Article May 8, 2006 Issue

NOTHING CAN STOP YOUR SPIRITUAL EDUCATION

BY LOIS CARLSON

PRIMARY class instruction in Christian Science teaches how to live under God's authority, and how to recognize in ourselves a desire to heal and bless others.

But living under God's authority is no small task, and the resistance to learning how to do it can feel equally daunting. The details of class (the costs of travel and hotel), making the time to be away from our routine, the perception of family members, may all feel like huge obstacles.

Perhaps fear within argues as well. "Will committing to this discipline make me lose some of my own individuality? Am I really willing to be taught a new discipline of thinking?" Maybe even past experience discourages us, making us question the authority of goodness in our lives.