Health 4 Thinkers

Connecting the dots between spirituality, health and wellbeing

“Church can heal divisions,” Christian Scientists say at annual meeting

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The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, is headquarters for the Christian Science denomination and the church and grounds are undergoing renovation.

By Kevin E. Ness 

Given the looming challenges the world faces—strife, corruption, climate crisis, health care costs—Christian Scientists at their church’s annual meeting in Boston reaffirmed their faith that the things of the Spirit are what the world most needs.

Church members indicated their commitment to proving “the reliability of practical Christian healing.” Among the experiences shared was the healing of cancer by a former military pilot. “As a pilot, you get used to turning situations over to God, he said. “I felt God’s love—the warmth. My skill set was to rely on God, not be a cancer patient.” The healing was confirmed in follow-up examinations by U.S. Veterans Administration doctors.

Christian Scientists attend the annual meeting of their denomination in Boston. There are local Christian Sciences churches and societies throughout Australia in the major cities.

Church officials reported that the church is financially strong, and in the midst of a significant refurbishment of The Mother Church in Boston, where the church is headquartered.

Presiding over the meeting was new church president Fabián Smara of Argentina. The newly elected readers,— who conduct church services at the Church in Boston are from Nigeria and the United States. The Church of Christ, Scientist, has branches in some 70 countries, and members throughout the world participated by watching the live stream of the meeting in local churches, Christian Science reading rooms, or from their homes.

Kevin E. Ness is manager of Christian Science Committees on Publication for The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts. Australia has 30 local Christian Sciences churches and societies in major cities around the country.

Church can be “a place of light,” say Christian Scientists at annual meeting

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Church becomes “a place of light” when the congregation lives the love that God is expressing.
Christian Scientists gather for their Annual Meeting at The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, USA

By Kevin Ness

For many people today, the phrase “sending thoughts and prayers” has become a meaningless cliché. Christian Scientists’ annual meeting on June 4 offered the view that it doesn’t have to be that way.

Church members gathered at the denomination’s Mother Church in Boston and via live video streaming here in Australia and around the world to hear and share experiences that showed how powerful prayer rooted in love can be in people’s lives — and the progress and healing this can bring in a troubled world.Continue Reading

How your Christmas spirit can hasten world peace

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Give the gift of peace and love

Most of us will be travelling during the Christmas holidays, even if we’re simply driving to the local mall and negotiating parking. Whichever mode of transport we take, we’ll be affected by the actions of others.

Although travel can be frustrating at times, I’m finding there are always affirmative, upbeat things to notice as we go: the excited faces of children, the courtesy of others, and the patience of parents and travel staff.

However, the presence of harmony in human affairs is not something that happens by mere accident, in a universe of chance.Continue Reading

You can support diversity without fear

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Bringing brotherly love to every exchange is good for us all!

“Scientists have made a powerful discovery that appears able to improve everyone’s life. Reports indicate it works on individuals, families, communities, economies, and nations. Interestingly, it appears that too little of this substance may explain the coarsening of language and the hardening of hearts so evident in politics and the media. Lack of it also might be responsible for everything from substance abuse to the anxiety many people say they feel despite the unprecedented security, better health, and affluence the world is experiencing. And here’s the kicker: It’s free, it’s abundant, and you can’t overdose on it.” (John Yemma, Christian Science Monitor)

And the often disregarded, but indispensable substance?Continue Reading

At annual meeting, Christian Scientists see “new spirit” emerging in society

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Christian Scientists sing at The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA

NEWS RELEASE
June 5, 2017
By Kevin Ness

Boston, MA — In today’s culture of political divisions and religious strife, Christian Scientists spoke at their church’s annual meeting of “a new spirit” emerging, which is calling forth the best in people across denominational and national lines.

In an interview, the chair of the denomination’s board of directors, Allison Phinney, pointed to the simplest of signs seen at a nearby Methodist church in Boston’s South End: “God is Love.” “You are Loved.” “Justice.” Said Phinney: “Materialism doesn’t satisfy. It is Spirit, God, that brings us into newness of life, shifting thought, revealing the power of church.”

“Newness of life”—a Biblical expression—was integral to this year’s meeting.Continue Reading

Easter reminds us that religious values can benefit society in more ways than have yet been explored

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Fruit of the Spirit

Australians love to celebrate Easter. And it’s not just the chocolate eggs, feasting and four-day weekend many of us enjoy. There’s a national feeling of entitlement about this holiday. Taking quality time to enjoy our “promised land” is as much a part of our collective psyche as is our propensity to forthrightness and our “she’ll be right” attitude.

Quaint as this may sound, the sense of being part of this wonderful country, which has historically upheld democracy, law and order, freedom of speech and religion, and equal access to opportunity, is integral to who we are. Although we’re currently experiencing challenging repercussions from the overturning of some outdated attitudes about ourselves and our environment, these guiding principles continue to be borne out in our acceptance and mutual respect for people of every race, culture and religion.

To illustrate how this is evolving, a few weeks ago I sat at a table between an old friend, who is a Buddhist nun, and a Muslim Imam, who became a new friend.Continue Reading

Clearing up “fake news” on every front

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Our better nature is detectable despite the “alternative facts” arguing how flawed we are

The recent disclosures about “fake news” in the media illustrate that we need to be more alert than ever to discern if what’s being said is fact or fiction.

Now we’re actively seeking truth, rather than blindly accepting everything we hear or read as fact. Even in the smallest of affairs, the power and effect of honesty are felt and appreciated.Continue Reading

Christian Scientists and public health

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… finding a middle path of mutual respect and understanding

The recent public controversy over vaccination has produced strong opinions – and surprising divisions – in contemporary Australia on the competing concerns of public health and toleration of diversity. In a recent “Open for Discussion” interview (“Vaccination – A researcher’s insight”, October 20), Associate Professor Julie Leask spoke of the need to reach out for the cooperation of the “people in the middle” on this issue, and that’s where I find myself – perhaps surprisingly to many – as a Christian Scientist. The long experience of Christian Scientists as a religious minority might in some ways point to the possibilities of a “middle path” of mutual respect and understanding.Continue Reading

Renovate from the inside out this New Year

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As 2017 lifts off the launchpad some of us have commenced a “renovation rescue” on ourselves by resolving to eat healthier and exercise more. That’s renovating from the outside in. It can certainly make us feel better.

 

But for a real make-over, resolve to renovate from the inside out. Take time to explore the power of your spiritual pilot light to improve your life! Continue Reading

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