Article September 26, 1994 Issue

To what generation do we belong?

Deborah Sheldon Briggs

It's common today to hear references made to a variety of generational groups and the characteristics typically linked with certain eras. We have heard of the selfishness of the "me generation." The term baby boomers has been with us for a long time together with its corresponding array of theories and predictions for individuals of that generation. And there are increasing comments made about a generation of young people "at risk," about the neglect experienced by a generation of "latchkey children," and about the potential deficits suffered by a generation of those who have known nothing but war or poverty.

Too often these generational references tend to stereotype and confine people to being viewed as primarily the product of a mortal era, molded by the trends, events, and circumstances of that era. But Christian Science provides a basis from which to understand the true identity of man as the offspring of God, dwelling agelessly and eternally within His care.

The word generation relates fundamentally to causation, formation, a bringing forth. The questions naturally arise, "What causes man to be? What forms him? What governs his identity and the development of his character?"

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