Local Washington metro-area students of Christian Science say why they go to church
I’ve spent a lifetime studying Christian Science. When I was in college I “tried on” different denominations but always walked away uninspired. What I have learned from studying the Bible and [the Christian Science textbook] Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures is that I cannot be separated from Divine Love’s embrace. Wherever I go, God is there before me. – Patty Y.
— I go to church because I want to connect with people who are striving to learn to love God more effectively. Also, I want to get better at loving my neighbors as myself. — Ted
— I go to church to keep my thought in the right place and be inspired by, or inspire, others. — Deb T.
— I go to church to participate in and support the community of worshippers that are demonstrating love for God and man in their daily lives. I am uplifted and supported by this community and hope I support others. — Patti W.
— [Going to church] supports my study of the Bible and [the Christian Science textbook] Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. This study brings peace and joy into my life. Participating in church, encourages me to delve deeper into the [weekly Christian Science] Bible Lesson and think about it more and helps me to pray more effectively when I face a challenge. It helps me to be healed quickly through prayer alone. Church is a wonderful place to practice loving our neighbor the way Jesus taught us to, seeing everyone as God’s child and sharing the good news of the Bible. – Christine C.
— Church is defined in Christian Science as “the Structure of Truth and Love.” It’s all about loving God with all your heart, mind and strength… and loving your neighbor as yourself: loving each member of the church, and each member of the community. I believe whole heartedly that the mission of our church is to teach the truth of being to mankind and to heal humanity of sickness and all kinds of discord. I go to church because I am consecrated to maintaining this vision of harmony, health, and reality of the universal family of God. This joy of Science is meant to be shared by all mankind. – Margie B.
From members of First Church of Christ, Scientist (Christian Science), Reston, Virginia.
I go to Church:
— to lift thought to divine consciousness; to remember Truth and that Truth is always the victor; to remember that Love is omnipotent, omnipresent; to dispel fear and know Principle is the only government; to heal.
— to thank God for keeping me alive; to pray for the nations; to love the people in church as myself
— at the bare minimum, have at least one focused, undisrupted hour to pray with and for the community. It also provides nice structure and routine for our family.
— because it is the place where I meet and share with God-loving people who are spiritually minded. These church members are my church family, and we support each other lovingly.
— because II need the focus on the spiritual that a Sunday service gives me; Wednesday evening meeting is a mid-week uplift, a spiritual feast.
— to express my love for the gracious loving God who created me and has shown such love and support to me throughout my life.
— to join a community of folks who know the power of prayer; I am refreshed by being in the sanctuary where we joyously worship God.
— because as a Sunday School teacher I get to share the insights I’ve learned from studying the [weekly Christian Science] Bible Lesson with young children.
— to be spiritually fed and to connect with my church family
— to not feel alone; to experience healing; to share, serve, and give
— because it gives me food for thought, for inspiration and ideas directly applicable to me
— to hear something in a different light than what I studied earlier in the week; to be lifted up!