Article November 1, 1930 Issue

The Mission of the Sunday School

CARRO A. BIRD

The Christian Science Sunday School! What a wealth of opportunity it holds! Here, until they reach the age of twenty, the little ones and the young people are "taught the Scriptures" and "instructed according to their understanding or ability to grasp the simpler meanings of the divine Principle that they are taught" (Church Manual, Art. XX, Sect. 2). Here they are taught the verities of being, as revealed in the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. They learn to know God as the loving Father Mother, ever mindful of His children's welfare, tenderly guarding and protecting them, and providing for their every need. Through this knowledge of God as Father-Mother, divine Principle, they are prepared to meet the problems that come to them in daily experience; and that much of the seed sown in Sunday school falls upon "good ground" is evidenced by the children's numerous reports of difficulties overcome.

In the Christian Science Sunday School the practical understanding of the truths of Christian Science is imparted through the "first lessons": "The Ten Commandments (Exodus, 20:3-17), the Lord's Prayer (Matt. 6: 9-13), and its Spiritual Interpretation by Mary Baker Eddy, Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:3-12)" (Manual, Art. XX, Sect. 3), and the "next lessons." The children readily learn the letter of these lessons, and it is the purpose of the Sunday school to show them how to apply in their daily experience the spirit of the truths they have learned. Through illustrations from the Bible they are shown how the spiritual qualities stressed in each of the Commandments, and unfolded through the Christian Science textbook, may be used in the everyday affairs of mankind.

In going to the synagogue on the Sabbath day and participating in the public worship there, may Christ Jesus not have shown that he approved of an orderly observance of a special day reverently set apart for the worship of God? This custom strengthens the observance of Paul's admonition to "pray without ceasing." So, by illustration and precept, the Sunday school pupils are taught both the literal and the spiritual meaning of each of the Commandments.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
Will you kindly allow me space in which to refer to a...
November 1, 1930
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit