People Want the Truth

Over the last couple of months I've had an opportunity to interact with a friend who's grown increasingly interested in religion. For a long time, she was very much a self-described agnostic, at least until she met her now-boyfriend who's a very devout Southern Baptist. Without getting into the details (which I find somewhat humorous) of how their relationship has developed, I can tell you that as she's (somewhat forcibly) become interested in religion, she's been asking a lot of questions not just about her new denomination but about others as well. And so she's been asking me questions about Christian Science, since I don't generally try to hide the fact that I'm a Christian Scientist.

On a Friday afternoon shortly before I was about to leave work, she asked me if Christian Scientists believed they were "saved" through Christ Jesus. I knew exactly what she meant when she asked that question. She was really asking if we believe that the human Jesus--actually the incarnation of God--came to Earth about 2,000 years ago to pay the penalty for mankind's collective sins, and by simply acknowledging him we effectively get a free pass to behave however we like. I knew that was what she was really asking. But since it was late in the day and I was ready to leave, and perhaps out of the fear that if I really got deep into what I believed I'd inevitably end up with a confrontational conversation (which has happened in the past), I gave her somewhat of a non-answer, somewhat of a white lie. I said, "yes, we are saved through Christ." I then gave her a link to the tenets on the church website, highlighting the second tenet.

And guess what happened? That wasn't good enough. She wasn't satisfied with that answer. On the following Monday she told me she had dug through the church website a bit, and after reading some of the things there she said, "it quickly became unclear to me in what way Jesus is seen. It seems to point to Jesus Christ having a dual nature--Jesus the mortal man and Christ the spiritual idea of man. Instead of how I understood your explanation, where I understood that you would believe the names Jesus and Christ are used interchangeably, pointing away from the dual nature. Could you clarify?"

Wow. I was quite impressed with her figuring that out! And feeling a little guilty that I had tried to gloss things over in an effort to avoid confrontation. I immediately realized that any short, non-answers are never going to be good enough for anybody. My friend wouldn't let me gloss over these details; she wanted the t(T)ruth.

So at that point, I explained to her that I had given her a short and potentially misleading answer because it was a Friday afternoon and I hadn't wanted to get into a long theological discussion at the time. And then I went right into the longer, fuller answer. I quoted from pages 333 and 334 of Science and Health, and then elaborated by putting things into my own words.

And then guess what happened? There was no confrontation, no condemnation, just friendly inquiry. I suspect that we've all run into a scenario at one point or another where we've had not-so-friendly discussions on the topic, but what I'm learning is that fear of that happening is just another type of fear to be overcome.

One way

One way I've approached talking to others about CS is to think about how Jesus did it. He talked about the Holy Ghost (Christian Science) all the time. He used examples and parables that people could relate to and understand, in his explanations. He spoke from his own experience. I think we can do that as well. Our BLs are great sources of how to do this. A lot of times people want to get all hung up on theology- what points do we agree on or what points do we not agree on. What is right and what is wrong. And then stay there in thought. This is nothing new. The Pharisees were always trying to trip up Jesus on points of Jewish law. Did he wonder if he was doing a good job of communicating? He never gave up in his efforts to share what he knew would bless the world. I am confident this upcoming workshop will help us do the same.

I can remember what a relief it was to realize that when I talk to someone who knows nothing about Christian Science, it isn't my job to convince them of (or convert them!) to my religion. I found a true seeker wants to know why I trust Christian Science and what it's done for me. In this kind of conversation I have to be ready to share what's in my heart, maybe a healing I've had, most importantly - what I understand about it, what I've lived.

There's an organization I'm a part of in the Chicago area that supports the work I do in my branch church - it's the Christian Science Fellowship - Metro Chicago (see http://whatishappeningchicago.wordpress.com). The inter-faith work our group has done has been an eye-opening experience for me. It's made me acknowledge and respect the spiritual journeys of others - what it is I can learn from them. It's teaching me to listen more.

We also have an informal guideline for discussion in this group. It is to use original language when we speak - if we're tempted to quote Mrs. Eddy, we're challenged to put it in our own words. Try it sometime - even in your conversations with other Christian Scientists - it gives me a great measuring stick as to how much I truly understand what I'm talking about!

I have long sympathized with listeners who find it incredulous to hear Christian Scientists say (about physical problems) "It isn't true." or "It isn't real." Shouldn't we have ready simple explanations--understandable to the non-metaphysician-- of what we mean when we use this language? Otherwise it just invites rejection and ridicule.

Teachable reachable moments

I've been surprised by the opportunities I've had lately to share CS. I completely agree with Jenny when she talks about putting up walls ("How can I tell them what I deeply believe without them thinking I'm in a crazy cult?!"). What I've run into recently, is being stumped on several topics of CS: Jesus' resurrection, ascension, and the Trinity have left me feeling like I really haven't been practicing enough.

Another issue I'd love help with is not using CS terms while explaining CS. I've found, as a culture, we have a difficult time turning off the "here's what Mrs. Eddy's says" filter. When I use normal terms to explain something, I find the person can grasp the concept much more effectively.

I appreciate, Kevin, the explanation on Scientology and the emphasis on its separation from CS.

Taking down walls

I wonder, Anjuli if it would be helpful to know a little more about Scientology. I have gotten asked that before, too and I say it's not the same, but I don't really know much about Scientology to explain why it's different even though I know it is.

Also, I have friends who I've known for years, but never conversed with about Christian Science directly because they're in the medical field and I'm afraid they'll think I'm crazy. It's hard to feel genuinely close to those friends because I don't feel like they understand much of what's at the core of who I am. Recently I've started to realize that perhaps I've put those walls up, not the other way around. I'm interested in knowing how we can get past walls we've put up over years to help friends know us and understand where we're coming from in a better way.

Something I've Experienced

More and more I am finding when talking to others about Christian Science that I am asked if it's the same as Scientology. When I answer no, the conversation seems to fizzle. I am interested to learn how others have reengaged in this discussion once the Christian Science vs. Scientology question is answered.

Note from Kevin Graunke

One of the things I’ve found most helpful in talking with others about Christian Science is to get past the idea that I have to speak for the entire Christian Science movement—to represent all of Christian Science, around the world, to the person I’m speaking with.

Sharing from one’s own experience is so much more effective…and authentic. We really can’t (and shouldn’t) presume to speak for others and their journeys in this Science. Most all of us have had healings and insights that should just come so naturally to share.

One meaning of the word “share” is to enjoy (something) jointly with another or others—like having lunch together, or attending a concert. Sharing some of what Christian Science has meant to us should be just as enjoyable both for us and for those asking about it.

- Kevin

Welcome!

This blog was created specifically to prep your thought for the "Talking with others about Christian Science" workshop on February 25th.  We would like you to think of questions about Christian Science you would like to be more comfortable talking with others about and to post those questions here.  Also share your thoughts and ideas on this topic to begin a dialogue that can be continued at the workshop when we're all face to face!