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Overcoming differences
There appears to be a great deal of division of thought in the world today. Good, thinking people firmly take sides on issues, frequently in direct opposition to other good, thinking people. We see “lines in the sand” being drawn. Differences in conservative and liberal points of view, though centuries old, are more strongly defended than before. Many people are preoccupied with factions and extremes. Criticizing the “other side” fuels opposition. Often spiritually minded individuals seek answers through their religious faith. But sometimes even faith can be used to justify division.
What I have learned through my study of Christian Science is the importance of moving even beyond faith, to understanding. In most sciences, understanding is gained through proof, often through experimentation. In that step, individuals apply what they believe to be true to a trial experience. If the trial is successful, it leads to understanding.
About the author
Rick Dearborn lives in St. Louis, Missouri.

March 17, 2014 issue
View Issue-
Letters
Tracy Colerider-Krugh, Joy Hinman, Roberta
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Challenging pornography with purity
Ron Mangelsdorf
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Overcoming differences
Rick Dearborn
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Judge? No thanks, I’d rather bless.
Manuela Meier
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God-governed children
Jodie Swales
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Protected by the ‘panoply of Love’
Name removed by request
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Skip the sideshow
Elizabeth Kellogg
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Matter’s masks stripped away
Madelon Maupin
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Removing a ‘traffic light’
The Board of Trustees, The Christian Science Publishing Society
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One boy’s food fed thousands
Mary Trammell
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Fish and bread
Ryan, Cassie, Sarah
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Grief, bodily growth, and shingles healed
Pat Segars
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Muscle strain relieved
Kim Hedge
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Healing of chronic back pain
Holly Bolon
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Follow the bright white line
The Editors