In the quest to better understand their neighbors—both across the street and around the world—people naturally pick up bits of information from various sources, including newspaper articles and columns. While not always significant in themselves, these bits and pieces of information may shape one's view of others' beliefs and practices.

Unfortunately, not all this information is accurate—especially when it comes to religion. Perhaps this isn't so surprising, since more often than not these bits of misinformation leave God out of the picture!

In the following letters, several Committees on Publication have responded to an assortment of published misconceptions about Christian Science. Underlying these letters is the spiritual fact that it is not the human mind with its arsenal of responses—from ignoring problems to positive thinking—but some yielding to the allness of God, divine Mind, that brings all genuine inspiration and healing in Christian Science. Even more than words, "the modesty and distinguishing affection" ^{Retrospection and Introspection by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 94. The full sentence reads: "I am persuaded that only by the modesty and distinguishing affection illustrated in Jesus' career, can Christian Scientists aid the establishment of Christ's kingdom on the earth."} that flows from such yielding is what clears away misconceptions of Christian Science.

In The Aspen Times

I'm assuming [the columnist's] "fair game" column is fair game for a response. The Christian Scientist mechanic named Jack sounds mythical to me. Mythical or not, he doesn't much resemble the many Christian Scientists I've known over the years.

Unlike "Jack," Christian Scientists don't stick their heads in the sand and ignore problems. Most I've known are spiritual realists. .... In fact, turning to God in prayer for healing demands that one strive actively and persistently to understand more of God and to recognize more of His loving care.

If "Jack" were representative of the Christian Science way of life, it's hard to imagine it would have endured—as it has—for over a century now. Christian Science remains active not only because it's been effective in meeting everyday needs, but also because it's brought deep spiritual satisfaction to many thoughtful people. It has helped (and keeps helping) individuals learn to live and work as caring parents and more effective community members.

On the whole, Christian Scientists, like other responsible citizens, do a pretty good job of keeping their "engines" and lives in tune!

Sincerely,
James H. Meyer
Christian Science Committee on Publication for Colorado

In The Tribune (San Diego)

Mary Baker Eddy

An Oct. 9 article, "Manic depression—Disease spurs creativity, creates havoc" (Scene section), spoke of Mary Baker Eddy, among others who have been called "great achievers," as having been manic depressive.

I'm not qualified to speak about the psychological profile of any of the other people mentioned, including Winston Churchill, Thomas Edison and Eugene O'Neill. And being listed in their company is certainly no insult. But on the basis of the abundant documentation of Mrs. Eddy's life now available, it's hard to see how she can be reasonably characterized as a "manic depressive" or anything like it.

True, like many deeply religious people, she had deep feelings. But what was most characteristic of her life is not any kind of radical mood swings. Rather, it was the abiding conviction that the overcoming of human suffering can be achieved only through deeper Christian discipleship and an enlarged understanding of God.

Al M. Carnesciali
Christian Science Committee on Publication for Southern California, Garden Grove

In London Evening Standard

Positive reply

I appreciated the tone of [a recent article's] reference to Christian Science in the "Me and My Health" column. But it's only fair to point out that the teachings and practice of this church are poles apart from "positive thinking", "mind over matter", and other therapeutic systems depending on the energies of the human mind.

Our century-long ministry of healing relies entirely on the love and power of God through prayer, and is seen by Christian Scientists as being directly in line with Jesus's own compassionate ministry as recorded in the Bible, and His command to His followers to heal the sick.

Graham Phaup
Christian Science Committee on Publication for London, Palace Gardens Terrace, Kensington

In The Indianapolis News

God's lifeline

A Nov. 31 column ... titled "No case for raising taxes," included a misplaced religious analogy. The comment, in effect, likened Christian Scientists' reliance on spiritual healing to "suicidal superstition."

Christian Scientists definitely do place deep trust in the healing power of prayer. This isn't a blind superstition, however. It's based on actual experience—actual physical healings, including many in extreme circumstances.

Christian Scientists don't claim that such healing is easy or automatic. They recognize that its practice needs to be approached thoughtfully—in the true spirit of prayer—and not recklessly.

But something important is lost if, for example, the Psalms' description of God's love as "a very present help in trouble" is reduced to impractical poetry. Or if serious commitment to the New Testament example of healing is merely dismissed with a scoff.

Despite today's secular "miracles," God's love is a lifeline people need more than ever.

Nathan A. Talbot
The First Church of Christ, Scientist Boston, Mass.