Archive for the ‘Deborah Packer’ Category

Children Develop Spirituality   Leave a comment

shutterstock_123166411A research on Google reveals a multitude of studies that make links between student academic success and the development of spirituality in a religious context.

Studies have found those with gratitude are more likely to have a high grade point average.”

Children who are encouraged to know their spiritual identity find a valuable poise reflected in both academic and secular activities.  In general, students are found to be more successful, resilient and happy.

There have also been studies by psychologists and sociologists on gratitude.  According to the Christian Science Monitor, if you’re grateful, you are more likely to be happy.

It stated that grateful people are more helpful, more satisfied with life and have better friendships.  It said studies have found those with gratitude are more likely to have a higher grade point average.  They tend to be healthier both physically and mentally.

At the Christian Science Sunday School, gratitude for good is fostered along with deep reflection on the nature of God as a law of eternal truth, as well as an all-encompassing divine love.

The Sunday School operates around small discussion groups with students, up to the age of 20, who are encouraged to discover and demonstrate more of their spiritual self as described in the Bible.

Choosing a religious educational context for children is important. It can encourage the life of the child and the community. To find out more about the Christians Science Sunday School in Canberra visit the Christian Science Canberra website.

On God and Government   3 comments

DSCN1018In this technological world there is much discussion about whether there actually is a god, and if there is, is He – or She – of any relevance to us today?  To me this kind of discussion indicates not intellectual rigour, but simply a misapprehension of the nature of God.   God is not remote nor is God confined to a particular denomination.   God is Love.   And Love is universal; accessible to all, even atheists!   Every time we witness an act of love – of affection, of kindness, of generosity, of forgiveness, of loyalty, of compassion … a warm smile, we are witnessing God in action.   When we express these qualities we are ourselves expressing God.   Nothing can be nearer than Love expressed.

Christian Science also teaches me that another synonym for God is Principle.   Principle is expressed in honesty, in high standards of speech and action, in law abiding behaviour, in honour, in steadfastness to truth.   Again when we see these qualities expressed in ourselves and others we are seeing God in action.

Current practice may seek to remove religion from politics, but we would argue that it is impossible to separate God from government.   For what use would a government be if it did not love its community?  What use would a government be that did not act according to the highest standards of principle?

It is our prayer that we as a community might witness more of the qualities of God – Love, Principle, Truth, intelligence – expressed by those chosen to represent us in government.  Then regardless of sect or creed or denomination we are all truly under God’s government.

This blog item was originally given as a brief speech, by Deborah Packer, First Reader (2010-2013) of the Christian Science Church in Canberra as part of the Interfaith service held to mark the beginning of the ACT Legislative Assembly’s sitting year.