Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 1:01am
Even still, we are brethren
I received a phone call from a friend telling me about a local pastor who made some incorrect statements and derogatory remarks about Christian Science in his Sunday morning service. What's surprising is that I had been in contact with this pastor last year for doing the same thing.
Because his sermons are broadcast on a well-known AM talk radio station every Sunday, I was able to get a copy. As I listened I found myself appreciating this pastor's love for the Bible and his zeal in wanting his listeners to know that through prayer they do have control of their thoughts and circumstances. Now, that is a transforming revelation because aligning our thoughts with God - heals.
So, in a letter I wrote that he might be surprised to learn how true his sermon rings with the practice of Christian Science. I went on to share with him that the mission of the Churches of Christ, Scientist worldwide (as stated in our Church Manual) is "to commemorate the word and works of our Master [Jesus Christ], which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing."
I gave him some websites www.tfccs.com and www.spirituality.com to learn the facts of Christian Science and invited him to listen to a Christian Science Sunday morning broadcast on another radio station in the same city.
Well, it's a year later, and he did it again.
Sometimes people say things that are so ludicrous they do not warrant a response. However, when individuals broadcast incorrect statements to large numbers of people this needs to be corrected. I classify these direct or indirect slights and misinformation as impositions on the public.
When I'm inspired to correct an imposition I ask myself, how would Christ Jesus respond? The great lessons I've taken away from his example is that meekness is not weakness, and there is no power greater than God, divine Love. Sometimes Jesus gave a strong rebuke, or he used a story to clarify his point and highlight the error in another's thinking. Sometimes he just walked away, but at all times he was demonstrating that the kingdom of God is come by healing and teaching.
As I prayed about responding to this pastor's remarks (the second time around) the biblical story of Abraham and Lot came to mind. I thought, Yes, we are brethren. Like Abraham and Lot who found themselves in a predicament because the land could not sustain the combined number of their flocks, cattle, and tents. Let there be no strife for we are indeed brethren of one Father, Mother - God.
Later in history, Jesus' love for his fellow man demonstrated this same fact. As I realized that this pastor and I are indeed brethren the funk and annoyance I had been feeling towards him left me. Now, I was prepared to listen to God. The same God that speaks to me, that instructs, guards and guides me is his God too. I can trust God to make the needed adjustment in his thinking as he's done in mine.
Maybe the pastor will read this article. Maybe he'll find out that his favorite neighbor is a Christian Scientist, and will finally be inspired to get a copy of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, the textbook of Christian Science — and read it all the way through. Maybe he and I will find ourselves at the same table for lunch. Well, I know that God is working his purpose out and it's been a great comfort to learn that he alone perfects his praise.
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Kwadjo Boaitey is a lifelong Christian Scientist devoted to uplifting public thought and serves as the Christian Science Committee on Publication for Georgia. He lives in Stone Mountain, Georgia with his wife, the lovely Karama. You can send him an email at {email kwadjosun@gmail.com}kwadjosun@gmail.com{/email}. © copyright 2006 by Kwadjo Boaitey
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UPI Religion & Spirituality Forum is a big tent for all expressions
of faith and spirituality, neither excluding nor favoring any.
All opinions expressed belong to the writer alone, and are
not necessarily shared by UPI Religion & Spirituality Forum.
Because his sermons are broadcast on a well-known AM talk radio station every Sunday, I was able to get a copy. As I listened I found myself appreciating this pastor's love for the Bible and his zeal in wanting his listeners to know that through prayer they do have control of their thoughts and circumstances. Now, that is a transforming revelation because aligning our thoughts with God - heals.
So, in a letter I wrote that he might be surprised to learn how true his sermon rings with the practice of Christian Science. I went on to share with him that the mission of the Churches of Christ, Scientist worldwide (as stated in our Church Manual) is "to commemorate the word and works of our Master [Jesus Christ], which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing."
I gave him some websites www.tfccs.com and www.spirituality.com to learn the facts of Christian Science and invited him to listen to a Christian Science Sunday morning broadcast on another radio station in the same city.
Well, it's a year later, and he did it again.
Sometimes people say things that are so ludicrous they do not warrant a response. However, when individuals broadcast incorrect statements to large numbers of people this needs to be corrected. I classify these direct or indirect slights and misinformation as impositions on the public.
When I'm inspired to correct an imposition I ask myself, how would Christ Jesus respond? The great lessons I've taken away from his example is that meekness is not weakness, and there is no power greater than God, divine Love. Sometimes Jesus gave a strong rebuke, or he used a story to clarify his point and highlight the error in another's thinking. Sometimes he just walked away, but at all times he was demonstrating that the kingdom of God is come by healing and teaching.
As I prayed about responding to this pastor's remarks (the second time around) the biblical story of Abraham and Lot came to mind. I thought, Yes, we are brethren. Like Abraham and Lot who found themselves in a predicament because the land could not sustain the combined number of their flocks, cattle, and tents. Let there be no strife for we are indeed brethren of one Father, Mother - God.
Later in history, Jesus' love for his fellow man demonstrated this same fact. As I realized that this pastor and I are indeed brethren the funk and annoyance I had been feeling towards him left me. Now, I was prepared to listen to God. The same God that speaks to me, that instructs, guards and guides me is his God too. I can trust God to make the needed adjustment in his thinking as he's done in mine.
Maybe the pastor will read this article. Maybe he'll find out that his favorite neighbor is a Christian Scientist, and will finally be inspired to get a copy of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, the textbook of Christian Science — and read it all the way through. Maybe he and I will find ourselves at the same table for lunch. Well, I know that God is working his purpose out and it's been a great comfort to learn that he alone perfects his praise.
— — —
Kwadjo Boaitey is a lifelong Christian Scientist devoted to uplifting public thought and serves as the Christian Science Committee on Publication for Georgia. He lives in Stone Mountain, Georgia with his wife, the lovely Karama. You can send him an email at {email kwadjosun@gmail.com}kwadjosun@gmail.com{/email}. © copyright 2006 by Kwadjo Boaitey
UPI Religion & Spirituality Forum is a big tent for all expressions
of faith and spirituality, neither excluding nor favoring any.
All opinions expressed belong to the writer alone, and are
not necessarily shared by UPI Religion & Spirituality Forum.