Article April 16, 2007 Issue

'God's open secret'

BARBARA PETTIS

In many parts of the world, a new book and DVD called The Secret have captured the attention of millions looking for ideas to help them cope with daily living. Major television shows, newspapers, and magazines have featured stories on The Secret's premise that a fundamental secret, known to a select few over the centuries, has enabled them to be healthy, wealthy, and successful in various aspects of their lives.

I can appreciate why individuals look for ideas that can bring them fundamental changes for good. Hearing about The Secret and learning about its message have made me more grateful than ever for what I've learned in Christian Science.

Years ago, I decided to investigate many different schools of thought to see if there was anything beyond the scientific Christianity that I'd been taught as a child—something that would give my life more meaning. Interest in other religions and philosophies kept bringing me back to the clear and demonstrable message of Christian Science. While I appreciated some of the concepts of these varied ways of thinking about life and its meaning, I never found anything that embraced the fundamental and inclusive nature of what Christian Science brings to the table. I'd like to share with you the conclusions that resulted from my search.