How I Found Christian Science August 14, 2017 Issue

A remarkable realization

David Winder

When I was a college student in South Africa, I spent time exploring world religions, and for a while I regularly attended a Hindu temple. I was also smoking and drinking heavily, which resulted in illness.

Right after graduation, I joined South Africa’s oldest daily newspaper, The Natal Witness, as a rookie reporter. I rented rooms in a boarding house. A hospitable older couple, who were also living there, hosted a social gathering for the young boarders every Friday evening.

I recall sitting in their living room and noticing how acrid the air was from heavy smoking. As we all left one particularly late night and thanked the hostess, I commented, “I noticed you were the only person in the room not smoking.” She said quietly: “I do not smoke. You see, I am a Christian Scientist.” I was so impressed by her courage and kindness that when I got back to my bedroom, I couldn’t sleep that night. I was startled that religion could cure people of smoking and drinking.

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