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A life of love
A friend shared an insight about the word institution in the definition of Church in Science and Health (p. 583). It was a definition I’ve yet to find, but like very much: “the significant living of an established law.” Science and Health speaks of Church as “that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick.” And I’ve been inspired to substitute that active sense of “institution” when thinking about Church. It reminds me that we are, I am, living Church—or not.
Think about this: The Church is that “significant living of an established law,” which “affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race . . . .” Whenever any one of us is living the law of divine Love, Church is in action, and good results, including healing, are inevitable.
On a recent trip to India, I met a man who is serving as First Reader in his Christian Science church. His love for the activity of Church takes him on a three-hour journey each way to the location of the service, twice a week. In addition to reading, he also arranges chairs, puts up signs, and (oh, yes) plays the hymns on his keyboard. His obvious motivation is love and the expectation that each service is a healing message for those present and for the world. He spoke of his time on public transportation to and from services as an opportunity to “go deeper” into the Christian Science Bible Lesson to be read, and to pray for the service.
Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.
January 17, 2011 &
January 24, 2011
double issue
View Issue
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Letters
Adrienne Jones, Pam Poucher, Bob Press
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‘Where two or three are gathered in my name . . .’
Maike Byrd, Staff Editor
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A twenty-something author weighs in on the modern church
Brett McCracken
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A vote for good government everywhere
John Minard
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Practicing Truth
Kathleen Collins
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Unconditional Love is our refuge
Karen Bailey
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Life-transforming ideas
Isaac Otieno
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Pull the plug on money laundering
By Kittie Burris
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Prayer for rape victims
By Joni Overton-Jung
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How has prayer helped you overcome difficult memories or traumatic experiences?
Marie, Theo, Susie, Sarah
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Don’t just mute, refute!
By John Kohler
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God’s beautiful canvas
By Mark Swinney
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I shoveled
Jon Remmerde
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Here held whole
Ellen Hammond
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My psalm
Patricia Kadick
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Perfect reflection
Melissa Baker
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A spiritual model of employment
By Judy Spiers
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Blending together in harmony
Lu Ann Condon
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Living church every day
By Ethel Baker
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My church journey—beyond the bricks and mortar
By Gloria Onyuru
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Love + Gratitude = Abundance
By Glory Holzworth
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The Church Manual—our shepherd
By Wendy Wylie Winegar
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Our primary employment
By Fujiko Signs
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A life of love
By David Stevens
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Hit the snooze button on prayer? Not today!
By Marjorie Kehe
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The driving force
by Madora Kibbe
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Lovable Windy and me
By Tori Raine
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How do Bible stories help you today?
Elaina, Tasha, Jacob , Haley, Lucy, Anika
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Fresh light on Peru
Colby Bermel
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Freed from night terrors and insomnia
Marilyn McPherson
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Completely healed of allergic reactions
Faith Donavin
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Embracing church, finding healing
Sally Sullivan
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Wrist injury healed
Ross Newkirk
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Be a giver
The Editors