Article January 7, 2013 Issue

Sharing the hope within you

Michael Noyce

What joy there is in sharing Christian Science with people in one’s community, especially among those of different race and culture. This has been my experience in Kloof, South Africa, where I have often been guided by this passage from First Peter 3:15: “Be ready at any time to give a quiet and reverent answer to any man who wants a reason for the hope that you have within you” (The New Testament in Modern English, J.B. Phillips).

One of the questions visitors often ask is, “What do you have about Christian Science in Zulu?” This has prompted me to give a great deal of thought to how to overcome language barriers so as to conduct meaningful dialogue with such spiritual seekers. I’ve also been nudged into action by some words written by Mary Baker Eddy. Although she was speaking primarily of ways in which medicine and Christianity can best “thrive together,” I feel the implications are broad: “A genuine Christian Scientist … loves all who love God, good; ….” And, “… Mind-power is good will towards men” (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 4).

One thing that’s become clear to me is that many people in our community genuinely love God—and love for God is the basis on which we get along so well. For example, an office colleague whose first language is Zulu, but who has a good command of English, has been most helpful to me in improving my Zulu and helping me explain Christian Science to people who visit our Reading Room or our church services.

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