Article January 10, 1942 Issue

The Christian Scientist in College

[Written Especially for Young People]

WILLIAM STANLEY PAXSON, JR.

One of the problems confronting the student of Christian Science upon entering a college or university is that of whether or not he shall accept membership in one or more of the college social groups or activities, including a fraternity, provided he is offered the opportunity to do so. As his college life is definitely influenced by his decision in this matter, the young Christian Scientist should enter college prepared to exercise wisdom, under divine guidance. Mary Baker Eddy has said in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 392), "Your decisions will master you, whichever direction they take," and the young Christian Scientist should therefore strive to make an intelligent decision in this as in all other matters.

Whatever the Scientist decides to do in such matters, he should be clear on the fact that through fidelity to Truth he can do good and receive good. He must know that his happiness and success on the campus are not dependent on his membership in some social group. Happiness and success are primarily spiritual, and the real man possesses them by reflection. No human institution, person, or group of persons can bestow them, for they are impersonal and controlled by divine Principle.

The young Christian Scientist should carefully weigh all such matters, considering the value thereof. He should realize that social organizations which would limit his views and friendships or keep him away from Sunday school, church services, or his university Christian Science organization, all of which our Leader has wisely provided for our growth and education, will be worth little to him. In the words of a hymn:

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