The Touch of Class July 23, 2012 Issue

In this series, individuals share how taking Christian Science Primary class instruction has strengthened their spiritual understanding, and brought increasing inspiration and healing to their lives.

Sign me up!

Bob Minnocci—Boston, Massachusetts

Many years ago when I began studying Christian Science, I found my life changing quickly. Suddenly, my day to day life involved an overall sense of harmony, very different from what had been a tumultuous and unpredictable array of experiences before. I spent every spare moment learning everything I could about Christian Science. When I learned about Christian Science Primary class instruction, a 12-day intensive course about spiritual healing, I was intrigued. I often asked experienced Christian Scientists questions about it. In no time, I developed a desire to be class taught that seemed to exceed any other desire I had. I simply wanted to learn how to heal.

But I was held back because of an addiction to tobacco. At that time, I’d heard that many teachers wanted their students to be members of a branch church and/or The Mother Church before applying for class. (Editor’s note: For many teachers today, as in Mary Baker Eddy’s time, church membership is not a prerequisite for taking class.) Also, at that time, to become a member at my local branch church, one had to be free from using tobacco. Through all my praying, I didn’t seem to be making much progress in quitting smoking, but my desire for class remained strong.

A friend who had introduced me to Christian Science had a healing of cigarette smoking through his individual prayer. One day he offered to pray for me, and I quickly agreed. The 24–48 hours that followed were difficult as I experienced withdrawal symptoms, but I was completely healed of a decade-old habit, and the temptation to smoke again has never occurred. I then quickly joined my local branch church and The Mother Church.

I simply wanted to learn how to heal.

Shortly after his healing, my friend went to class. When he returned I was full of questions about the experience. He suggested I might want to visit his teacher and begin exploring the general possibility of taking class, so I did. For me, the visit was exciting. It had taken so long—it felt like a lifetime—to have the tobacco healing. I spent an hour or more talking about Christian Science and class with the teacher. When I got up to leave, I shook her hand and with all exuberance said: “Sign me up! I’ll take class with you!” She looked at me in shock. My statement implied that I was the only person who needed to make that decision. I didn’t realize I needed to apply. She didn’t respond right then, but later accepted me. I’ve joked about that moment with her many times over the years! 

I vividly recall the first day of class. It was a very hot Sunday in the American South. We met at a local branch church. Our teacher told us that once a year, Christian Science teachers hold their association day, during which pupils come together to hear a “refresher” course. She told us that she expected us to attend. I took that to heart and vowed never to miss an association.

One year, I had very little money so I sold a laptop computer for $200. That got me to association. Another year, a remark was made at association that I felt was terribly insensitive and I decided to take off a year. A few months before association day arrived, I shared my feelings with a member of my association. She very politely, but firmly, said: “Oh no, you have to come to association. I would miss you if you didn’t come.” A few weeks later, I received an unexpected call from my teacher asking me if I would read the annual letter from the Christian Science Board of Directors to the association. Without a moment of hesitation, I agreed, and my offended feelings from the year before were completely healed.

Class instruction has provided a framework and a foundation for my ability to heal myself and others. I don’t know if there is a word or words that can describe how grateful I am for this inspired activity established by Mary Baker Eddy.

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NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
How I Shared Christian Science
I shared with my professor
July 23, 2012
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