Article April 17, 1954 Issue

COLLEGE LIFE: REAL ATTRACTION VERSUS ALLUREMENT

[Of Special Interest to Young People]

P. LACHLAN PECK

Each of us knows and agrees that the college student's main purpose in seeking a higher education is to gain knowledge and understanding and to learn how to become a useful, intelligent citizen. His aims are usually high when he begins his first semester, and for that matter when he begins each semester of school. We, as students of Christian Science, must, however, be alert to the error that would rob us of our studying time, good work habits, and progress in our demonstrable religion.

Mary Baker Eddy gives to the word attraction a high meaning and useful position in our textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," where she writes (p. 102), "There is but one real attraction, that of Spirit." She also writes in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 159), "Material theories tend to check spiritual attraction—the tendency towards God, the infinite and eternal—by an opposite attraction towards the temporary and finite." This "opposite attraction" is seen in the allurement or temptation to undesirable social contacts, to smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, and indulge in other false appetites. On the other hand, attraction to Spirit, God, will enrich our college experience and enable us to keep our standards high.

Christian Science Organizations were established by our Leader (Manual of The Mother Church, Art. XXIII, Sect. 8) to enable students of Christian Science to hold testimony meetings, usually once each week during the school year, similar to those held in branch Churches of Christ, Scientist, on Wednesdays. Here the students have the opportunity to share experiences of the healing power of Christ, Truth. Members of the organization who are members of The Mother Church may read at these meetings and serve on the executive committee of the organization. Those who are not members of The Mother Church can serve as ushers, pianist, or on the various committees. Many opportunities are given to the industrious student to serve the Cause of Christian Science; there is never a lack of work to be done for himself and for his fellow students.

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