HEAD IN THE SAND?

THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR

I CAN REMEMBER one of my early encounters involving the exchange of religious beliefs. Really early, like grade school. My friend had picked up the view that Christian Scientists were a little like the ostrich who hides its head in the sand to avoid problems. I explained why this was a little puzzling to me. After all, I had seen consistent evidence that prayer was an effective way to face problems squarely and intelligently. But the fact that I dealt with issues differently caused others to assume I wasn't doing anything.

As years passed, I realized that I did tend not to dwell on material discords, physical injuries, or personality problems quite the way my peers did. And such a different emphasis probably looked to others as if I was ignoring issues. This came to mind when I learned of a Christian Scientist who'd badly injured herself. She quickly wrapped her hand so she wouldn't have a graphic picture of the damage. Ah, the ostrich stereotype, I thought. Most people would probably think it strange, even naïve, to look away from such an injury.

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
SENTINEL WATCH
EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN
March 2, 2009
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit