Article November 15, 1941 Issue

Teaching in the Sunday School

EDWARD H. RETHMAN

"Ah, children, you are the bulwarks of freedom, the cement of society, the hope of our race!" This statement by our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, on page 9 of "Pulpit and Press," is arresting the attention of many today. While men are concerned about our "bulwarks of freedom," seeking protection in material defense, it is important to realize that a strong safeguard to liberty has been provided in the Christian Science Sunday School through the education of the children concerning spiritual reality.

Teachers in the Sunday school recognize the obligation and opportunity that lie before them in taking up this work. Knowing that preparedness is an important line of defense, they should look well to see whether they are spiritually equipping themselves to carry on this great work. Like Nehemiah, in his task of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, they need to be alert lest the Sanballats and Tobiahs of aggressive mental suggestion gain their ear in an attempt to thwart their efforts and induce them to cease from doing the work.

What are some of the false arguments that may come to teachers in the Sunday school? Probably one of the first temptations a new teacher has to meet is a feeling of inadequacy. Such an argument might present itself as humility but for the plain meaning of the promise, "All thy children shall be taught of the Lord." We constantly need to replenish our lamp of spiritual understanding; and what an abundant storehouse of information we have in the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings, which are a never-ending source of light! It is essential to be fortified with a correct knowledge of the textbooks. It is the "Spirit of truth" which inspires, and which must be gained by every teachers in order that he may do effective work in the Sunday school.

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