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RE: Thank GOD I'm a Christian Scientist

1John3 — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 19:57:01 GMT

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (1 John 3:1)

RE: Thank GOD I'm a Christian Scientist

Do_Go_Be_Man — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 20:31:26 GMT

Anonymous 1/5/07 5:17:27 PM,

Welcome to the forums!

[quote]I'm not really any religion, but I am confused about a few things. First off, all Christianity is a set of beliefs based on your interpretation of the bible, I see no reason that Christian Science should be singled out. One of, or perhaps my best friend, is a Christian Scientist, he's a great guy, but you speak as though CS is the worst thing anyone could be. You seem to be preaching a lot of hate towards CS, which I personally don't understand.[/quote]
Contrary to what some may say or feel, being a CSist is not the worst thing anyone could be. It's also important to consider CS from the perspectives of its teachings and of its culture. While I no longer accept either as being adequately aligned with the Bible or Christianity, the abuses of CS are far more dangerous than its actual teachings. The actual teachings of CS offer a lot of good on the surface. Unfortunately, they ignore a lot of the Bible, misrepresent what the Bible says, and contend much of the Bible is erroneous. Rather than directing people towards the Bible and Christianity, CS often leads people away from it.

In darkness, however, people tend to move towards the light no matter how dim it may be. Sometimes CS is the brightest light around which is a sad indictment on other churches. Many do consider Christianity to be merely a set of personally selected beliefs. They pick and choose what to believe in ways that accommodate other choices.

One of the things that drew me out of CS was the realization just how much picking and choosing we were doing. On the one hand, we said we believed the Bible to be God's word. On the other hand, we were taught how untrustworthy Scriptures are. I got to a point where I had to believe one or the other and found the Bible to be the more credible if I were not to become an atheist.

Do Go Be Man
<><

Peter Frye — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 07:23:05 GMT

Linda,

A religion that believes that being a child of God mean to be part of a specific group of people and not all of mankind, is a religion I do not want to be a part of.

It's all or nothing for me.

SFJ,

"The only thing CW and I are in need of is to have our spouses come around to the Truth, which is Christ, and not be surrounded by all of the CS nonsense, like redefining words."

S&H 18:15
Christ is Truth

surferforjesus — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 05:50:04 GMT

Curious

I just noticed this. Yes me and CW have a great deal in common and we pray for each other regularly even though we have not met. For your information, we are not Evangelicals. We are Catholics, while we share many many beliefs of the Evangelicals on this site, we have many differences in our approach to faith as well.

My answer to your question is simple, I would not be surprised or offended at all.

In fact, At the height of my serious dispute with my wife over religion, I had a long meeting with her practicioner. I could tell the person knew a lot about me and my belief system. That could have only come from my wife. I did not really get upset about that person knowing the details of my marital disputes. What frustrated me was our conversation about theology. When we got into the details, the practioner, who was supposedly this Bible expert fell on her keister to the point where I was embarassed for her. All this did was demonstrate how lost she and the rest of her "flock" are. Shortly thereafter, this person's young husband died suddenly at 48 years old when days before he was perfectly healthy or so I thought. Turns out that was actually not the case and he died of a preventable disease. I can only pray that God is showing them his infiinte mercy.

As for your comment on the word wonderful.... next time get a Webster's Dictionary.. and get the true meaning of the word wonder. The only thing CW and I are in need of is to have our spouses come around to the Truth, which is Christ, and not be surrounded by all of the CS nonsense, like redefining words.

God Bless

SFJ

Linda — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 05:36:56 GMT

Peter Frye,

Keep in mind that the book of Romans is a letter written to followers of Jesus (Paul says so at the beginning of the letter). His statements like "we are the children of God" are not addressing mankind in general -- he is talking to a specific group of people. For that reason, his statements cannot be used as the basis for generalized statements about the spiritual nature of mankind.

Peter Frye — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 05:23:41 GMT

Priscilla,

Romans 8
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

S&H 360
This declaration of Jesus, understood, conflicts not at all with another of his sayings: "I and my Father are one,"--that is, one in quality, not in quantity. As a drop of water is one with the ocean, a ray of light one with the sun, even so God and man, Father and son, are one in being. The Scripture reads: "For in Him we live, and move, and have our being."

Priscilla — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 19:28:29 GMT

God is my Life. If that's not humility, then tell me what is.

Actually the answer is in Phil. 2:6-11

6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. - NIV

Peter Frye — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 07:28:09 GMT

Jan,

"You are a good reason why I hate religion (man's or woman's doctrines) and without doubt it hates me."

I hate religion too! I'm totally against organized religion! Jesus was anti-religious. Mary Baker Eddy was anti-religious. I was because of the religion that we got the Council of Nicaea!

I consider myself more spiritual than religious.

John,

"Peter: It's interesting that you would compare the science of calculas to Christian Science. The two are not in the same league."

Hence the metaphor.

"Calculas is an exact, hard and empirical science, and if you do the caluculations in a correct way, they always come out right. This is true in all cases."

Yes, but only when you thoroughly understand it that the answers always come out right.

"CS, on the other hand, is not a proven science, let alone a hard or empirical science at all"

yet. Science is catching up quickly, though.

"In short, there would be no need for them to breath, drink water, eat, cut hair, sleep, go to the toilet , brush teeth, etc. etc. etc., (and of course, be sick or injured ever, because such thngs don't exist.)"

Can't wait for that day!

"The truth is, if you are honest enough to admit it to yourself, you spend 99% of your life succumbing to mortal illusion just by going through your daily routines. In doing the things that I just mentioned, are you proving daily that man is exclusively spiritual? No, you are proving that he is just the opposite-both material and spiritual."

There IS no spoon, man! Christian Science doesn't bend the spoon, that's impossible! It's about bending yourself! Your mind, your way of thinking, your perception of reality. And when you realize that you will know and understand that man does not live by bread alone.

Matt. 6
O ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

"No, you are proving that he is just the opposite-both material and spiritual."

Matt. 6: 24
No man can serve two masters.

Gal. 5: 17
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Romans 8
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

You cannot be both. It's either one or the other. True or false. Life or death. Good and evil. Spiritual or material. Spirit or flesh. Truth or error. I know which one I am, do you?

"I was never a math whiz. Just the opposite. Still, math students I knew, along with math teachers, engineers, etc. had no problem with Calculas. Using your analogy with CS, how do you explain the heartbreaking stories from folks on the website of relatives, etc. who have the equivalent of a PHD in CS (as practioners, life long students, etc.) who are suffering terribly because even with all of their knowledge and devotion, they can't seem to apply "the truth" in a critical point of their lives. Along with them, their relatives and friends suffer also."

The realization of Truth can be as easy as realizing 2+2=4. It's about understanding that was the core of my analogy, not comparing Christian Science to Calculus. Understanding.

In the words of Jesus: "Hear, and understand"

"Finally, nobody is CS has ever escaped the final "mortal illusion", and that's death (least of all MBE). IF CS were true, surely one of the hundreds of thousands of CSists would have done that by now, don't you think?"

That you know of... You should look up my username's namesake Calvin Frye, you might find it interesting or at least a good read.

Now, I'm currently 21 and I do plan on living well into three digits (maybe 4?), but I do anticipate an eventual boredom and by that time moving on (or in this case, passing on) to a highly plan of existence would be appropriate. Does that mean I will die and on longer live? Of course not! Life is eternal. My True Spiritual Being will continue eons after my false material body will kick the bucket. The illusion of death is to consider it the final act, the end, good-bye, so long, farewell, etc., but in reality life continues. Never-ending.
And Jesus proved it too!
See the Passion of the Christ if you don't believe me

"Peter, you are young (and boy did I hate it when somebody said that to me in my late teens and 20's)."

It doesn't bother me. I am young. Young in heart. Young in spirit. The only way to go in life, in my opinion.

"Don't dismiss the idea that Christianity may have another way."

Ummmm, no. I like the way I'm doing it already. Me leaving Christian Science because of a terrible tragedy or personal crisis (like what some of you have experienced and made you leave Christian Science thinking it failed you) is like Jesus giving up during the scourging. True, there have been some moments of doubt and depression, but never once have I or will ever consider leaving Christian Science. Those moments of doubts and depressions are more akin to please "let this cup pass from me" or "why hast thou forsaken me?" but you know what happens shortly thereafter.

"I personally believe that God has led you here off and on to encourage you to think and explore some new options."

No, going here actually helps me reaffirm my beliefs.

Do Go Be Man,

"Actually, not quite sure we're in the same book, but I think you know that by now"

No, like I've said before: We're all looking at the same picture, just at different angles.

"I consider CS as a copy of a copy of a copy heavily influenced and edited by erroneous wishful thinking."

And what do you think has happened to "mainstream" Christianity? It's been perfectly preserved undistorted and error-free for the passed 2000 years?

Gnosticism is only considered "unchristian" and apocryphal because the Council of Nicaea decided it was (see above).

When I first learned of Gnosticism, my thought immediately went to the Church Manual where it says to "reinstate primitive Christianity and it's lost element of healing."

There were so many similarities that Gnosticism to it's core was Christian Science 2000 years ago.

Gospel of Mary:
The Saviour said There is no sin

They got it!

And because of "mainstream" Christianity, it was lost for centuries, until the Comforter came.

"Boston can certainly be an exciting and eye-opening place."

I should know. I've been living around here for the last 20 years.

"I pray God's blessings on your job interview and whatever employment He provides for you."

Thank you and I did get the job and I love working at the Center!

Grace,

"I agree with John that your posts seem to leave one with the feeling that you are not quite sure of CS, even though you say that you are."

Oh no. I can assure you that I was quite sure of Christian Science. Going back to my analogy, I have no doubt that the principles of Calculus are true, but the ability of me applying those principles I still have to work on. Same with me and Christian Science.

"When you listen to God, listen with great respect because His power is infinite. Also, listen at his feet and leave your pride behind. Drop it like a coat. Christian Science encourages self-pride. As much as Mrs. Eddy's writings declare otherwise, the spirit behind those words is full of pride. She is constantly talking about self-improvement and reading the Bible with her understanding. The way I finally saw that was to read the CS Sentinel and the Journal and then read Guideposts and The Daily Bread (both periodicals you can find online if you'd like to). Compare what you read. One is full of stories of "How I overcame this....." "How I overcame that...." and the other is full of "How God helped me through this. . . " "How God revealed that to me. . . . . " Such entirely different viewpoints and such entirely different results."

If you actually read through the end of the stories in the Sentinel and the Journal, you would know that they're more full of "How I overcame this through God....." "How I overcame that through Science...." and all those stories are about being grateful to God and Thanking Him and Loving Him constantly. The stories aren't "How I did this" or "How I did that" "because of me because I so super awesome". No! It's because of God and their understanding of Christian Science! Our lives are not our own!

God is my Life. If that's not humility, then tell me what is.

Anonymous — Sun, 30 Jul 2006 17:34:28 GMT

Hello Thank God, thanks for your posting. Fellow CSist here who enjoyed reading it.

CHRIS

Spring — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 05:38:23 GMT

Dear Musey,

Welcome to this forum, I am glad you found it.

When reading many posts you'll find many ex Christian Scientists who were raised in this religion but also people - like me - who at some point in their lives found Christian Science and were immensely grateful for it, loved it and would have defended it against anything. My studies at some point led me to contradictory messages from S&H and the bible, and to the decision which one I was to believe. I chose the bible, and I am glad about it. May God guide you as you read the posts and bless you!

Marion

musey — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 11:00:48 GMT

I THANK GOD, I AM A CHRISTIAN SCIENTIST ALSO. STUDYING CHRISTIAN SCIENCE HAS HELPED AND BLESSED ME IMMEASURABLY. Back in 1986, I had been studying The Twelve Steps and was on the third which says: "Made a decision to turn my will and my life over to the CARE of God as I understood God". Well I certainly had not understood God, much less believed in God.

I was born into Catholicism and was quit confused about it all so I went on a search for a God I could understand. Well it brought me through many religions and churches and from each one, I recieved new insight but the most profound effect occurred when I saw the sign above the Desk at a Christian Science Church which read "GOD IS LOVE" and realized that was how I could understand God. Well I knew I had found what I needed and so began my study of the weekly Christian Science BIBLE Lesson. Oh how I gleamed such comfort, and hope. It fed me spiritually and I began to understand my relationship with God through Christ Jesus. I found a friend and guide for this journey on earth where I could continually turn (resort) for wisdom, comfort, UNDERSTANDING, and healing words and my only requirement was to study, pray and rely on God, good. It is such a relief to know my relationship with God is everpresent, inseperable, and eternal. Oh how I drank in the Truth of Being.

I do not worship Mary Baker Eddy but I do respect, appreciate, and am grateful for her loving contribution to humanity of the everpresent availability of the Healing Efficacy of CHRIST JESUS. Her strength, perseverance, toil, study, and prayer of Scripture gave to the world a glimpse of what happens when we reach to touch but the hem of Truth's garment.

Confused Wife — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 20:36:19 GMT

Curious, I'm guessing you have some kind of CS background, is that correct. Knowing the perspective from which you come could help me in answering this question, but I will still try my best. I knew little to nothing about CS when I married my husband. In our first probably 5 years of marriage the only time he attended church was when we either visited his parents or his parents visited us. After attending the CS service a couple of times a year for those 5 years it became clear I did not understand the teachings at all. I attempted to read and understand S & H but to no avail. I'm a college educated so I don't think I am stupid. I have since found the conflicts between what I have read inn S & H and the bible to be too much and sought to understand from those that have left CS how it happened for them. That is how I came to find this great website.

As for your question as to how I would feel if my husband were on a website, etc. I would be surprised because he knows how devoted I am in my faith and how much I read the bible. We have had discussions about religion and he has never asked me to read S & H and was actually surprised when I told him that I have read some of his CS literature but that it doesn't usually make sense to me. He is not what I would consider a practicing CS. I think his hold on the faith is more one of obligation to his parents than true belief. He may disagree with that. At least he has never given me any indication that he would like me to learn more about it. As far as I know he has never joined the church as a member as an adult.

So does that answer your question curious? Wonderful also means admirable and excellent. When I say my husband is wonderful it is because I admire him as a person and is an excellent husband and father. And you are right, marriage is challenging at times but we have a respect for one another and that is a solid foundation in our relationship. Having respect for someone does not by any means that you can't continure to wish more for them. I would very much like to share a spiritual connection with my husband that I have seen in non-mixed (religiously mixed) marriages. To be able to share a faith in God is something very special as I am sure many others on this board can attest.

I am curious as to why you say the word wonderful is a "strong magnet for those in need"?

Anonymous — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 08:42:09 GMT

After reading this board for many months, I find the most compelling participants to be Confused Wife and Surfer for Jesus. Right away their connection becomes obvious to many of you. They are married to Christian Scientists and if I looked back at their posts, I'm sure I'd find the most often used adjective for their respective spouses would be 'wonderful.' Marriage is difficult enough (at times) and to endure these incredible differences of human existence (and beyond) is way past the understanding for a casual reader of this site. My question to them is this: If these two CSists (SFJ's wife and CW's husband) were found to be participating on another website contrary to evangelical thinking and posting words such as, "I love my wife/husband but she/he believes Jesus to be God and that heaven and hell are actual places, so I must show patience until they come to the realization and the truth of Mrs. Eddy's writings," how would you react? If I remember correctly, these two people are not 'new' to Christian Science and CW and SFJ were well aware of the pitfalls. Remember the word 'wonderful' means 'full of wonder,' and is a strong magnet for those in need.

Curious

Confused Wife — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 09:00:16 GMT

Grace you said it so wonderfully what I've never been able to pinpoint out about my CS in-laws. The lack of giving God glory for all HE does for us. Humility is not something that comes easily, especially to Americans, but with prayers and time we can all get there. Everytime I stop in at this website and read about the struggles so many of you go through as you come out of CS I find myself saying Thank God I was NEVER a Christian Scientist and sending up another prayer to God asking for strength and wisdom to say the right words at the right time to help my dear wonderful husband find the real truth--God loves us so very much and the only thing he wants from us is to believe in him and the most wonderful gift, given today, Good Friday, his Son.

Grace — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 15:35:53 GMT

Hi Peter,

I'm glad you are so happy and that all is well with you. I, too, send good thoughts for your interview. Sounds exciting!

Reading your post reminded of me when I was college age through to my early 30's. (but, I'm sure you've heard that before on this forum!) When reading your posts, my immediate reaction is that I have no comment in return and I know that Do_Go will generally have the most helpful response, but then for some reason, your words always come back to me the next day and I am filled with compassion and care for you. Generally, that leads me to just say a quick prayer for you and move on, but today I feel the need to do more.

I agree with John that your posts seem to leave one with the feeling that you are not quite sure of CS, even though you say that you are. I am grateful that God is beginning to work in you and that you are listening to Him and want so very much to do His will. That attitude will save you, Peter, if you keep loving God and crying out to Him. (I don't say "crying out to Him" as one who cries in self-pity, but as one who cries with a sincerity for wanting to find and demonstrate real truth).

The only words of wisdom I can offer (granted, you didn't ask me for my "wisdom", but this forum tends to lead to sharing such stuff) is one that is hard to say on-line because I fear you will take it the wrong way. That is why I haven't written it to you before now. But, I truly believe it will help you and am offering it with the sincere hope that you will hear it in the spirit it is shared. The truth is, someone once offered me the same advice many years ago and I heard it with a closed heart. Unfortunately, it took 15 years or so before those words seeped into my thought in the manner they were intended and I suffered greatly during those years because I carried resentment over it and didn't heed the suggestion. Don't make the same mistake.

When you listen to God, listen with great respect because His power is infinite. Also, listen at his feet and leave your pride behind. Drop it like a coat. Christian Science encourages self-pride. As much as Mrs. Eddy's writings declare otherwise, the spirit behind those words is full of pride. She is constantly talking about self-improvement and reading the Bible with her understanding. The way I finally saw that was to read the CS Sentinel and the Journal and then read Guideposts and The Daily Bread (both periodicals you can find online if you'd like to). Compare what you read. One is full of stories of "How I overcame this....." "How I overcame that...." and the other is full of "How God helped me through this. . . " "How God revealed that to me. . . . . " Such entirely different viewpoints and such entirely different results.

As one who has known many people who have worked at The Mother Church in the past, I believe you will get the full spectrum of what I am trying to say should you take that job. You will see the complete lack of true humility. The sad thing is, you will also see it in yourself. But take heart, most of us who have left Christian Science have all seen that same quality in ourselves and been convicted of it before God many times even after leaving the church. But we also know that God forgives us. Again and again. And this gives us heart to try even harder to leave pride behind and give our whole self as a servant of God. Peter, I know God is with you. I know He is guiding you. Keep listening. You'll do great things!

Grace

tmcl — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 10:24:04 GMT

Hi Peter,

Wanted to convey my best wishes for your job interview and general job search. As you may know, I live in Boston and am a local member of The Mother Church. It would be fun to have lunch or something while you are here, but I'm not sure how that would be feasible, since our only point of contact is this forum, and I imagine we both want to continue to be anonymous here.

All the best,

tmcl

Do_Go_Be_Man — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 09:50:07 GMT

Peter Frye,

It's good to hear that we are on the same page, though I think we're on different paragraphs

Actually, not quite sure we're in the same book, but I think you know that by now. I consider CS as a copy of a copy of a copy heavily influenced and edited by erroneous wishful thinking. Gnosticism is gnosticism whether it's the Gospel of Thomas, Mary, Judas, etc. or S&H. Those johnny-come-lately texts simply bear little comparison to the original.

False premises lead to false conclusions whether in theology, Calculus, or any other endeavor. Though perhaps the saying that even a broken clock is right twice a day has some application to this discussion.

Boston can certainly be an exciting and eye-opening place. I pray God's blessings on your job interview and whatever employment He provides for you.

Do Go Be Man
<><

john — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 08:13:52 GMT

Peter:

"Metaphorically, Christian Science is like a Calculas class that teaches you how to understand Calculas (Truth, Christ, etc.) and apply it to everyday life. And then later on in your life, when you are comforted with a problem that involves Calculas, you can just say "Thank God I was in that Calculas class!" Because you can easily solve that problem from your understanding of Calculas. Now, this doesn't mean nobody can understanding Calculas without attending class, it just means that you had good help in your learning. And that's what Christian Science is to Christian Scientists."

Peter: It's interesting that you would compare the science of calculas to Christian Science. The two are not in the same league. Calculas is an exact, hard and empirical science, and if you do the caluculations in a correct way, they always come out right. This is true in all cases.

CS, on the other hand, is not a proven science, let alone a hard or empirical science at all (a scattering of testimonies from CS believers aside-never studied in controlled conditions by scientists or others ). If it were (that is, if man were exclusively spiritual and in no way material, and only lives with mortal illusions in a spirit world created by an impersonal God), the whole world would know that CS is true in an instant by the lives that CSists's lead!!!

In short, there would be no need for them to breath, drink water, eat, cut hair, sleep, go to the toilet , brush teeth, etc. etc. etc., (and of course, be sick or injured ever, because such thngs don't exist.) The truth is, if you are honest enough to admit it to yourself, you spend 99% of your life succumbing to mortal illusion just by going through your daily routines. In doing the things that I just mentioned, are you proving daily that man is exclusively spiritual? No, you are proving that he is just the opposite-both material and spiritual.

I was never a math whiz. Just the opposite. Still, math students I knew, along with math teachers, engineers, etc. had no problem with Calculas. Using your analogy with CS, how do you explain the heartbreaking stories from folks on the website of relatives, etc. who have the equivalent of a PHD in CS (as practioners, life long students, etc.) who are suffering terribly because even with all of their knowledge and devotion, they can't seem to apply "the truth" in a critical point of their lives. Along with them, their relatives and friends suffer also.

From your posts, Peter, its seems like you adhere to what TMCL calls the old CS Culture of radical reliance. He claims that that there is a new CS culture, where you are allowed to seek medical help if CS fails. He sites a few quotes from MBE (amid volumes she wrote) which are both, in my opinion, judgemental and condescending, to justify this. Although undoubtedly sincere in his beliefs, everything I read from MBE tells me your views were really hers. Even if he is correct, whether CSists are self compelled to practice CS 100% of the time (in the medical area only for the most part) or only 90-95%, they cannot escape that they practice and live a material life almost every minute of everyday by virtue of just being human.

Finally, nobody is CS has ever escaped the final "mortal illusion", and that's death (least of all MBE). IF CS were true, surely one of the hundreds of thousands of CSists would have done that by now, don't you think?o

Peter, you are young (and boy did I hate it when somebody said that to me in my late teens and 20's). At that time, I was set in a lot of ways that proved to be false. (CS wasn't one of them. By then I had dropped out of CS School, etc.) Don't
dismiss the idea that Christianity may have another way. I personally believe that God has led you here off and on
to encourage you to think and explore some new options. One way to do that would be by reading the NT from cover to cover, and let the words as written with the definitions the authors meant for them to have when they were written stand and be judged for themselves.

I pray that you will do that.

Sincerely,

frogs25 — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 07:14:26 GMT

Yeah Jan,
it really is that simple!
toodles
frogs

Anonymous — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 22:59:20 GMT

Peter,

You are a good reason why I hate religion (man's or woman's doctrines) and without doubt it hates me.

Frogs 25,

You are a good reason why I love God and know without doubt He loves me.

Jan

Peter Frye — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 19:41:26 GMT

frogs25,

"have you ever heard the expression "God helps them who help themselves" ?"

Yes, and that's basically what I came to the conclusion.

"I just thank God that I'm Christian, I don't need to attach an additional label that I'm a Christian "Scientist", to effectively acknowledge that I know the Truth."

Yes, but it's so clearer when you see it Scientifically, Divine Scientifically. We're all looking at the same picture, just as different angles.

"The only Truth that really needs to be understood is that God loves us all no matter what, whether Christian Scientist, Methodist, Lutheran, Catholic, Episcopal etc....."

Don't forget Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Athiests, etc.

"I am delighted to read of your growth, but when will some CS's come to learn that the realization of the "Truth" is just as available to them as it is to others."

It's not like that. I totally believe that the Truth is available to everyone and every Christian Scientist I know believes that too. It's just that some people have a better understanding of the Truth than others.

"The way we love is not attributed to our religion, it is attributed to our heart......an organ God created."

The heart is just an organ that pumps blood. The way we love is attributed to God and His Love for all. Also, I think you got your "hearts" confused:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_%28symbol%29

"I love Christian Scientists, In their hearts they are loving and sincere, it just breaks my heart when they feel the need to attibute their growth in learning "Truth" strictly to their religion, without realizing that many people have had internal spiritual growth experiences, and just plain attribute it to God period."

It's not like that! For one thing Christian Science is not a religion. It was never intended to be a religion and the Church of Christ, Scientist is only temporary. Christian Science at its heart is Christ demonstrated. Christian Science helps us in our understanding at demonstrating Christ's teachings day by day.

Metaphorically, Christian Science is like a Calculas class that teaches you how to understand Calculas (Truth, Christ, etc.) and apply it to everyday life. And then later on in your life, when you are comforted with a problem that involves Calculas, you can just say "Thank God I was in that Calculas class!" Because you can easily solve that problem from your understanding of Calculas. Now, this doesn't mean nobody can understanding Calculas without attending class, it just means that you had good help in your learning. And that's what Christian Science is to Christian Scientists.

Do_Go_Be_Man,

It's good to hear that we are on the same page, though I think we're on different paragraphs

john,

"Best wishes in your job search."

Thanks! I have an interview on Friday... at the Christian Science Center in Boston.

john — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 12:42:02 GMT

Good to hear from you, Peter. I too have wondered how you are doing.

Best wishes in your job search.

Do_Go_Be_Man — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 11:46:32 GMT

Peter Frye,

Glad to hear you're doing well. I was wondering the other day about how you're doing.

During a period of unemployment a few years ago (okay, a lot of years ago), a CS practitioner/teacher/lecturer/editor of the CS Journal/etc. told me that I was already employed "exemplifying the Christ". Within a week, I had a job at a company to which I did not apply and of which I had never heard.

Since then, I cannot recall any job for which I've been hired that God's hand was not obvious. I now work for a company globally reknowned as a great place to work having come from a downsizing situation at a company not known for employee respect. My current company recruited me, that is, I didn't stand in the virtual line of hundreds of applicants for a single job. Again, until I was contacted for an interview, I had never heard of the company and had not applied for a job there.

Now, of course, I consider my fulltime job to be glorifying God and enjoying Him forever.

I thank God that I am one of His chosen children; chosen not for my perfection or my works, but rather in spite of my many flaws. I thank Him for His abiding love demonstrated even in those times I turned from Him (like yesterday, but I'm not going into those details). I thank Him for loving me enough to sacrifice His Son that I might have Eternal Life, life plucked from the hands of the enemy.

Do Go Be Man
<><

frogs25 — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 07:42:11 GMT

hello peter,

have you ever heard the expression "God helps them who help themselves" ?

I just thank God that I'm Christian, I don't need to attach an additional label that I'm a Christian "Scientist", to effectively acknowledge that I know the Truth. The only Truth that really needs to be understood is that God loves us all no matter what, whether Christian Scientist, Methodist, Lutheran, Catholic, Episcopal etc.....

I am delighted to read of your growth, but when will some CS's come to learn that the realization of the "Truth" is just as available to them as it is to others. The way we love is not attributed to our religion, it is attributed to our heart......an organ God created.

God judges our heart, our sincertity, our motives and intentions.

I love Christian Scientists, In their hearts they are loving and sincere, it just breaks my heart when they feel the need to attibute their growth in learning "Truth" strictly to their religion, without realizing that many people have had internal spiritual growth experiences, and just plain attribute it to God period.

Frogs25

Thank GOD I'm a Christian Scientist

Peter Frye — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 22:04:22 GMT

For the last couple of months now, there has been a greater demand for me to find a second part-time job or a nice full-time job that would cover my financial needs. The pressure for finding a job and the stress for the lack of opportunities grew day by day until last night when I caved in. I asked God, why can't I find a job? What am I wrong? I asked God of a hint of where to go, a sign, anything.

A year ago, I came to the spiritual realization that God already knows my needs and problems before I even know I have them and that he has already provided me. All I needed to know is that my prays have been answered, my needs have been meet, and my problems solved already by God. And I had to do is reinforce this Truth through the Lord's Prayer, just as Jesus said in Matthew 6. Put God first in my life and I will be provided, always.

This way of thinking has proven to be quite effective in my life, but I can be lazy and have the tendency to procrastinate. It's something I need to work on since the True me isn't lazy, but because of it, I thought that I didn't really need to find a job because the time I REALLY needed a job was months away. That "time" was a month ago and I've been getting myself deeper and deeper into the hole I made. With each passing day the pressure on my grows that I just continue to sink into this depression, not wanting to do anything, because I feel useless and I just want to stay in bed because my dreams are far maybe than my reality. And last night, I just couldn't take it anymore.

So as I said above, I asked God, "Why this?", "Why that?" If my prayers have been answered, my needs met, my problems solved, why am I in this mess? I wished I wasn't lazy months ago and actually looked for a job when I had time. I never felt so alone in my life. I hit rock bottle.

But then I had a thought: Get out of bed, turn on the light, sit down, and listen. I thought that it was a good time to listen to my "Purpose and Employment" CD which was a collection of interviews and testimonies from the Christian Science Sentinel Radio Edition. From the first second, I started to cry. It wasn't because I was sad, but because I finally realized the Truth. It was right in front of me all along. I immediately felt the warmth and divine Love of God surrounding me. It felt as if God was hugging me from behind and whispering into me ear. I was never alone. I no longer felt unwanted or useless. No longer felt as if I had no purpose. I had one. I always had one. I have always been employed. My employer is God and he provides me purpose and supply and all I need to do is live my life expressing God. Not just say it or think it, but actually DO it, which is something that I don't do that often. It's something I need to work on and actually do the working and not just say I need to do it.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

"Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need."

They're not just words, but a way of life. And everyday that I feel, understand, and demonstrate Truth, I thank God I am Christian Scientist. I Love it!