The Bible Speaks to You August 29, 1964 Issue

[The above is substantially the text of the program released for broadcast the week of August 21-27 in the radio series, "The Bible Speaks to You," heard internationally over more than 900 stations. This is one of the weekly programs prepared and produced by the Christian Science Committee on Publication, 107 Falmouth Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.]

RADIO PROGRAM No. 125 - Teen-ager: Status Without Drinking

INTERVIEWER: There is no question that the drinking problem is serious among a good many teenagers. For instance, a Yale University study showed "that at least two thirds of the known alcoholics began drinking while in high school, or oven sooner." The director of a treatment center for alcoholics was quoted as saying that addiction to alcohol is a "status disease."

It is generally recognized that when a young person begins drinking, it is usually a symptom of some deeper problem. Often he thinks it gives him status. On the other hand, he may do it just to be one of the crowd. What would you, as a Christian Scientist, say to him?

SPEAKER: I would say that he is not at all unlike the rest of us who at one time or another may fall asleep in the face of a problem instead of facing up to it honestly. You see, whether we are a teenager or an adult, we have got to face up to frustrations, fears, insecurities, inferiorities. And the answer does not lie in drinking. It is found in learning our true identity. When we discover our God-given identity and find man's real status, this becomes the key to everything that is genuine in life and to everything that is worthwhile. It is the key to the ability to resist conforming to the crowd.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

WORDS OF CURRENT INTEREST