Article July 26, 1993 Issue

Notes from a talk sponsored by the Christian Science Committee on Publication

Frequently various groups, churches, schools, and organizations request a representative from the Committee on Publication of The Mother Church to speak with them and answer questions about Christian Science. Recently a group of about 175 high-school and college-age cast members from an international stage production asked if someone would speak with their group. We thought our readers would enjoy excerpts of some of the questions and answers from that meeting.

Do the people at the church headquarters in Boston determine what treatment a Christian Scientist should or shouldn't undertake when ill or injured in order to remain a church member? Also, what is the official standing the Church takes on abortion and divorce? The Christian Science Church would never presume to trespass on the individual's right to think and pray for himself or herself. One of the Church's Tenets, or important points, states, "As adherents of Truth, we take the inspired Word of the Bible as our sufficient guide to eternal Life" (Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, p. 497). The Bible's Ten Commandments, Christ Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, and the rest of its inspired teachings lead a Christian Scientist when he or she is faced with making important decisions.

Jesus' words "Love one another"(John 15:12) are the standpoint from which the Church of Christ, Scientist, responds to its members—if a member is confronted with illness, injury, the question of abortion, or divorce, then church discipline would only compound the problem. Judging people's lives is not the purpose of The Mother Church, but loving and encouraging them in their prayer when they need help is.

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Notes from a talk sponsored by the Christian Science Committee on Publication

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