For many of us primary class instruction with a loyal, inspired and inspiring, pure, and uncompromising teacher has proved to be a blessing for which we can never be too grateful. Some sadder but wiser students now rue their experience, especially since it can't be returned at customer service for another try. Certainly, if a pig in a poke was chosen on the basis of propinquity, popularity, and prestige, that wasn't a strategy for long-term satisfaction.
Many years ago there was an embarrassment of riches for the prosective student to choose from. Now it is probably closer to just an embarrassment from which to select a poke. Personal ambition to become a teacher, fawning support of the Mother Church menu du jour, and a willingness to agree to any unsavory pre-condition has undoubtedly degraded the roster of this most important of callings.
It is easy to wish class instruction was not a one-off privilege, but Mrs Eddy's wisdom must trump any quibbles. The teacher has responsibilities to his pupils long after the class, so if more than one teacher was in the picture there could easily be a mental conflict on the student's part, especially if the least favored teacher's thought proved more dominant.
Maybe one can sweeten somewhat any regrets by reading some wonderful association papers by Samuel Greenwood, Martha Wilcox, and Dr. John Tutt. Those of Bicknell Young might also be added. Many of their association papers can be obtained from The Bookmark, (800)220-7767 or www.thebookmark.com. For some, such materials are, of course, proscribed by their teachers, which is understandable.
Mr. Young's "Primary Class of 1936" is also available, but should be approached with caution, if at all, since it is somewhat of its time. It is not a realistic alternative to good class instruction, which is provided for, after all, by Mrs. Eddy, though this questionable quarter-loaf might still prove more nourishing than a stale and moldy full one.
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18 comments:
This week your chief nag, is the teachers. You are starting to sound like a politician
. You have all these grips but your offer no solutions, just lots of hot air. These issues seem to take up huge amounts of time in your head. Might
I suggest going back to the books and trying to find out what Truth is rtght. I am curious are you first generation CS?
Yes, I've felt for some time that the non-continuity of the Christian Science Movement has been sealed by Boston's compromise of the Teaching cadre. I doubt if there are even a handful of individuals left truly worthy of the "CSB" designation. I'd have to say this one thing is the most harmful of Boston's actions over the years. Very very sad.
Good for you, speaking out on this vital issue! I just knew you were well taught, couldn't help but be, the way you stand for pure Christian Science. I, too, had a wonderful teacher who would never, ever have even considered turning to paganism, for heaven's sake! What has Boston come to? Hope some of them are reading your blog, and I well imagine they are aware of the good you are doing.
Boston suburb
You brought up something so crucial and something we hope can be changed for the better. My teacher who was on the right track when he went to Boston to serve, has so strayed that I no longer attend association. But I am praying that he, if he's all alone in doing so, will speak out against all the evil done over the last few years.
I thank you.
(Florida)
People please stop your bitching and offer somw solutions, all you commenters are just "yes men".
Yes, God bless the Bookmark. Don't know what my wife and I would do without it. And those writings of Wilcox! Sublime!
Have you thought about becoming a teacher?
Oh, the naievete! You become a Teacher after having been a Journal Listed Practitioner and then attending "Normal" Class. Does anyone think Boston would allow someone into Normal Class who disagreed with them? They have defrocked any number of Teachers for less--I can think of half a dozen off the top of my head. I've been told they won't accept anyone from the Associations of Teachers who have had the audacity to defy them in the past. No, the only practical solution here is for those who are alert to leave the church to avoid being dragged down like the teacher mentioned in the comment above. Mrs. Eddy would have disbanded it long ago. Since she's not here, it's up to any who want to follow her in Christ to disassociate themselves from what she would not have approved. Although that course may not be what the blogger intended, the blog is certainly leading thought in that direction and as such is performing a valuable service.
I have to second what the previous commenter so eloquently stated. To think that people are punished for expressing what they deeply feel, and those who grovel to mere mortals are elevated. Downright wrong, to so many of us who have observed what has gone on. And I too thank you for speaking up for right. Keep it going!
One of the previous commenters makes an excellent point, about those who go to Boston in an official capacity being "dragged down". As one who worked there for a short time, I can attest to how corroding the atmosphere is. I didn't expect to congregate with angels, but was disquieted by the personal ambition to get a title. It seemed Christliness was not valued, only scrambling to be someone of importance. As my teacher used to say, I couldn't wait to get back home from a trip
to HQ to get free of the miasma there. Alas, it has only gotten much more spiritually polluted we see.
OK, to the last 3 or so commenters,
so leave the church and stop bashing Boston. This hate has got to stop.
There would be no reason to "bash Boston", as the previous commenter calls it, if the TMC Board of Directors had been seriously following the Manual and the teachings of MBE for the past 25 years--they haven't. That's got to change for the church to survive, and since any new board members are chosen by the current members, it doesn't appear that's going to change (the one time that a new Board member was going to try to straighten things out, he was removed hastily).
It's sad that they haven't seen their mistakes and changed their ways, but because this is no longer the church of MBE (except in name only) don't get upset at those of us who care enough to follow the teachings of the Bible and MBE and are willing to call a spade a spade.
Bravo to the previous commenter who has it right! Couldn't have said it better myself. It is not hate we feel; it is love and respect for the Cause our God-inspired Leader gave us at such a cost! There is no way we're going to cave, so don't be expecting it!
You said yourself MBE would have dismantled the church. You sound like a bunch of sore losers to me.
What are you currently doing to help the change? Get off your high horses, you sound like a bunch of ninnys.
You'd be surprised at all many of us are doing to help Christian Science be pure and strong. Stay tuned!
The most you can offer is "stay tunned"??? Please tell me what you are doing to help. Otherwise this is all just gossip.
A friend just recommended your wonderful blog, and I am thrilled with what you are doing! Even love the title you chosen. How appropo it is.
Many thanks to you, faithful Christian Scientist. You are an inspiration to us!
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