Article September 15, 1973 Issue

Working with Catholic, Protestant, and Jew

DIXIE MASON SMITH

Have you been invited to act as advisor to a Christian Science organization?

Four years ago this invitation came to me from a group on a small midwestern campus. I eagerly looked forward to working with the students at this university. But I soon learned that I was expected to join the campus ministry team, which consists of clergy representing different religions—Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish. The group meets weekly to plan programs, discuss campus problems, work with the student personnel staff, and act as liaison with protesting students and counterculture groups. That was when I balked. Like Moses at the burning bush, I wasn't all that confident. "Why me?" I wondered. "I feel inadequate, with no theological background, to stand among these ordained clergy. I represent only a small group of students with no big church to back us up. Just let me tend to the needs of my own flock of sheep. There I am comfortable." After attending a few meetings I was tempted to withdraw. Then I thought, "If this is part of my job, why can't I partake with joy and freedom? Why am I holding back?"

As I turned the searchlight of Truth on my attitudes, I found things sadly in need of correcting. The root of all the problems was fear. To quiet this fear, I poured in the truths of Christian Science. I saw the presence of Love, God, on earth and in heaven, creating, upholding, encircling all being. I saw my at-one-ment with my Father, as a beloved child of God. I knew I could never be separated from the Divine, never placed in a position where I would be outside Love's guidance and protection. I was strengthened by Mrs. Eddy's statement in Miscellaneous Writings, "It is enough that divine Love is an ever-present help; and if you wait, never doubting, you will have all you need every moment."^{Mis., p. 307;}