Be not discouraged

The events outlined in the book of Daniel took place six hundred years before Jesus of Nazareth appeared. (Fragments of the book were found among the Dead Sea Scrolls which may indicate that the book was written at that period.) It was during a period when the Israelite nation was in disarray and its citizens forcibly removed from their homeland and transported to Babylon. A discouraging outlook indeed.

Captivity in, or removal to a "foreign" land seems to be a recurring theme in the Bible. For example, the baby Moses was removed from his family and grew up in the court of the Pharoah. Joseph came into a position of great influence under similar circumstances. Daniel's experience shows us that despite unpromising circumstances, he could shine a light on the sustaining power of God through his uprightness, obedience and consecration.

The Gospel of Luke alludes to such difficult conditions. Jesus never shied away from adverse situations, but rather was able to raise thought upwards to see the higher purpose. [Mary Baker Eddy speaks of adverse conditions in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures - "Meet every adverse circumstance as its master" (p. 419).] In Luke chapter 21 Jesus is speaking with the chief priests, the scribes and the elders, who pepper him with questions. In response to their queries about the church (in this case, the temple), he foretells the ruin of Jerusalem. The King James Version has it (verse 24): "And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled" (my italics).

But read on, and lo, redemption: "...the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory" (Luke 21: 27)! Here is the joyous instruction to "...look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh" (verse 28).

This reminds me of Daniel's experience in chapter 11 when he seems at an all-time low, his strength failing him. But God had never abandoned him. Help is at hand. Behold the angels are right there to assure him: "Michael...came to help me..." (verse 13) and a messenger, "one like the appearance of a man" (verse 18)  gives him strength. I am grateful to have learned in Christian Science that the terms "man" and "son" do not indicate male or female but rather the tender relationship between God and His offspring.

Julie Swannell

More opposition for Daniel

Daniel Chapter 6

Here's an interesting thing. My New King James Version uses “satraps” in the first verse where the KJV has “princes”. The New Revised Standard Version also has “satraps”. I had to look up satrap, didn't I! The dictionary has “A subordinate ruler; especially a despotic one.” Another telling one is, “henchman.”

[Ed. Dictionary.com offers the following in their Thesaurus: governor, nabob, representative]

As I read the chapter with those definitions in mind, I thought of to-day's political scene. Perhaps nothing has changed much. I don't know a lot about lobbying of parliamentary members, but that is the practice that came to mind; and all the to-do there is about gaining power and using it.

Jealousy is illustrated in a big way in this story of Daniel and the Lions’ Den. Also illustrated is an example of using a law to bring dishonour to a “tall poppy.” But the highest authority in the land, King Darius, was able to recognise an even higher authority in God's keeping Daniel safe from the lions. The accusers had a grim fate – they were cast into the den of lions, which in their case did what lions are renowned for doing.

King Darius acknowledges the God of Daniel and makes “a decree, that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel” (Dan 6: 26). We are told that Daniel continued to prosper in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

Daniel Chapter 7

Boy! This is a deep one! I wondered if Mrs. Eddy gives any interpretation of Daniel's dream/vision. It is so interesting to find this: “It is authentically said that one expositor of Daniel's dates fixed the year 1866 or 1867 for the return of Christ – the return of the spiritual idea to the material earth or antipode of heaven. It is a marked coincidence that those dates were the first two years of my discovery of Christian Science” (The First Church of Christ, Scientist and Miscellany, p. 181:27).

This helps me somewhat in considering the message in this chapter.

We find that God is defined as “The Ancient of Days” (Dan 7: 9) and Christ as “one like the Son of man” (Dan 7: 13), although the NRSV gives a disappointing “one like a human being.” A footnote states that the Aramaic has “One like the Son of man.” Ah! A note in NRSV seems to indicate the human and the divine of Jesus Christ's demonstration: it says, “One like a human being symbolizes a new, everlasting kingdom” (my underlining). Well. I am satisfied that the visions predict the coming of the Messiah and of Christian Science.

William McKenzie must have had a clear idea of “The Ancient of Days” because he has given us a poem containing the idea in hymn 150 of the Christian Science Hymnal:

In mercy, in goodness, how great is our King;

Our tribute, thanksgiving, with glad hearts we bring.

Thou art the Renewer, the Ancient of Days,

Who givest, for mourning, the garment of praise.

We thank Thee for work in the wide harvest field,

For gladness that ripens when sorrow is healed;

Made strong with Thy goodness that meets every need,

We gather the fruit of the Sower's good seed.

Joyce Voysey

The writing on the wall

Daniel, Chapter 5 introduces us to another king – Belshazzar. The chapter heading in my Bible reads “Belshazzar's Feast.”

BELSHAZZAR IN ART AND MUSIC

Those interested in the Arts will know that the famous artist, Rembrandt, found this a topic to be painted – in 1635. And in 1931 William Walton's cantata, Belshazzar's Feast, was first played in Leeds. The fourth movement quotes at length from this chapter of Daniel. (A cantata is a "medium-length narrative piece of music for voices with instrumental accompaniment, typically with solos, chorus, and orchestra" Oxford Dictionary.) 

LOOT FROM THE JEWISH TEMPLE

Now, when Belshazzar's father, Nebuchadnezzar, sacked Jerusalem, he brought back silver and gold vessels from the temple so that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. It seems Belshazzar decided that his “great feast for a thousand of his lords” (Dan 5:1) where much wine was being drunk, would be an appropriate occasion to use these vessels. All this was blasphemy to the Jews, but to this was added the sacrilege of using the act of drinking from the vessels as a tribute to the gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone; in a word – matter. A Biblical note says that both of these acts mock the power and sovereignty of God.

WRITING ON THE WALL

Rather than seeing images in a dream.Belshazzar sees writing on the wall. He needs someone to interpret this writing,  Again all the wise men – astrologers, Chaldeans* and soothsayers – could not figure this one. This time it is Belshazzar's wife who has the intuition to tell the king to call the “man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God” (Dan 5:11) namely, Daniel. One in tune with God and listening to His voice must have superior power to those working in the occult, prophecy, numerology, and fortune-telling which the king's men were trying to apply to the puzzle.

Belshazzar's wife reminds the king of the experience of Nebuchadnezzar, relating the full story of Daniel's successful involvement. She indicates that Nebuchadnezzar suffered for his pride and warns her husband that he too must be humble. She reminds him of the wrong he has done in using the Jewish sacred vessels in a profane manner. He hasn't been getting his gods right! She is a spiritually minded woman; she speaks of the one God, who “holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways” and who he has "not glorified" (Dan 5:23).

This Babylonian court seems to have been very mixed up about God and the gods.

Although the interpretation is negative for the king, still he appreciates Daniel's work and promotes him.

However, verse 30 is succinct and rather brutal in telling us the outcome: “That very night Belshazzar, the king of the Chaldeans, was slain.” And we are presented with a new king to think about – Darius the Mede, a sixty-two year old. 

Joyce Voysey

[Ed. Note the pronunciation is "Kal-dee'uhn" not "Ch". The Reading Room sells a marvellous, slim volume called Bible Pronunciation Guide (HarperCollins) which is very useful for all who read the Bible.]

The government is upon his shoulder

In considering the events recorded in Daniel 2 and 3, it is comforting and enlightening to recall the prophecy of Isaiah 9: "the government shall be upon his shoulder". Impossibly dogmatic and cruel consequences seem to threaten the whole field, but Daniel and his friends do not entangle themselves in such consequences. Rather they turn confidently and wholeheartedly to acknowledge God's absolute omnipotence - 

   Praise the name of God forever and ever,
    for he has all wisdom and power.
   He controls the course of world events;
    he removes kings and sets up other kings.
   He gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to the scholars.
   He reveals deep and mysterious things
    and knows what lies hidden in darkness,
    though he is surrounded by light.
   I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors,
    for you have given me wisdom and strength.
   You have told me what we asked of you
     and revealed to us what the king demanded.
                       (New Living Translation)

What a beautiful prayer. 

Faced with the death penalty, Daniel now confidently strides in to speak directly to the king, whose confusion and perplexity he is able to calm and relieve. 

But the struggle is not over. An impossibly dogmatic new law is promulgated. Factions spread propaganda and are persuasive in their loud and demanding insistence. All the world seems to be pressuring Daniel's three friends to conform...or else. The king seems to have turned violent. 

Until. 

Until he sees something startling: alongside Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace is a fourth man who he can only describe as "like a son of the gods" (English Standard Version). Another crisis has passed. A bad law is repealed. Wisdom reigns.

Julie Swannell

Nebuchadnezzar survives the dream

Daniel - Chapter 4. 

Nebuchadnezzar's God/god affiliation is a puzzle to me. He talks about the Most High God and the wonders He has wrought. His praise is fulsome and yet he also talks about “my god.” This is where he tells of Daniel coming to interpret his dream “(his name is Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god...).” I find this hard to reconcile with the king's acknowledgement of the Most High God.

Oh! I think I get it! Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged many gods! The Most High God, to him, is the highest of many gods!

He saw that Most High God  do marvellous things for Daniel and his friends. As the chapter unfolds with the second dream and its consequences, we find the king acknowledging that the Most High God had delivered him from the dis-ease which had him “driven from men" and eating "grass like oxen". Further, "his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hair had grown like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws" (Dan 4:33).

Anyway, Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar survive another dream experience. And it seems that Nebuchadnezzar finally gets the right idea of God as evidenced by his beautiful Poem in verses 34 and 35.

Joyce Voysey

Bow down or else

I am mostly reading from my New King James Version – leather bound – for this exercise. It is so lovely to hold!

Chapter 3: An image of gold about 90 feet tall! My goodness! That was a lot of gold. Surely not solid gold.

The NKJV  uses the phrase “in symphony with all kinds of music” in verses 5, 7, 10 and 15, while the NRSV uses “musical ensemble.” A nice touch for musicians, I feel, having just yesterday been trying to recall the young musicians who made up the Queensland Secondary Schools Orchestra which formed in 1966 and which developed into the Queensland Youth Orchestra. This organisation has a record of 50 years of making youthful music under the one Musical Director. That 1966 orchestra certainly had French horns and flutes, and many stringed instruments, but no harps, lyres, or psalteries. I suppose the general term “horns” could include trumpets.

I think of the communication in those days (it reminds me of the language of Esther) - not quite the instant communication of our day. I would like to have a mental picture of how the king's messages were dispersed on Nebuchadnezzar's day – and how long it took. And, how was the king's order to be carried out? It feels like a case of neighbour informing on neighbour. In Daniel's case, it was “certain Chaldeans” who “dobbed him in” when he disobeyed the order to fall down and worship the golden image when the music played. What a lot of work this created, all those musicians throughout the country, for one.

The four boys would not even yield to the king's demand that they worship the golden image. They were willing to be “cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.” They knew God would deliver them. 

The king's anger seems to be reflected in the fiery furnace. However, he later came to acknowledge God's power in saving the boys from destruction in the fire. He said “there is no God who can deliver like this.”

The chapter ends on a similar note to chapter 2 in that we again see promotion, this time for the boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. 

Joyce Voysey

Dearly beloved

I find that Daniel is quite replete on “dearly beloved” references, i.e. Dan. 9:23; 10:11, 19. Well, perhaps 'replete' is rather an exaggeration. But I am glad to have this phrase brought to my notice. For, doesn't our dear Father-Mother say that of each of us. He-She is well-pleased with us all. I look forward to coming to the context of those references.

Chapter 2: Daniel's prayer came to him in verse – Dan. 2:20-23. This was the prayer in which God would reveal to him the king's dream – the dream, not just the interpretation. Not unreasonably, the wise men had said that this was not possible. The king had commanded that all the wise men, including Daniel and his friends, were to be killed.

Daniel's prayer was answered. He proved that “with God all things are possible” and as the prayer states, “He (God) reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwelleth with him” (Verse 22).

The dream and the interpretation tell of the coming history of this region (with its toppling of kings), and it might well be related to the present time when we consider verse 44: And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever". Not just in Babylon but in all the world.

Daniel and his friends were greatly promoted, e.g. Daniel became “chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon.”

Joyce Voysey

There's always something new to ponder.

In verse 2 of Chapter 1, we find “the land of Shinar.” This is said to Babylon. But one web site (http://www.icr.org/books/defenders/5367) says: 

Zechariah 5:11

5:11 land of Shinar. “Shinar” is Babel, where Nimrod first built his great anti-God empire based upon pantheistic evolutionism and idolatrous covetousness

Research takes us to the book of Revelation to hear more about Babylon and John's predictions of its fall - see Rev. chapter 18. And, of course, to Mary Baker Eddy's Science and Health's Glossary for this inspired definition:

Babel. Self-destroying error; a kingdom divided against itself, which cannot stand; material knowledge.

The higher false knowledge builds on the basis of evidence obtained from the five corporeal senses, the more confusion ensues, and the more certain is the downfall of its structure.

Regarding “Nimrod” in the definition above: we ask, this name is not in the Bible, surely? But it is; in 4 references, the main one being Gen. 10:8. Ham, Noah's son had a son Cush, and “Cush begot Nimrod; he began to be a mighty one on the earth.” He was the first powerful king on earth, and Babylon was one of the first cities of his kingdom.

[An interlude here: It shows perhaps how I need to study the book of Daniel when I was hugely surprised that the last citation in the Bible for this week's Bible Lesson is from Daniel: “...thou are greatly beloved” (Dan. 9:23 (in part)). What a beautiful thought to take with us on our way to-day!]

I find myself inclined to ponder the “how to” of things. How would the master of the eunuchs go about finding those “...young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans” (Chap.1, verse 4)?

How would we go about it to-day? If we were in America we might start at Principia College for Christian Scientists. We would certainly need to use our God-given qualities such as intuition and perception. We would need to seek God's help, perhaps with attention to Mary Baker Eddy's poem

Shepherd.

Shepherd show me how to go

O'er the hillside steep,

How to gather, how to sow, –

How to feed Thy sheep;

I am sure it could not be counted how many times that sentiment has brought direction and guidance and government to those who call on this sublime poem set to music in the Christian Science Hymnal.

Anyway, Daniel and his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were classified under those qualities. Perhaps by refusing the king's food and drink Daniel was re-classifying the qualities as being of God; which qualities could not be improved upon by royal food and drink. He would not defile himself by claiming the good to be personal to him. He knew that God must get the credit.

Daniel was given something extra - “understanding in all visions and dreams” (Dan. 1:17).

Joyce Voysey

Ed. Readers may like to listen to Edward Elgar's achingly beautiful NIMROD from his "Enigma Variations". There are a number of recordings on YouTube. 

Babylonian captivity

I like New King James Version's introduction to Daniel:

“Daniel's life and ministry bridge the entire seventy-year period of Babylonian captivity. Deported to Babylon at the age of sixteen [JV: how do we know this?] and handpicked for government service, Daniel becomes God's prophetic mouthpiece to the gentile and Jewish world declaring God's present and eternal purpose. Nine of the twelve chapters in his book revolve around dreams, including God-given visions involving trees, animals, beasts, and images. In both his personal adventures and prophetic visions, Daniel shows God's guidance....The name Naniye'l or Dani'el means “God Is My Judge.”"

The book is written in two languages: Hebrew in Chapters 1 and 8-12; Aramaic Chapters 2-7. It is also of interest that the book is found in different locations in different canons, i.e. In the Greek canon it is amongst the prophetic books (as it is in the King James Version); the Hebrew canon places it in the Writings, between Esther and Ezra. This is significant as the interpretations are either prophetic or apocalyptic.

The literary setting is 6^th Century BCE, while the book was written in the time of Artiochus' persecution of the Jews (167 BCE), to encourage Jews facing persecution. I will quote from New Revised Standard Version: “As a whole the book of Daniel encourages and consoles Jews facing persecution in the reign of Antiochus. In Chs. 1-6, it provides them with heroic role models of Jews who thrive because they remain faithful to Jewish law while serving a foreign king. In Chs. 7-12, it holds out promise of deliverance in the new kingdom of God for those who remain faithful in the face of persecution. Together these messages enunciate the book's major theme of God's sovereign control of history.”

Oh Boy! There is so much scholarly stuff written!

Joyce Voysey

Daniel and modern dilemmas

We enter the ancient world as we open the book of Daniel. Jehoiakim is king of Judah and Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon (on the banks of the Euphrates - modern day Iraq). 

Jerusalem was besieged (dictionary.com: attack, blockade, encircle, come at from all sides) and taken by the Babylonians. People and treasures were hauled by to Babylon. Australians in 2016 can only imagine what this might have been like. We see images of Syrian and Iraqi towns being taken today...this might give us some idea of the devastation and despair that would undoubtedly have occurred in Jerusalem in those days. 

Readers might spare a thought for the plight of modern Christians in the Middle East. A gripping story from Kristen Chick appeared in this week's Christian Science Monitor. http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2016/1128/Their-town-now-liberated-Iraqi-Christians-talk-of-life-under-ISIS?cmpid=gigya-fb *

But back in ancient Babylon, King Neb. wanted perfect specimens in his court, and the head of the palace staff (Ashpenaz) chose four of the "foreign" (i.e. Jewish) young men who were "healthy and handsome, intelligent and well-educated, good prospects for leadership positions in the government" (The Message). They were given Babylonian names - Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, just as modern-day newcomers might adopt local names so they blend in easily, and were ordered to adopt the specialized food regimen of the palace. Would these young men (their Jewish names were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) convert to the ways of the Babylonians? Would they be caught in the net of a certain diet that was assumed would give them strength and health? 

Are we today influenced in our choice of food, clothing, exercise?

Julie Swannell

*Thank you to the ever-alert Bible digger and friend Madelon Maupin for sharing this Monitor article on her Facebook page!

"Inexpedient and tactless"

Oh my, what a wonderful story about the marvellous violinist Fritz Kreisler. See pages 356-357 of our book Commitment to Freedom. 

When Monitor music critic Winthrop P. Tryon uncovered the fact that Kreisler was not only the performer but also the composer of quite a few items in his repertoire, Kreisler requested that this information remain a secret. In fact, his reason for not identifying them as his own compositions on his programs was that he "found it inexpedient and tactless to repeat my name endlessly on the program". 

It was nineteen years later when Kreisler finally gave permission for the story to be made public. And The Christian Science Monitor faithfully responded.

Julie Swannell

An undiluted pleasure

There's a lovely little note on page 343 in the chapter "The Monitor Today". It reads as follows:

"To work for the Christian Science Monitor was an undiluted pleasure. . .  With a courage almost unknown in the modern newspaper world, the Monitor never seemed to mind if the news was a day or two late, provided that when it did arrive it was comprehensive, fair and accurate."

The writer was a Mr. David E. Walker.

Comprehensive, fair and accurate. Wouldn't readers be glad if all their news was reported in such a fashion today.

Julie Swannell

A great man

What an extraordinary tribute for Monitor writer Charles Gratke - see page 321. It was written by a fellow newspaperman, the so-called "hard-boiled editor of the Lubbock, Texas, Evening Journal: Charles A. Guy".

Among some of the notable phrases, "he had banished fear from his life; he had even defeated man's greatest mental enemy: worry...". "One hundred fifty minutes a day, Chuck Gratke gave to study of his religion..."

"He made no effort, aside from setting an example, to influence anyone."

Great men are always an inspiration, and the world sorely needs to hear more about them.

Julie Swannell

Challenges and defence

Canham offers his readers much detailed information about various political events in the 1920's and 30's, which, to the Australian reader today makes little impact. However, the underlying message is that the Monitor's job has always been to keep abreast of the times, keep its readers informed, and offer relevant commentary that would stand the test of time.

It is interesting that "as the end of the paper's first quarter century approached, friends both on and off the staff carried out a careful re-examination of its purposes and performance" (page 261). Thus was a "Fact Finding Committee" established by the Board of Directors, and we are told that it applied itself "with zeal" (page 265). Three practical steps were taken as a result of the assessment: (1) revitalization of the local editions, including additional staffing; (2) unnecessary restrictions were lifted, and resulted in the "restoration of an uninhibited capacity to tackle unsavory news" (page 266); (3) a weekly magazine was established at the urging of a group of British readers, including Lord Lothian and the Viscount and Viscountess Astor.

I wonder if the description of an extraordinary newspaperman such as Richard (Dick) L. Strout, would hold true today. Canham describes Strout as a craftsman whose writing was "well-trimmed, vividly descriptive, perceptive" (p. 281-282). His style is described as "independent and objective" as he "covers a story with clinical dispassion, writing with warmth and perception but without bias" (p. 282).

Page 287 reveals an interesting picture of Christian Science in Germany at the outset of World War Two. We are told that there were 64 churches or societies and 161 "not-yet-recognized groups". What follows is a very helpful assessment of the "background of defeat and national humiliation" that lay so heavily in the thought of many German citizens at this time, and the revelation that their "letters, telegrams, and personal visits hammered at Boston's doors during the 1930's", all of which "recommended that the Monitor should blunt and muffle its criticisms of Hitler" (p. 290). By 1941, Christian Science was banned in Germany. Churches and reading rooms were closed. Books were confiscated. Members were arrested and persecuted.

World thought was swirling and roiling as the Monitor published a May 1940 "Editorial Letter" in response to an outpouring of emotion from readers. The letter said: "Some of you have written that you do not feel a newspaper founded out of a great love for all humanity should 'take sides' in the conflict. However, it is that very love for humanity which compels this newspaper to take sides, not against any nation or group of nations in and of themselves, but against the evils which are attempting to destroy the very basis of civilization" (p. 294-5). Indeed, the editorial pointed out the attempt to destroy Christianity itself. Thus, arms must be taken up to defend against this evil.

And so to coverage of the war itself where correspondents were encouraged always to seek the long-range view, while of course reporting first-hand events in an illuminating and pleasing manner. Reading about this period provides a fascinating lens through which to view the challenges of our own times.

Julie Swannell

Fracture and restoration

I have just read about the litigation period, when there was a schism between the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees. The question was: who was to lead? A startling question and most unfortunate.

It was just following the end of World War One. The brilliant, dedicated, indefatigable, erudite, witty, well-connected, cosmopolitan Mr Dixon was Editor of The Christian Science Monitor. Canham describes his writing as "historically exact, literarily rich, politically shrewd" - see page 173. But Mr Dixon was a law unto himself, which is not how Mrs Eddy had laid out the structure of her church. 

There was limbo for a couple of years. Staff left. Circulation plummeted from a high exceeding 100,000 down to a low of just 17,500. Ultimately the court decided for all time in favour of the rule of law. In the case of the Christian Science organisation, this meant that the Church Manual gave ultimate authority to the Board of Directors.

The choice, then, by the Board of Directors, of a new Editor  in 1922 was astute and timely. Willis J. Abbot was a veteran newspaperman. 

The work of restoration was underway. In retrospect it was like a resurrection. Canham writes that "Under Mr. Abbot's editorship, and with the support of the entire Christian Science movement, the Monitor's circulation began steadily to return  to its pre-First World War figures, and ultimately ...excel them. By 1924, only two years after the paper had been returned to loyal hands, its circulation again exceeded 100,000. At the end of the decade it had reached 130,000." (see page 183.)

It is noteworthy that "the entire CS movement" was involved in this work of rebuilding and restoration.

Julie Swannell 

Strangers and new friends

Page 366 has a favourite quote from Saville R Davis, who was, at the time of Canham's writing, managing editor of the Monitor: “Strangers are just the friends you haven't yet made.” He put this philosophy into effect in travelling and reporting from “Japan, Taiwan, South Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Burma, India, and Afghanistan – with a briefer look at Pakistan and the Middle East.” All in one year. These few pages are very insightful about the East and its diverse peoples.

I used that quote many years ago (though I wasn't able to quote it as being from Mr. Davis so I said “a wise man”) when I was introducing Christian Science Lecturer John Wyndham. I was introducing the audience to their “new friend.”

As I finish the book, I wonder how often current workers for the Monitor are required to re-read it!

Joyce Voysey

A daily paper...to give us accurate information

While reading Canham's story of The Christian Science Monitor's first 50 years, I found the following, from the archives of the Christian Science Sentinel:

We want a daily paper, a paper to give us accurate information,...

From the February 15, 1913 issue of the Christian Science Sentinel

Sheffield (England) Guardian

http://sentinel.christianscience.com/shared/view/2fu9qbee8e2?s=e

The Sheffield Guardian article continues..."Too long have we retained the clan spirit, and now we demand a newspaper universal enough in its scope to give us the world spirit...We have before us the latest Thanksgiving number of The Christian Science Monitor, comprising ninety-six pages of matter. It contains nothing but clean news of the world's doings, the world's aspirations, the world's art, the world's amusements."

JSH-Online is the official website of The Christian Science Journal, Sentinel, and Herald.

The richer side of life

Chapter 22 of Commitment to Freedom is entitled The Monitor's Own Peace Plan. On its first page I find a familiar place-name, the Ruhr district of Germany, and am given a geography and a history lesson about my son-in-law's place of growing up.

The story is that in 1923 the Monitor printed an interview with Adolph Hitler in which he said: “If I had been at the head of the Government, the Ruhr district [which France had just reoccupied] would have been burned down as Moscow was burned by the Russians. France would never have found a single tree or a bridge there. Since the Ruhr district no longer belongs to us today, it should vanish from the face of the earth” (p. 228). The Ruhr was a valuable coal mining area; also an agricultural and industrial centre. It seems it wasn't till 1936 that Hitler took back this valuable area for Germany.

There is quite some history to be gleaned in this story.

On the second page of the chapter we are told that Winston Churchill had a signed article printed in the same 1923 issue of The Christian Science Monitor. Canham records that “He was recently out of office, with the fall of the Lloyd George government, and he was filling in the odd hours with journalism. His article was a witty and severe attack on H.G. Wells's socialist plans for the merging of the British Empire into a world federation” (p. 229).

In those 1923 days there was much talk about the fortunes made by some through war, and “Peace Plans” were being championed. The Monitor came up with its own plan which proposed a constitutional amendment which would "take the profits out of war. The proposed amendment was that:”In the event of a declaration of war, the property, equally with the persons, lives, and liberties of all citizens shall be subject to conscription for the defense of the Nation, and it shall be the duty of the President to propose and of Congress to enact the legislation necessary to give effect to this amendment” (p. 230).

Our book says that this plan “...helped greatly to bring the Monitor to the attention of the nation and the world” (p. 233). Many influential people were in favour, while, of course, many others opposed the plan.

I have just finished the chapter which talks about The Richer Side of Life. The beloved Home Forum and Family Features are recounted with love. As they were accepted by the readers. The chapter (#32) speaks of the cultural benefits a reader could gain from these pages. For instance, the opening paragraph recalls that “A woman on a remote mountain ranch in western Canada once wrote the Monitor, and in simple but touching terms told how its pages had brought to her the rich flow of the world's cultural life and heritage. It had obliterated her isolation and made her one of the company of cultivated persons the world over, and timelessly” (p. 351).

Canham, I think, modestly, finishes the chapter by mentioning two features which (I think) were his own “things” - “Mail Bag” and “Youth Round Table” (p. 362). This is where I found my American pen-pals through Canham's wish to encourage international friendships.

Joyce Voysey

Renewing our subscription

As we launch into our second month of reading Erwin Canham's "Commitment to Freedom - the Story of The Christian Science Monitor", book-clubbers will be interested (I think) in a thoughtful article by journalist Christa Case Bryant.

The Christian Science Journal, November 2016:

http://journal.christianscience.com/issues/2016/11/134-11/the-privilege-of-subscribing-to-the-christian-science-monitor

Happy reading.

Spectacular adventures

What a fine group of men were at the helm when Mary Baker Eddy gave the instruction in July 1908 to “start a daily newspaper called Christian Science Monitor…without fail” (see page 22 of our book Commitment to Freedom).

Canham gives us some insight into their characters and tells us that they were “strong and seasoned men”, indeed “seasoned, substantial, and practical men”, many of whom had been “staunchly helpful to Mrs. Eddy” (p. 26).  He further explains that they brought impressive “judgment and knowledge of business and professional affairs” which, combined with a “deep sense of religious zeal” enabled them to “tackle and solve the unprecedented problem” of launching a newspaper by November 25 - in 100 days! This was a “tremendous new adventure” (p. 41).

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

William P. McKenzie – member of the Board of Trustees, Christian Science lecturer

Canham’s description reveals honesty, determination, selflessness, energy and steadfast obedience. (pp. 24 – 25)

EARNEST ZEAL AND DEDICATED POETIC SPIRIT (p. 26)

Judge Clifford P. Smith – member of the Board of Trustees

RESPONSIBLE (p. 27)

Thomas W. Hatten – member of the Board of Trustees

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Archibald McLellan – member of the Board of Directors, editor of The Christian Science Journal and Sentinel

LEADERSHIP, INTEGRITY, HARD-WORKING, DEDICATED, RESPONSIBLE, FRIENDLY (pp. 76, 77)

Allison V. Stewart – member of the Board of Directors, publisher of Eddy’s books

TRUSTED (p. 26)

Ira O. Knapp – member of the Board of Directors

TRUSTWORTHY – “In 1889 Mrs. Eddy made him the recipient of a trust deed for the land on which the original Mother Church was to stand” (p. 26).  

Stephen A. Chase – member of the Board of Directors, formerly a business man  

TRUSTWORTHY – “elected Treasurer” (p. 26)

William B. Johnson – member of the Board of Directors  

RELIABLE - “…closely relied upon by Mrs. Eddy since the late 1880’s” (p. 26)

It seems that these qualities were replicated all along the line as staff were hired and equipment purchased. I loved the story of the surmounting of obstacles such as when the ship bringing all the composing room equipment (type, cabinets, makeup tables etc) collided with another vessel and sank to the bottom of the ocean. Without delay, and with “some lively activity on our part”, new equipment was ordered and no delay in publication of the first edition of the Monitor ensued. Similarly, when it was discovered that Boston’s underground telegraph wires did not reach to the Publishing Society’s building, swift action soon had the matter in hand.

Canham provides an insightful explanation of the Christian Science approach to such difficulties. The Christian Scientist does not rely on “mere optimism”, but rather a supreme trust that God’s law – “the laws of the universe” – “are consistent and beneficent” (p. 45). In the two examples above, the workers focused not on the problem, but on its solution – an excellent example for the modus of reporting in this uniquely solution-oriented newspaper, where every step involves an “expectancy of good” (p. 44).  

I especially appreciated Canham’s commentary at the foot of p. 43:

               “[The Christian Scientist’s] prayer…did not consist in sitting down, closing their eyes, and imploring God to make the telegraph wires sprout from Mechanics Building to the Publishing House. Their prayer consisted of knowing where and how to turn, so that a human problem could be solved I practical terms.”

The way forward may not always be smooth, and the sails may need to be set and re-set according to the prevailing winds, but with the high goal in front, there is no doubt about the adventure of the journey. 

Julie Swannell

The press

On page 9, Canham quotes Mary Baker Eddy: "Looking over the newspapers of the day, one naturally reflects that it is dangerous to live, so loaded with disease seems the very air. These descriptions carry fears to many minds, to be depicted in some future time upon the body." (Miscellaneous Writings p 7:17-24).

It's sobering to be reminded of Mary Baker Eddy's comments about the publications of her day, which we know were notoriously adept at spreading lies - indeed, at the actual fabrication of events. This was labelled the "yellow press". 

The word press comes from the printing press. It is interesting to read about the constitution of the team of workers on the payroll of the Monitor in Feb 1909, a few weeks after its Nov 1908 launch:
Advertising (9)
Circulation (5)
Mailing (5)
Editorial (9)
News (24)
Composing (31)
Press and Stereotype (16)

My grandfather was a stereotyper, a skill that is no longer needed in the world of publishing, but was, since the late 1700s, a most important part of the printing process. The stereotyper made the metal printing plates for the printing presses. This was achieved by taking an initial (usually papier-mache) mold of the composed metal type and then making it into a metal cast. Britannica has a helpful article on the process - https://www.britannica.com/technology/stereotype-printing

Here are some photos that may elucidate the process:

These days, we tend to speak about "the media", that amorphous entity which apparently wields such a powerful influence on the thoughts and actions of people worldwide. The Bible references the word press in rather different terms, but it's interesting to picture the events related in Mark 2:4 "..when they could not come nigh unto him [Jesus] for the press, they uncovered the roof..." where the press might be a bunch of reporters and cameramen!

The world has changed, but the need for honest, inspired, and fearless reporting by thoroughly professional and trained writers, remains. (See Robert Peels' "Mary Baker Eddy: Years of Authority p. 466, note 115 for more on this topic.)

Juliet Swannell

What is God's News?

Readers may  enjoy this Daily Lift from Maryl Walters: What is God's news? published Oct 14 on www.christianscience.com/daily-lift. 

http://christianscience.com/christian-healing-today/daily-lift/what-is-gods-news?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily%20Lift&utm_content=New+wider+template+160307

An exchange with the Monitor

The first thing I notice is that Canham uses “we” rather than “I” as he starts his Introduction. I am also reminded of something shared at a meeting of students of Christian Science, “Christian Science is the only organization in our community standing for the unreality of evil.” Surely a similar statement could made about The Christian Science Monitor – It is the only news publication standing for the unreality of evil.

Well, I wrote an email to John Yemma, Monitor Editor 2008-2014, and current columnist, and here is the exchange of notes.

Hello John Yemma,

I am currently re-reading Commitment to Freedom.  This is an exercise set by the Christian Science Reading Room at Redcliffe, Queensland.  I read the books which alternate monthly between books of the Bible and Christian Science literature, and write a little for the related blog.

As I read Canham's book, I remembered a speaker telling our church members that our Christian Science church is the only one in our community standing for the unreality of evil.

It came to me yesterday that perhaps we could say of the CS Monitor that it is the only newspaper standing for the unreality of evil.  

Would you say that this is correct reasoning?  

As I read the Daily Briefings I sometimes question it.

I would appreciate your comments,

With very best wishes and blessings and gratitude for all your good work,

Joyce Voysey

Member of 1st Church, Gold Coast, Queensland.

Dear Joyce: 

Thank you for your thoughtful note.

Others might differ with this view, but I've always seen the Monitor's mission as both reporting the problems of humanity (exposing error in order to vanquish it) and the progress of humanity (recognizing the leaven of the Christ that is always at work in human consciousness). It is not making a reality of evil to name it without flinching. It is giving Christian Scientists a clear sense of the issues humanity is grappling with so that we can work individually and collectively to heal them.

All the best,

John

What a wonder to have such a prompt reply. A fine example of "do it now," I reckon.

John Hughes, Pulitzer Prize reporter and one time Editor of the Monitor, in an article The Christian Science Monitor: Its Role and Purpose, wrote in the September 1, 1975 issue of The Christian Science Sentinel (http://journal.christianscience.com/issues/1975/9/93-9/the-christian-science-monitor-its-role-and-purpose):

The Monitor is not a great newspaper that happens to be an appendage of the Church of Christ, Scientist.

The Monitor is an expression of this church that happens to be in the form of a daily newspaper.

The history of the setting up of The Christian Science Monitor in 1908 was surely one of the greatest demonstrations of Christian Science in annuls of Christian Science. The Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees of the Publishing Society were tasked by Mrs. Eddy to produce a daily newspaper. Here is her letter to the Board of Trustees:

Beloved Students:

It is my request that you start a daily newspaper at once, and call it the Christian Science Monitor. Let there be no delay. The Cause demands that it be issued now.

You may consult with the Board of Directors, I have notified them of my intentions.

Mary B.G. Eddy

What practical, praying men were put in charge of this fantastic enterprise which was designed to “bless all mankind”. Everyone should read about how this was accomplished. The statistics are staggering. It was done in 100 days. From nothing really, to a fully-fledged newspaper of international standard, and soon to be reputation.

Joyce Voysey

A shining light

The author of Commitment to Freedom, our book for October, 2016, is Erwin Canham, for many years editor of The Christian Science Monitor. On a personal note, I remember a little column Canham wrote on the Forum Page of the Monitor. My memory is mostly of people finding pen-pals all over the world. I had a couple in the US, and Marie, my daughter, had one in Korea. It was perhaps a sort of advice/ethics/Q&A column. It was light-hearted. For example: “Q. Why do we start to read a magazine from the back?  A. Perhaps it is something to do with being right-handed.”

Readers may be interested in the following excerpt from an interview - An Interview with Erwin Canham by ROBERT L. GATES, from the May 1975 issue of The Christian Science Journal.

Half a century of distinguished service to The Christian Science Monitor has brought Erwin D Canham international recognition as one of the world's foremost journalists. Decorated by seven foreign governments and appointed to various commissions and boards by American presidents...he holds honorary degrees from twenty-eight colleges and universities and is a much-sought-after adviser to many leaders in public life. In all his affiliations...he is clearly identified as a Christian Scientist. For many years he has taught a college-age Sunday School class in The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston.

I'm sure in your many travels you've considered from a spiritual point of view the safety of yourself and your family. Would you mind sharing some of the thoughts you find most helpful?

I do indeed consciously work for protection. If I'm going on a journey, say by air, I seek to purify and affirm the motives of the journey and the enterprise involved. I find solid support in Mrs. Eddy's statement, "Right motives give pinions to thought, and strength and freedom to speech and action." 2 Motivation has to be honest and impersonal. Taking a journey, I strive to discern in it the opportunity for service to others—the motivation which establishes its rightness. Then I feel a deep sense of protection, of safety. In addition, like so many others, I think specifically about my personal dwelling place "in the secret place of the most High." 3  And always I feel that "underneath are the everlasting arms." 4  I remember and affirm that each person connected with the enterprise or journey is governed by Mind, God. This truth of God's government embraces the whole system, including the aircraft in which we fly. The persons who make decisions regarding our aircraft, its handling, its control, are all individually reflecting the one Mind, supreme intelligence, which holds all of us in its grip. They have the capacity to act wisely, swiftly, rightly. This eliminates the phenomenon of "human error" which is so often related to accidents.

Of all the important lessons you've learned about communicating with people and maintaining harmonious relationships, is there, perhaps, one significant thought on this you'd like to share with us?

Yes. Always discern, affirm, and love the other person's true selfhood as the child of God. Respect for his precious and inviolate spiritual heritage is the best conceivable basis for good human relations. To communicate we must, above all, listen. Listen to God, and listen to our brother man. The ear is just as powerful a communications device as the voice—maybe more so!

Gal. 6:3↑   ² Science and Health, p. 454↑   ³ Ps 91:1↑   ⁴ Deut. 33:27↑   ⁵ Science and Health, p. 584↑   ⁶ Ps. 90:4↑   ⁷ Science and Health, p. 486↑

 

The following appreciation of Erwin D. Canham was written by the Monitor's former managing editor and Washington bureau chief, Saville R. Davis. JANUARY 4, 1982 (http://www.csmonitor.com/1982/0104/010436.html):

At morning news conferences, when the day's paper was planned, he would often pour out good-humored, and sometimes hilarious, accounts of his travels in the realms of politics and journalism, where he had been representing the Monitor and picking up new information and analysis from his personal friends in high offices.

Amongst all the online information about Erwin Canham is a transcript of his diary while he was Plebiscite Commissioner (at the request of President Gerald Ford), and later Trust Territory Resident Commissioner, in the Marianas, during which time the Marianas people voted on becoming part of the Commonwealth of the United States. There is also an interview with Canham's widow Patience (Sue) about the whole episode.

Additionally, there is an exchange of letters between Canham and the Librarian, Mrs. Jacob, at the Maine State Library. As Canham was a native of Maine, the Librarian wished to have all of his published books on the library's shelves. A delightful turn of phrase is noted in one letter, “I am happy to send you an inscribed copy of my latest collaboration (“The Christian Science Way of Life” by DeWitt John, with “A Christian Scientist's Life” by Canham). You are awfully nice to want it.”

I do not have it to hand, but there is a book about all the editors of the Monitor from the beginning to the date of printing. Of course, Canham's contribution is chronicled there.

Yes. I will read the book!

Joyce Voysey

Ed. Mr Gates posed many interesting questions in the interview mentioned above! They covered topics such as accomplishment – getting things done; humility and self-respect; retirement and service; the state of the affairs of the world; uplifting consciousness; and, the role of youth.

Among his responses, I especially enjoyed these:

“People everywhere are spiritually hungry. Formal religion—the organized churches— are in considerable disarray. Some futurologists forecast their dwindling, if not disappearance. But the need and craving for religion persists. It's stronger than ever.

“The world needs a better and more precise and substantive understanding of the meaning of God: the kind of definition and conceptualization of God contributed by Mrs. Eddy from her study of the Bible.”

About youth:

“Our gaze should be directed ahead, not backward. This applies to all of us. I have no different attitude toward youth than toward everybody.”

“Many of us need to see that people in the more academic phase of their experience are being subjected to and invigorated by very challenging thoughts, discoveries, analyses. Some of these may be highly critical in their approach to religion, including Christian Science. If we are to communicate with people in schools, universities, or other academic situations, we must understand what they are talking about. This may require diligent effort on our part—wide reading and discussion not just within the ambit of Christian Science. But this is refreshing and invigorating for all of us, giving added depth and strength to our focused religious study.”