Church and community

Norman Christian Science Church (Picture courtesy of The Norman Transcript)The Norman Transcript begins a new series this month highlighting local churches in the city.  It’s called “Church Corner.”  And the initial issue (September 3, A6) features First Church of Christ, Scientist, Norman — the local Christian Science branch church.

Reading “Church Corner” leads one to consider the importance churches have for our communities.  Are they merely symbols of organized religion?  Or do they represent something more?

For many, church provides a refuge for mental and spiritual rest — a sense of protection from the “busyness” and demands of everyday life.  Church also aids in nurturing our higher nature, expressed in ethics and morality, concern for fellow neighbors, spiritual growth.  Most realize a church’s presence in a community tends to preserve and advance moral and spiritual values that otherwise might be less apparent in its surroundings without it. 

When I see a church, I like to think of it as a sanctuary that helps individuals to learn and to live Christian discipleship.  And this characteristically brings the congregation into Christian fellowship.  Discipleship and fellowship underscore the power of church, and bear witness to the dynamics of Christianity — transformation in character and better health through spiritual living.

This influence for good can and should extend to the community, even beyond.  As a member of the Christian Science church in Norman puts it:

“Church provides an opportunity to join together and express what we are learning about God. This family offers support and encouragement — which is passed on in community, continent and world. Church offers the chance to come together for the good of all mankind, proving God’s omnipotence.”

To read what he and others have said about what church means to them, select this link.

“CHURCH. The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle.  The Church is that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick.” (Science and Health 583:12-19)