Christian. 9 months married into this........what a whirlwind.... I was wondering if the time came down the road, is a CS willing to go to any kind of marriage counseling, retreats, etc..... He refuses to go to marriage counseling when we got married, saying we weren't gonna go the "therapy" route. (although being a CS practitioner himself......isn't thata type of therapy?) I also invited him to go to an undenominational marriage 8 week class through "Fireproof" and he flipped out on me. This was several months ago. He then refused to go to my church functions at all saying I was pressuring him and all us church folk are horrible for evangelizing and being so pushy. Since then, I laid off and he has gotten better. He is a little over a year into CS, though he was raised in it. But he is steady, heavy into it. He just did class instruction in August. I guess I am just trying to find ways we can unite, even spiritually where we can bind and it is non-threatening to him. One thing he will do with me is go to Christian concerts. We are going to one this weekend with Jeremy Camp, Bebo Norman, and Natalie Grant. What are some other things we can do together, that he may agree to? It's amazing and so scary.....I can see this CS so subtly taking over him.....spiritual deception. It is weaving a web of deceit so thick that it is entangling his mind and soul. It's horrible to watch this happen to someone you love. And they really have him trained to read the Bible "buffet style", and that they alone have the answers "the key" that noone else has. Please all ya'll out there keep up with your prayers!!! This is a vicious attack by the enemy on individuals! Pray for a breakthrough that this cult will be destroyed once and for all.

Please Help

Godskid — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:28:06 GMT

My worse fear came true....I feel like I can't breath right now...seriously trying to calm down. I feel so helpless and don't know what else to do besides pray. I just read an email between my husband and a CS practitioner who is "treating" him. My husband of course never says anything to me about his health issues bc there aren't supposed to be any right? Well he has some pretty serious stuff going on with him....tumors that hurt, coughing back substances, an't breath, and other symptoms. I am freaking out because he doesn't know I read this for one and know what's really going on with him and 2- he won't go to a medical doctor. I am so scared right now and I don't know where else to go to talk to anyone. This is the hardest thing I've dealt with in a long time and I'm struggling to hold it together. Should I approach this and if so how? Please help me.

Married to a CSist and need help

surferforjesus — Mon, 21 Mar 2005 18:44:16 GMT

Hello

I am new to this thread..... a person in need desperately seeking help to deal with my CS spouse.

I am married to a pretty dedicated CSist. I have been married to her for 12 wonderful years, we have 2 beautiful girls and by all standards we have a pretty great life and marriage. However, she is a CSist, which is a cause for great strain on me as I am very convinced that not only is CS a lot of garbage ( please no offense to those of you who grew up with it) but it is anti- Christian. I just cannot see the attaction to following the teachings of a 19th Century Puritan from New England who made unbelievable outrageous claims and none of it has ever been subtantiated.I have been the consumate tolerant husband. And as an Irish Catholic, we are not known for our tolerance!

I have attended CS services and even allow my kids to attend CS Sunday School when they attend CS Services with their mom, which just burns me up inside. I simply do not see the attraction.

I am a practicing Roman Catholic and a firm believer in the Risen Christ and his message of love, peace and justice. While I have a lot of issues with the instiution I was born into, and all of its imperial problems a 2,000 year old institution is bound to have, I stlill believe deeply in the message and the mission of our Church, ie...salvation, mercy for the poor, healing the sick, ( in a hospital!), and forgiving sins. My kids are baptized in the Church and will have both recieved Communion and be Confirmed as my wife is equally tolerant of my religion. She was actually born Catholic but her mother left the church after her parents divorced and they both became CS followers. So my kids are exposed to both CS and The RC Church.

I was thrilled to find this site as I have been struggling to deal with my wife's obsessision with CS. I have had some very difficult discussions with my wife about our religious differences. I told her that I would embrace any protestant faith whose central theme is the life and teachings of our Lord the Messiah Jesus Christ. I have much more in common with Evangelicals like many of you or any of the other protestant groups as long as it is Christ centered and not centered on a non-divine indvidual. I have been pretty clear that CS is not Scientific or Christian but unfortunately, for those who cannot admit it a cult of personality around MBE.

My big concern is that the silence in our lives about our differences related to religion and faith is deafening. I love my wife and cherish our life together but it kills me that we cannot at least have our faith in Jesus as Lord in common. I am at a loss as to how to open her eyes as to the wrong path she is going down with CS. I am looking to you kind people for guidance in how to deal with this and would greatly appreciate your help. I have been praying dilligently about it and remembering in in my morning Rosary dedciations seeking the answers.

I took me a while to get the courage to post this so, I apologize for the stream of conciousness.

Help Needed For A Sunday School Class Assignment

Anonymous — Sun, 18 Aug 2002 09:59:56 GMT

As I mentioned in another topic, this Fall my Sunday School class will be studying cults using Walter Martin's book, The Kingdom of the Cults. Due to my CS background, I have been asked to teach the section on CS.

Whether you are former CS, still CS, or never been CS, I would appreciate your help and participation in my preparation. I'd like to be able to share more than one personal (though anonymous) perspective with the class using your one or two paragraph answers to the following question:

What do you want an orthodox (mainstream) Christian to know about CS?

Thanks,

Do Go Be Man

CS and non-CS Marriages

BT — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:14:49 GMT

I am currently seeing a CS and wondering what our chances are for having a successful marriage someday. Of course, the success will depend on us, but just looking for shared experiences here. I will not become a CS (which will obviously be the main hurdle). It is a wonder we are even together based on our religious differences, but we are very happy together and have many other important things in common.

revisiting testimony meetings to "witness"

Barb — Sat, 26 Feb 2005 00:16:19 GMT

Has anyone here who has left CS ever gone back to a testimony meeting to share their experience in finding a new relationship with Christ?
I have often imagined doing just that, as I have occasion to visit my mother's church on annual visits home. Yet the time never seems right, or I struggle with even attending Wed. night meetings because they seem so foreign to me now, what with most of the praise going to CS/MBE/Science & Health rather than simply to God and his Word. Mainly, I suppose I fear that once I've made my "new" views known, it may be detrimental to further one-on-one opportunities to share my faith, as church members will be on guard.

Once, many years ago, soon after I had come to faith and was operating under that resulting innocent sort of enthusiasm (zeal!) I did "express gratitude" at a testimony meeting for the fact that my husband was in the process of rededicating his life to God after a backwards turn to drugs, alcohol and domestic violence. I did not pay tribute to MBE, only to God's transforming power. I'm sure the lingo that I used smacked of evangelical Christianity, but it came straight from the heart and I was touched that one of the ushers came forward after the meeting - very quietly and meekly - to confide in me that she was also going through a time of domestic violence in her home. I doubt she would have shared that with her fellow church goers, but she felt comfortable approaching me, a visitor.

One never knows what good might come of shining a little light in a testimony meeting, since it's really the only time alotted in a CS church for sharing personal experiences publicly. Don't you think that some CSists might just be searching for a little realism, for some brave soul to take the bull by the horns and bring up issues that are uncomfortable to discuss? Any thoughts on this matter?

Prayer Request

rising sun — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:22:10 GMT

Hello Everyone,

It has been quite some time since I've posted anything here, but I truly value this forum. My concern today is for the health of my dear, aging mom who is still in CS. She is 88 and until this time has enjoyed good health, but now is concerned about stomach pain that isn't going away. As you can imagine, it takes a lot for a staunch CSer to admit out loud that they're concerned about a condition. She chooses to live on her own, near her CS church community, rather than relocate to be nearer family. All of her children live far away and we take turns visiting during the year, but she is alone at present, dealing with this new concern.

As I have not been in CS for the last 20 years, my mom knows that she can freely share with me about her physical condition if she wishes. But she stops short of telling me all the details, for fear of making too much of a "reality" of it. She has lost her appetite and I sense that she is in more pain than she's letting on, and is consulting a practitioner, but it's not subsiding permanently. It's hard to know how to help her from a distance, other than through prayer, so that is what I'm asking of any of you who may feel led to pray for her with me. In the past, on this forum, there have been some really compassionate responses to others who have had to walk through hard times with their CS loved ones, trying to respect their wishes as they've faced scary physical symptoms. So that's why I turned to you folks. Any words of wisdom? Thanks for listening.

Help Me Complete my Wife's Journey out of C.S. Before it Kills Her

Drummer1969 — Thu, 14 May 2009 10:25:35 GMT

I am so thankful I found this site and am hoping the forum participants can help me. My story sounds like something out of a movie, but here goes. I met my wife (Victoria) 9 years ago and we were married a year and a half later. We have a six year old son, and despite the religious differences we are 100% compatible. I was raised in a Protetant (Babtist) church and view man's relation to God as sinners versus savior. I am a deep beleiver that in order to get anywhere spiritually (whether it's help with work, relationships, health) that one must humble oneself in front of Christ, repent sin, and make a genuine effort to change one's ways for the better (meet God halfway). I have tried very hard most of my life to adhere to these concepts and they have served me very well. I have had personal experiences (3) in my life where God clearly intervened. I will leave those for a seperate post.

My issue is that my wife's C.S. beliefs have recently cost her dearly from a health standpoint. Before I provide the specifics, let me just say that she was not nearly as 'devout' in the faith when we met, and for the first 6 years of marriage. It's only been the last year or so that I feel I have 'lost' her so to speak. She went to 'classroom instruction' last June of 2008 and ever since has basically been lost. I never interfered with her spirituality prior as (1.) She was not 'living' it (went to doctors, was very rational towards a lot of things) and (2.) I felt that in time that she would come to see the truth of the bible without a 'key,' as she is a degreed engineer and highly intelligent (C.S. is so irrational - God would have never created such an 'illusion' - makes no sense).

To the specifics. Last June (right before she left) I began to feel a very small lump in her left breast. When I approached her with it, I was told that "I have very fibrous breasts and her doctor had reveiwed it during her last visit and was OK with it." Another six months go by and I notice it is getting bigger. I finally basically told her to get in and have it examined or we were going to have serious marital problems and she went. A mammogram turned into a biopsy which turned into Grade 2 Ductal Carcinoma, invasive breast cancer diagnosis. She then proceeds to tell me that she is going to work with a practitioner and work towards a healing. We fought for two weeks until I finally gave her an ultimatum. "Clearly, C.S. is incorrect as you have studied this intensly for the last year and turned up with breast cancer, and you are either going to deal with this medically with me or on your own in C.S." What is really bizarre is that there is NONE of this in her family history.

That was the hardest thing I have ever had to do as I love this woman to the depth of my being. She finally relented and three weeks ago had a modified radical mastectomy (entire left breast removed and all lymph nodes under the left arm). We met with the Oncologist yesterday and she is scheduled for a round of chemotherapy followed by hormone therapy to surpress the estrogen and progesterone (prevents recurrance by a factor greater than 50%). The Oncologist staged her at stage 2B, which is amazing considering how long that thing was growing and her relatively young age (40). I feel like my Protestant prayers were answered (she was irked when I told her that).

My question is this. I can't see how anyone could continue to hold onto the C.S. Faith after something like this, but she is still in contact with two practitioners and continues to go to church. Everyone is telling me, "Don't worry about it, as long as she keeps taking the medical route let her do what she wishes." Unfortunately, I am not able to do that for two reasons. (1.) I truly beleive that if I would not have been as aggressive she would have continued the C.S. 'treatment' until the cancer spread all over the place and basically cost her life, and I want her OUT of this cult in order to protect her. (2.) I am increasingly concerned with her salvation as C.S. presents a very warped view on reality and tells its followers that we are all perfect. Sorry, but we are all sinners and Christ was sent to forgive those sins.

My wife needs to come to see Jesus as the trilogy and our savior if she is ever going to be whole.

Does anyone have any ideas how I can lead her the rest of the way out of this cult? We have a six year old son in the middle which complicates things further.

I love her so much but will not stand by much longer if she continues down this path. Please give me your honest thoughts. Thanks in advance.

reaching "toxic" relatives

jennifer agnes — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 07:07:14 GMT

Is there a safe way to reach out to "toxic" relatives, who are still in CS? If you've read "Toxic Parents" by S. Forward, you know what I mean by "toxic." If not, the kind I'm talking about will listen well enough as long as they agree with you; but they'll get angry and verbally abusive if you show a differing theory, logic, or opinion. It gets worse in matters of religion, of course.

I've tried everything I could think of. Also, I've done my job to protect my own kids, from the fallout. Is there a point at which a Christian says, "that's it, forget it!" or do we keep praying until said person is past that point of being reached?

Specifics, in case any of you would like to pray: I'm talking about my dad and my eldest brother. They've both been very dominant, and the son copies the father. "Normal dominance" I can handle: 2 brothers turned out to be caring, level-headed people, who love Jesus and have been sorry for sins. So there's some celebrating. I have the feeling that God is still trying to reach the other 2 fellows. I've read that in cases of cult involvement, where there's any maltreatment, a person is better off leaving them alone. This isn't a typical case of CS problems: this is something TMC wouldn't like either. No church would. A person needs to have a conscience, and not lie. It sounds so silly, written like that, but that's the tip of the iceberg, so-to-speak. My "success" has been limited to living it without saying anything, and praying, of course. They won't listen to anything that remotely reminds them of Bible -they call it preaching. And yet Dad reads his CS lesson daily. The post card I sent, once, with the Bible references, fell into my little brother's hands before any of the others had a chance to see it, and by the next time I visited, he was overjoyed to get the Guideposts books, and other materials I brought. Still, I don't think he's had the strength to stand up to Dad. Very few have. My husband is one, but those encounters are rare. Dad will listen to a guy more than a woman. So the second brother has done what he could. Still it's been like getting sunlight through solid rock.

Maybe I'm naive, but I was hoping someone could reach them before it's too late. I know I haven't given you much to go on, but these two need our Savior like the two thieves on their crosses; and I believe they're in as much pain as those two also. No one is beyond His reach of forgiveness, if they'll only ask.
Maybe you have someone like that, too, and know what I mean.

Married to a CS who incredibly difficult. HELP!!!

Inquiring Mind — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 08:03:21 GMT

Hi, I've been reading the boards for a long time, but have yet to post anything. I am married to a life long CS who is incredibly difficult person. I'm sure he thinks the same of me. Anyway, we have never agreed on religion and therefore seldom discuss our thoughts and opinions. The discussion always ends up with me being the "misinformed" person. I was raised a Methodist and still attend services on a regular basis.

My biggest issue with my husband is his constant criticism. I think that he's so obsessed with being perfect because he believes that he is or should be, that he criticizes my every action trying to make me "perfect." I am personally very content with who I am and that I'm not perfect. I try to practice the Fruits of the Spirit and live my life to glorify God. We've been married alittle less than 2 years and I'm not sure that I can take it much more. We tried marriage counseling, but he quit because he wasn't getting anything out of it. All the criticism is killing any passion I have for him, yet when I try to discuss this with him in a loving manner, he doesn't get it. I'm suppose "to get over it". He's now threatening divorce. Perhaps it would be the best thing, although not what I want. My question is whether the criticism is due to his belief in CS, his natural personality or a combination of both? I would like to hear from others who are struggling in their marriages to CSs. Do you experience the same issues?

I appreciate any input, suggestions, Ex-CS Hotlines, etc.

Inquiring Mind

Is Denial a common trait?

Anonymous — Sat, 03 Jun 2006 22:42:40 GMT

I have noticed that my family member that is involved in cs tends to have alot of denial not only in her belief system but in her emotional life. I can't help but wonder if this is a common thread. I really have learned that the famous saying " thinking it makes it so", and can understand that this is denial, and also mind control. This belief eliminates God's power or ability to move in the situation, becuase if I don't think something, then how am I going to raise it up to Jesus for intervention. I have noticed also this a common thread (denial) in all who proclaim religion that is based on what the bible says is false doctrine.

Facebook group for FORMER CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS....

courtney — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 20:53:06 GMT

I graduated from Prin College in 2003 and left CS soon thereafter. I really want to reach out to current Christian Scientists and fellow Prin alums. Since I am a facebook user I am going to start an "ex CS" facebook group. (There are lots of CS groups like "CS Friendly", "Christian Science Rocks!", and "Christian Science Youth".) However, I am having a hard time coming up with a name for my group. I don't want it to sound haughty or else it might offend my CS friends and turn them off from hearing the truth. However, I want it to have a clear identity as a group of former Christian Scientists who have found the real truth in the Bible and love Jesus.

Here are my ideas so far:
- CS Exers
- Former Christian Scientists
- Christian Way (not sure if I should use this name, since I am not officially affiliated with the Christian Way website - plus it doesn't clearly mention CS)

I was also thinking it could be some kind of a spin on words/phrases that CS uses, but I am having a hard time coming up with ideas for that.

Any input or suggestions would be much appreciated. I want to let the young Prin alum community know that there are plenty of us who've left CS, and if they have questions, there are people they can turn to.

Hostility in Sharing honestly with a C.S. person

Anonymous — Wed, 17 Dec 2003 21:53:03 GMT

Hey all, I'm new to this forum as well.
I am a X C.S.er who went through a lot of darkness and hell before Jesus literally met me on the mountaintop. I found Jesus in the Swiss Alps at a place called L'Abri back in the early 1970's. Obviously that was a long time ago and God had done an immense amount of healing in my life to free me from all the anger, resentment, bitterness and hatred stirred up in me that was caused by my Christian Science parents allowing my younger brother to die at home of a very curable sickness instead of taking him for medical attention. It was from that traumatic experience that God faithfully kept me, protected me, and began to unravel me from the evil C.S. clutches which then put me on a road that would eventually lead to the Cross of Jesus. I'm now set free. I have forgiven. I've renounced. I've experienced His real healing loving work of His Spirit. I'm truly healed.

All this is a lead into what I want to discuss.
I've recently had two experiences talking via email to 2 very seriously entrenched Christian Science men who at first came across very polite, friendly and kind. They were even welcome in their comments to me as I sought to ask some questions that I knew they couldn't answer and probably would not answer. Anyway, each discussion soon turned ugly, them towards me. Even as I asked them why they were so hostile and threatened by my questions, they continued to reply with nasty comments and shut down the discussion.

This really has been my experience with all the C.S. people I've talked with over the years, so it's not surprising. What kinda evil spiritual stronghold is upon these deceived people? Any similiar experiences out there? Any suggestions?

success stories in "reaching" friends/family members

Barb — Sat, 26 Feb 2005 00:24:00 GMT

I'm suggesting this new thread in hopes of hearing that someone has actually had a positive experience in sharing their faith with a former CS church member, be it friend or family, and actually seen it take effect. So many of our discussions deal with the seemingly insurmountable barriers that go up once we leave the fold. That's the situation I find myself in... sowing some seeds for years and years but not noticing any change, although I'm sure something must be happening in the unseen realm! After all, once the Word has gone out, it's not supposed to return void. There's got to be someone who's had results. Any takers?

Questions to Ask Christian Scientists

thomas — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 09:55:19 GMT

[Uncredited material found on other web sites deleted by Moderator]

Are any ex-CSist's willing to HELP?

jesusmyhealer — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 23:39:17 GMT

Are there any ex-christian scientists willing to telephone a current cs follower to warn them and explain their story?

I am interested to know this.

Coz if this forum is serious of warning folk about christian science I am sure they would perhaps take that extra step if required, am I correct or not?

I am not familiar with CS and I know I wont win the battle with my mum however, if an ex-csist discussed it with her and could answer her questions then I know there would be hope for her.

No point me trying coz everything I throw at her she has an answer for and that's coz I don't know too much about CS, well as much as her anyway!!!!

I guess I am becoming desperate.

Facing domestic abuse/violence in or after CS

rising sun — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 11:15:43 GMT

Please let me know if another thread already exists related to this topic so we can switch to it instead. What prompts me to raise the issue is that on a recent reconnection with an old CS acquaintance (after being out of touch for a decade), our conversation was able to go deeper than the superficial words sometimes exchanged between a present and a former CSist. I was really impressed that she initiated the conversation and pursued it, knowing that I, too, had faced a relationship which evolved into domestic violence, sometimes fueled by alcohol on the part of the abuser.

One of the reasons I like to reconnect with my CS peers from the past is that they are occasionally open to discussing negative issues which they may not feel comfortable/safe discussing within their CS circle. There was something refreshing about addressing this issue years later with a friend with whom I shared some common ground. I feel it is very important to get this issue out of the darkness & into the open, to call it what it is, get the help needed for both the abused and the abuser and definitely not quietly remain in an unhealthy relationship while being counselled to "just see the perfect man".

I acknowledge that staying within a physically abusive relationship would not be the typical advice of a CS practitioner once help is sought, but the victim keeping quiet about it and NOT seeking help in or out of CS may be characteristic of a confused CSist who fears talking about something so "inharmonious".

I would be interested in knowing if any others out there have found help & healing from support groups

Is CS starting to rub off on me?

jesusmyhealer — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 19:30:44 GMT

I have been raised a Catholic but not that I follow it now as I have recently joined a new Christian Church.

I have finally found the path and I am on my journey:D

My mum however has been following CS for 8 years after she fell ill due to a brain aneurism.

To cut a long story short she has been trying to pump CS into me for years but I wont have a bar of it.

I've given her anti-CS documents to read etc. and she denies it.

The family is torn apart. We hate going to her place for dinner coz we just get CS pumped into our brains. We cannot have a normal conversation coz she starts quoting MBE. Why is it that they have this anger inside them when they preach? She wont tell me in a calm, nice manner, she is quite abusive about it when she tries to get her point accross.

However, coz I have heard CS for 8 years, I'm beginning to wonder if it has rubbed off on me.

I'm starting to think the following:-

If I have a headache I don't use pain killer coz I deny the headache is there.

If I see my daughter is getting cold symptoms, I deny them for colds don't exist.

I attend Bible classes at my Christian Church and everytime they mention the devil as a person I say to myself "No, he's not a being, he's sin in us humans, our own thinking".

Someone HELP me PLEASE, am I turning into a CSist?

I am starting to worry that my mum has already tarnished my thoughts.

How do I get rid of them? She's already planted the seed in my mind and it now haunts me.

Prayerful support for a family torn apart

frogs25 — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 07:50:31 GMT

Who would have thought it would come to this. The big "D" between two Christian Scientists who have been married for over twenty years and had 4 children ranging from age 12 to 27. As their ties to TMC church is strong, I must not go into much detail, however the Hypocrisy and the Betrayal my siblings, myself and my father feel are very strong and intense. I pray that the resolutions my parents make between them are fair. As for the third party, I pray that someday my family members can forgive the whole situation and realize that perhaps it is for the better good. I am so angered and so hurt, I feel my fathers pain, and I pray everyday for my father. He is very loved by his CS community, and as I reach out to my CWay family, I thank you for all your prayers and support as my family goes through a difficult time. I feel very torn about Christian Science because of its display of its two extremities. I love the CS community who is supporting my father, I feel the love is grand. I dislike the manner in which the controlling aspect of CS has taken away our mother....it is like she has become possessed.....and you cant tell her otherwise.....a very cold dark hallway with no sympathy and real true love.....surface.

Does anyone relate?

Frogs25

Please Help

ooxurxangelxoo — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 23:30:52 GMT

We were proposed this question at school in our Bible class.

"What will it cost for a Christian Scientist to turn to Christ?"

Can anyone help me answer this? Thank you :)

Questions about approaching current CS members

Anonymous — Wed, 07 Apr 2004 19:28:49 GMT

Hi all,

I'm new to this discussion board but have visited the Christian Way website several times since July, 2003. I feel compelled to ask several questions, as the title of this post suggests. I'd like to first briefly discuss my background for asking these questions.

I am a Christian, and was raised in the United Methodist Church. I fell away from most church activities and did not have much of a Christian walk during part of high school, for my college years, and for several years thereafter. During that time, though, I did retain my belief in the God of the Bible. For about the past 6 years I have recommitted myself more and more to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, a Christian walk, and being a member of a local church (United Methodist and now a more evangelical Christian church as I have temporarily relocated from home due to my job).

I dated a woman last summer (2003) who is 3rd generation CS, teaches CS sunday school at her local church, has attended conferences at (and may be a member of) the Mother Church in Boston, and is "class taught" (if that's the right expression for someone who has had formal instruction in CS). She regularly attends her church and daily reads from her CS lesson. At the time we began dating I knew little of CS, other than it has 'Christian' in its title, there is a main church called the Mother Church located in Boston, and that believers in CS were said to be healed of physical ailments by their faith in God rather than reliance on medicine.

As I learned more of CS teachings from my ex-girlfriend, I knew and sensed their incompatibility with what I'd been taught and learned of the Bible. My feelings were confirmed by conversations with other Christians: members of my family, a pastor at a previous church, and even with a former girlfriend. I believe that several of these people I spoke with were motivated by the Holy Spirit to reach out to me. Also, this website was a terrific resource in learning more about CS.

I ended the dating relationship with my ex early last fall due to the differences in our religious beliefs. I have had little contact with her since then due to my temporary relocation for my job. I have seen her several times in group settings back home (including a wedding) because we have several mutual friends; we had cordial relations at those events. I do want to make it clear that I am over the dating relationship and have no romantic desire for her.

Now on to why I've posted here.

I've read through several of the previous posts. I've observed that there are a variety of folks posting, most from a CS background. Many of you are Christians at various stages in your walk, others are at a point of spiritual and religious questioning and exploration. I very much appreciate the sense of community, and oftentimes Christian fellowship, I see in many of your posts.

As many of you former CS are now practicing Christians, I'd appreciate any insight you're willing to offer. My questions are generally along the lines of:

What, if anything, should I do to approach my ex-girlfriend about her belief in CS and its incompatibility with the Bible?

Should I reveal that I have been praying for her and the other CS members of her family?

Do you think there are particular resources or testimonies that would be useful if I do approach her?

What are some helpful, simple (and hopefully not too threatening) ways of asking her to question her belief in CS? (I did read in a previous post about the 20/20 rule - are there others?)

I welcome all responses from any poster on this website. Please feel free to ask me questions if you'd like me to elaborate on my background, reasons for posting or questions I've asked (although it may take me awhile to respond as I'm often away from a PC). My thanks to you who read this post, and to those who respond (in prayer or by post). God bless you all.

James 1:22

Speaking the truth in love

followingHim — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 19:28:09 GMT

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. Eph 4.14-15 NIV

"Erol," posting under Anonymous, challenged me in another posting (Christian Science in the News) I had previously posted that a person who had died in the belief and practice of CS was "not in a better place."

Erol considers that "uncharitable."

I know that it is customery to say that a deceased loved onr in "is in a better place," especially if there was suffering prior to death. And honestly, Erol, when the situation is recent I am sensitive--hardly the time to get theologically strident! But the fact remains: It is an essential Christian teaching that there will be an eternal, irrevocable separation between the saved and the lost! If one denies this, then one is outside the pale of Christendom.

Of course, we are all free moral agents, and we have the individual freedom to accept or reject this Truth. But you do at your eternal peril! Although you might be a moral, intelligent, and otherwise splendid chap (and I think if we avoided religion, you and I would likely be great friends, Erol) without the Jesus Christ of history and eternity as your personal Lord and Savior, you are--literally-- a lost, doomed soul.

As the Lord Jesus himself put it, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Mat 7.21-3 NIV [bold face/b] added.

You see, it is quite possible to do exemplary works and still fall short of Heaven--and be consigned to Hell!

I wish there was a nice way to say it. In this thread, I invite people to share their favorite Scripture, illustrations, matters of logic, and other arguments as we focus on the most critical matter in the life of a friend or loved one:

You are without the authentic Jesus Christ. You are doomed. And your fate, as it stands now, is unspeakably tragic!

How can we "speak the truth in love," be persuasive, and deal with the possibility or probability of offending some one?

Christian Way tapes

rubyndora — Wed, 29 Jun 2005 11:11:30 GMT

A while ago, I ordered the free tapes from the Christian Way. I haven't listened to them all yet, but I particularly liked the testimony of Elaine Dallas. It was a really thorough account of how she found her way out of CS, and I liked it because she sincerely loved CS and wanted it to be true. It reminds me of my mother. I am thinking about lending the tape to my mom and asking if she'd please listen to it and tell me what she thinks. Has anyone else done that?

Advice on friendships

rubyndora — Wed, 09 Nov 2005 13:44:34 GMT

Hi everyone,

I haven’t posted in a while but I noticed that the postings here have picked up (even without Nyoka to provoke people!) and I am hoping I can get some advice from those of you who have probably been in my shoes.

I’ve been out of CS for a couple of years. I left right after graduating from Principia College. Reading the Bible alone and attending a supportive, Bible-based church has changed my life. I am so grateful that God has opened my eyes and allowed me to see true Christ and true Christianity. God is so merciful and wonderful!

My problem is that I have a group of wonderful friends from college, and we’ve kept in close touch. In this group, I am utterly alone in regards to my beliefs. They are all what I’d call “super-Scientists” – going through class, dedicated to reading their CS lessons, etc. They are good people and I admire their dedication, even though I can’t understand why they so blindly follow CS the way they do. Lately, though, some of their CS comments have prompted me to speak out against CS. It’s just so frustrating to listen to it all the time. But they regard my comments as “hateful” and they’ve expressed frustration that I can’t seem to respect their beliefs.

I think they must be telling themselves that I don’t really understand CS and that must have been the real reason I left. A couple of them have told me I need to be more open-minded, and they’d be happy to answer any questions I have about CS as long as I respect their beliefs.

Respect their beliefs? Good Lord! I can’t help but think, “Been there, done that – no thank you.” They can believe the earth is flat and while I would respect their right to believe it, I’m not going to respect that particular belief! I have much more respect for other world religions (Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, etc) than I do for Christian Science, because at least they’re not hypocritical. My biggest beef with CS is that it claims to be something it’s not. These friends insist that their beliefs are grounded in the Bible, but if they’d only READ THE BIBLE, they’d see otherwise.

I’m just so frustrated and confused right now. There is absolutely no way I can respect their beliefs and no way I can promise them that I’m going to keep my mouth shut. I hate to see five friendships go down the drain this way, but I’m starting to think that’s going to happen. I have spent some time searching for answers in the Bible and I am still uncertain of what’s the right thing to do. I mean, I want to be there for them, in the hope that if any of them do decide to question CS, I might be of some help. On the other hand, I see how in the book of Acts, the apostles didn’t ever push it too much. They’d go to a place, say what they had to say about Christ, but if the people didn’t want to listen they left. Also, Jesus said he didn’t necessarily come to bring everyone together, but that mother would be turned against daughter and father against son, etc. And somewhere else in the Bible it says we shouldn’t be unequally yoked, which I take to mean in marriage, but does that also mean you should abandon friendships in a case like this? That’s not a pretty picture.

I would really love to hear from some of you who have been in my shoes. Is it worth trying to salvage these long-distance friendships if I have to promise to try and hold my tongue when it comes to my opinions on CS? I mean, I love my friends dearly, but we’re all scattered across the country and our “friendships” are all based on something in the past. It’s not like we get to interact every day, except via the internet. Maybe I should just allow the distance to grow, keep them in my prayers, and move on.

A thought on the influence of cults

Anonymous — Thu, 07 Apr 2005 11:36:09 GMT

Hello Everyone,

I'm sure this belongs in a thread from somewhere in our past, but I wanted to get this in before I head out for the afternoon and don't have time to hunt right now. . . Last night I heard on a Christian Public Radio Station an interview with writer, Mark Phillips. I caught just a portion of the show, but it was very interesting. He was talking about cults and working against their influence on our children. He didn't mention any particular cult, but my thought naturally turned to Christian Science (because inside I still struggle with defining it as a cult -- I know it is one; yet it pains me to admit it. . . ). Anyways, he was speaking about his past and I'm not certain if he WAS a member of a cult, (because I turned the radio on after he spoke of that), but he definitely was influenced by one at some point in his life. He spoke of how at that time a very helpful Christian acquaintance of his kept gently bringing up the Bible in their conversations. He continuously asked Mark to speak of his opinion on different verses from the Bible.

Years later, when he was no longer influenced by this particular cult, he now understands why his friend did that. In asking about the scripture verses, his friend never gave him his own perspective on the particular verse, but rather listened intently while Mark (in his own words) went on and on explaining his own interpretation of the verse. Now he realizes that his answers were mostly non-sensical and totally warped with the perspective of his cult leader, but at the time he spoke those words they were as "gospel" to him. His friend, in asking and not arguing or judging in response, was helping by turning Mark's eyes to a constant flow of passages in scripture. Even though his own perspective was unclear, the Bible WAS totally clear and infinitely simpler than the twists and turns of his cultish beliefs, and (again in his own words) "were breathed by the breath of God", which actually didn't allow for any muddying of the truth. Eventually, being continuously asked to look at scripture and come up with an understanding of it, the cult's version was washed out of his mind by the pure Word of God.

He suggested that to wipe away a cult-ish influence on one we love, we first of all "Pray continuously" for them. But also, we keep feeding them the Word, as it is written. Not in the sense of arguing it to them, but merely by holding it in front of them -- causing their eyes, ears and concentration to focus on the Word directly. If we ask them what their understanding of the various passages is at the time, it really makes no difference what they say. The passage itself comes directly from the Heavenly Father -- Other influences cannot hold a candle to what is pure, unadulterated Truth. Eventually, that truth will become a more powerful force in our loved one's mind than the cult. And, we have not put our OWN understanding of scripture above God's in this person's seaching heart either. Sometimes our best attempts at explaining away the cultish beliefs we wish to eliminate are over-shadowed by yet another perspective on pure scripture -- our own not-yet-perfect understanding.

Anyways, I thought that was interesting. I hope I have explained his ideas clearly and apologize for trying to get them to you second-hand, but thought you might find Mr. Phillip's ideas helpful and hopeful, as I did.

-- Grace

Christian Science and it's hold on those we love

Anonymous — Tue, 01 Feb 2005 14:50:29 GMT

Has anyone any suggestions on how to approach a loved one (particularly a family member other than a parent) who is still in Christian Science about the concern I have for their remaining in the organization? Not just for their health, although that is a HUGE concern as well, but also for the fact that they will never know what Jesus mission on earth really was all about -- what his love for them really meant. We are taught to spread the good news of the Christian gospel to everyone, but how can we do this to our Christian Science friends? I can see now the importance of doing so and I can understand God's wish that we take his message to them -- but how?

I have 3 people in particular who I am most concerned about. My brother and sister-in-law are of particular importance to me and because I feel they are cut off from really knowing God. They are forever frightened about something and though they talk the talk of CS, like so many in that church, they exude a nervousness and sense of constant guilt at the same time. I have to admit, I have selfish reasons for wanting to share this message with them as well. Our conversations are becoming fewer and farther between because my sister-in-law always winds up "speaking the Truth" (as she so "lovingly" refers to it) and when we try to discuss a serious topic, she usually goes into applying CS to it, so we never really can settle anything. My brother, who says he has no religion now, is still drawn into CS and I can feel his aversion to any discussion of "real" Christianity.

I also have a dear friend who was once a CS teacher and has now removed his name from the church entirely. However, his reason for doing so is that he feels the church does not teach CS as MBE meant it to be. He has made it his full time life's mission to teach CS "correctly" and is in a full time practice of this, complete with "patients" who he meets with regularly. According to him, there are constant healings and demonstrations which prove to him (and he says to his patients as well) that what he is teaching is the correct CS. When I ask for examples, like so many healings we've all heard of, they don't appear to me to be genuine, but rather the natural course of physical healing our bodies so regularly take when medicine is withheld. I respect him greatly, but at the same time long to somehow get through to him. For his own sake, and the sake of his "patients" as well.

Any ideas on how to broach the subject without appearing evangelical or without over-stepping my boundary as a friend? Is there a gentle way? I truly love these people and can see the mess CS has made of them. I'm praying about this, but also am looking for any input you all may have, as I'm sure you've come up against similar situations at some point. Thanks in advance. -- Grace

Frustration!

rubyndora — Fri, 24 Jun 2005 09:02:50 GMT

I’m sorry, my purpose in posting this is mainly just to vent. I have a number of close friends from Principia College and I love them all so much, but they are all very involved in CS while I am firmly against it. We don’t really discuss theological issues much – I’ve tried to gently bring it up to “test the waters” but I always get the feeling that no one wants to go there, period. So I just try to be very positive about the experiences I’m having with my church, and recently I mentioned that I am having a great time reading the Book of Acts. The response I got from one friend was, “That’s so great! My association is reading Science & Health all the way through this year! Next year we might do the Bible!” I get so frustrated with comments like these because I just don’t understand why they place S&H in such high regard, and then the Bible – well, maybe we’ll get to that later; it’s not really that important...

I just don’t know what to say.

What sparked your change?

rubyndora — Mon, 21 Mar 2005 20:27:08 GMT

I often get very frustrated when I think about my mom and CS. She's in her early 50s and was born & raised CS. Sometimes I tend to think there is just no hope that she might open her mind and see CS in any way other than what the church's literature tells her to. Maybe I should just resign myself to the fact that she thinks it's "the way" and that's her choice.

I'm just curious - is there anyone out there who was born & raised in CS but didn't leave it until middle age or later? What sparked the change for you?

Thanks!
Courtney

Leading people to God

Spring — Thu, 12 May 2005 02:13:43 GMT

The comment "I wonder: when was the last time one of this gang-of-three led a person to saving faith in Jesus Christ?" in fH's last post in the bible inerrency tread caught my attention. This is a very important subject, and fH's comment reminded me of the sad fact that leading people to saving faith in Jesus Christ is ignored by the majority of churches and believers in my country. With the state churches doing next to nothing - usually not even reaching out to members who don't attend church or to get to know them - any efforts to evangelize, is seen negatively by the majority of peoply in my country. In fact, I believe most people are not aware of the importance of the saving faith in Jesus Christ; very often I hear "but he/she is a very good person, that is more important than attending church ..."

Most of the people trying to share the gospel - through personal testimony, through prayer, by the witness of their own lives, by going and preaching somewhere, by attending to people in need, visiting prisons etc. etc., are pastors and members of the evangelical and charismatic churches.

If I remember it correctly Pope Benedict had mentioned something to the effect that it is important to evangelize in Europe and in Germany. I was very glad about that, because that will pull evangelisation away from the "small, none-state churches" and there is a very good chance of - slowly? - changing the catholic churches' attitude in this country concerning evangelisation - which are approx. 50% of the churches.

Marion

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Grace — Mon, 25 Apr 2005 06:16:12 GMT

Hi Everyone,

The recent thread about the flyer for Christian Scientists brought into my mind a sense of how difficult it is to get through to those still believing in Christian Science. Also, I can't help but think of those Christian Scientists who I know who are so very fragile and filled with fear. To them, Christian Science gives them the only sense of peace they have -- they indeed see it as their savior. To suggest that the rock they cling to is not the impervious harbor they think it is would actually be doing them a disservice. Especially if I do not have the ability to immediately replace this rock for them with the good news of true Christianity. For me, leaving Christian Science was not an immediate process, but a long drawn out one and then finding the cross took much prayer and the hand of God, literally guiding me step-by-step. Like tmcl said, they actually believe that Christian Science is the truth.

What I am suggesting is that it might be easier to first attempt to reach out to those who are considering Christian Science and who still have the safety net of their old beliefs to fall back on. So many people in the world are still searching to find God. They are seeking and struggling day to day to find a spiritual foundation to look to. Perhaps if we made "more noise" about what we have experienced ourselves as the result of Christian Science, we can prevent others from falling into wasted years of studying it themselves. Many of us have much pain -- physical and emotional -- which has left unpleaseant (to say the least) scars on us. Those we are led to meet will see them and wonder at them. We can use them as a tool for helping others.

As social people by nature, we meet lots of people each day in the experience of life itself and, at least from what I've seen, many of them are hungry to discuss spirituality which this often leads to the discussion of God. I find more and more people really are yearning to talk of God. My first instinct is to share my newly found church home and the wonderful feeling I have since discovering a close personal relationship with God. But during the past week, I have had two separate opportunities to share my journey in getting there. It wasn't easy pulling out my stories of life as a Christian Scientist, but in both cases, the people shared with had never before heard of Christian Science other than as "those people who don't go to doctors". They were truly moved when told that it is no simple thing to leave such a lifestyle and also how easily one can be deceived into believing such a doctrine. Both thanked me for being open about this and our conversation was a good one, benefitting myself as well as them. It gave me a sense of release and freedom from the need for protection through silence that CS seems to instill and it also educated them as to what Christian Science does within society. Because of what they now know, I am certain that if they ever come across a Christian Scientist who wishes to share their enthusiasm for the "truths" Mrs. Eddy expounds upon, they will be armed with biblical truths as well as true stories from past-CSers with which to contradict such discussion. They will be more apt to walk away, untouched. Who knows, they might even be able to plant a seed in the disillusioned Christian Scientist's thought!

We don't have to carry shame for being taken in by Christian Science. Especially since we have all worked pretty hard to remove ourselves from it. Sharing with others brings us closer to them and opens up doors of lasting friendship and rewarding growth. God lead us away from Christian Science because He loves us and wants to use us as witnesses for Him. We can be good stewards for Christ without evangelizing -- just by listening to and sharing with others who reach out to us and who are led to us by our Heavenly Father because He knows we can help them (and possibly they can help us as well).

I'm not saying a flyer isn't a great idea -- I'm just saying that there are other options as well and we need to use the voices God gave us to share what we know. ALL of what we know -- the good, the bad and the ugly (My husband is a relentless Clint Eastwood fan!).

-- Grace

NEED ADVICE!! PLEASE HELP!

Anonymous — Wed, 16 Feb 2005 16:53:56 GMT

Hello all.
I am a devoted Christian and I have been dating my girlfrind, who is a Christain Scientist, for 15 months now. Every time the subject of religion comes up she defends her religion and I do the same in the least intrusive way possible. Our conversation ends with her angered, fustrated, and without making a point or legitament statement. Over the past five months I have been casually inviting her to my church but she has refused every time saying it is simply "not her thing." Im in a pickle now. How can I can I get across to her that her religion is taking her nowhere in a polite, respectful, and non-offensive way? What can I say or do to help her? I love and care for my girlfriend very much and it kills me to she her waste her time on the teachings and prophecies made by a mortal human. Please help.

Thanks.
Hunter B.

who reallly rescues us?

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Feb 2005 12:12:20 GMT

You know, I was talking to a friend in church today and she had asked what church I had been a member of before. I told her that I was raised in Christian Science. She said that her mom used to have a story she always told to Christian Scientists which she was introduced to, in an effort to shed some sort of light on their oftentimes closed minds. (How did she ever come up with THAT, I wonder?) I couldn't help but smile when I heard her tale. You may have heard it somewhere else, if not I think it's a good one to share with Christian Scientists we cross paths with:

A man found himself caught in a horrible flood. He had a home on top of a hill, but soon the water was to his rooftop. He climbed up on the roof, and being a Christian Scientist, he began to pray. A man came speedng by on a motor boat and stopped to offer a ride to safety. The Christian Scientist turned him down, saying that God is All-in-All and would take care of him. So the man in the boat continued by. Shortly thereafter, a helicopter whirred by, and let down a rope ladder. A rescue worker called with a megaphone: "Grab on, sir, we have room on board and will carry you to safety. "no thanks, the man called, "God is the source of my supply and He will save me!" So, the helicopter went on by. Pretty soon, the waters were at the man's neck and a gentleman hanging onto a door floated by. He paddled over to the man and said, "hang on with me. We'll paddle together to safety". The man was so deep in prayer, he didn't even hear him.

Sadly, the man died. When he met God in heaven, the man was very upset. "God, I trusted you. Why didn't you save me?" he said. "you should have answered my many prayers and taken care of me!" The Lord replied, "My good fellow, where do you think the kind man in the motor boat came from? And how about the helicopter and the kindly fellow on the door? I sent them all for you, but you refused them.

I thought this was a great story. Although she always shared it as a joke, it is meant to hopefully remind Christian Scientists that God uses people to do His work. Doctors, rescue workers, neighbors, friends, children and family members, the list goes on and on. She wanted to share that many of these people are good listening Christians and their actions come from the prompting of the most loving God. I'm not sure a Christian Scientist would get it immediately, but maybe after a while it would sink in. . . . . Also, it might be a bit gentler to tell it and not specify a Christian Scientist, but refer to a "pious" fellow, or something like that. . . . it would maybe have the same effect without being too judgmental.

Well, just thought I'd pass it along as food for thought.

Enjoy the day everyone! -- Grace

What worked for you

Broncho — Thu, 21 Oct 2004 22:00:02 GMT

I would be interested in hearing from exers about their transition out of Christian Science and into a more healthy world view. Some posters have mentioned anxiety reduction techniques, prayer, de-programming, etc.
I wish there were some way we could raise public awareness of the child abuse element. Perhaps if we could organize it would be healing and give our pain more meaning.

The Promise of Heaven, the Threat of Hell

Do_Go_Be_Man — Wed, 29 Oct 2003 21:03:44 GMT

Much has been made of Christians witnessing by warning non-believers of the eternal torment they face if they do not ask Jesus Christ into their lives. Hellfire and brimstone, however, are not as effective nor necessarily as relevant as the promise of Heaven and forgiveness of sins that Jesus Christ taught.

I'm hoping that this topic is broad enough that getting off topic will be difficult. Perhaps the moderator would agree, as an experiment, to establish a ground rule for this thread of deleting any off topic message.

The English Standard Version uses the word Heaven 266 times in the New Testament. Hell is only used 17 times. That, of course, does not account for synonyms and descriptive phrases like Paradise and lake of fire. The point, however, is that Heaven and eternal life represent the greater emphasis of Jesus' teaching.

Yet, Christians have a greater reputation among non-believers for preaching the threat of Hell and damnation more than the promise of Heaven and Salvation. Is it more important to stay out of Hell than to get to Heaven?

As a CSist, I experienced Christians shoving tracts in my face telling me what awaited me if I didn't repent and renounce my beliefs. That method of witnessing drove me deeper into CS. Exers, how would a Christian have effectively witnessed to you when you were still in CS (a question I'm asking myself as much as others)? CSists, how can Christians share our perspective of the Bible with you and what just drives you deeper into CS away from mainstream Christianity? What would encourage you to feel welcome in and part of the mainstream Christian community?

Does being a CSist necessarily preclude Salvation? If not, are all CSists saved? If so, what must a CSist do to be saved and, once saved, can they or would they continue their study of CS?

Is everyone going to Heaven regardless of their beliefs (universalism)? Does CS represent universalism? How does universalism account for Scripture such as Matthew 22:1-14.

Many Christians consider Matthew 25:31-46 to be the scariest passage in the Bible. How can we avoid being surprised by finding ourselves to be the goats on the left and ensure that we are among the sheep on the right?

Do Go Be Man
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Witnessing to Christian Scientists

Anonymous — Thu, 22 May 2003 11:59:17 GMT

Can anyone give me some helpful tips and arguments to help me witness to some Christian Scientists?

conversion

Anonymous — Mon, 24 Jun 2002 12:09:39 GMT

I read all of the stories on the web site and they encouraged me. My boyfriend is a CS and I have been told that my purpose in his life is to show him true Christianity. I, however, do not know where to start. I have done some research on CS but I need some more. If there are any ex CS that can show me some parts of the S&H that don't coincide with the Bible that I can tell my boyfriend I would appreciate it. I tried to read the S&H, but it just confused me. I had no idea what it meant. Thanks