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.

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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.

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