Peace is certainly desirable, but a couple of members reminded us with readings from the Bible and the writings of Mary Baker Eddy how much turmoil is sometimes involved in achieving this illusive state. For instance in Deuteronomy the Lord God outlines treatment for a conquered city that rivals current cruelties in Kosovo. And some of the readings from Mrs. Eddy alert us that "...the muddy river bed must be stirred in order to purify the stream," (Science and Health, p. 540:9) and that "Peace has no foothold on the false basis that evil should be concealed," (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 209:23).

In this latter regard, the member who secured his lease as reported last week amended his testimony to include the work he had to do to clear off anti-Semitic stereotyping around his dealings with his landlord — he remembered this part of the work as he gave the testimony at a local branch during the week. He remarked there that he thanked God for problems as long as sinful beliefs lurk below the surface blocking healing.

The sweep of history reveals the inevitability of wars and commotions as long as mankind believes in many minds or egos. The work in Christian Science is to access and demonstrate the one Mind, God, as the source and condition of being — thus bringing out peace individually and collectively.

In this work it is clear that anger and rage must be confronted and the drive to self-preservation put on a firmer base than mere mortal weaponry. One member wanted to explore and work on an even deeper, and hardly ever mentioned level which he calls "the urge to blood sacrifice". He feels this unacknowledged drive in the human psyche accounts for the bloody excesses shown in such massacres as the Nazi, Cambodian and Hutu-Tutsi experiences as well as those in Kosovo and even Colorado. In primitive societies, this drive is sacramentalized and thereby tamed to some extent. The physical killing of the one sacrificed and the opening of his body to allow the spirit to re-unite with the gods was the main reason for this practice. Remnants of it are found throughout the Old Testament (see the Abraham-Isaac story in Genesis 22) but as well in Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection and ascension which refers to Passover — another example of this energy. Christian Science needs to be brought to bear on the drive's unacknowledged modern expressions. The starting point would have to be that it does not arise from anger or rage but is a sacramental act! Therefore this statement from Psalms seems apt: "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise," (51: 17). And in Science we are called upon to open our hearts to the realization of Divinity's all-ruling presence, which in turn sacramentalizes all living. Our member wants any comments and reflections on this work as he feels it is quite a new area of exploration and potential healing.

Idealization of the past, particularly the "Fabulous Fifties" came up for comment. As we thought it over, it presented the perfect example of "peace, peace when there is no peace," (Jeremiah 8: 11). With all the problems and lack of peace today, who would want to return to the era of possible instantaneous nuclear annihilation, McCarthyism, racism, sexism and homophobia? We have quite enough on our plate today of evil demanding translation into its divine reality.

One member pointed out the link between individual serenity and demonstration, including world peace. Another read the passage from Miscellaneous Writings, p. 133: 26-2, which includes the following statements: "In the midst of depressing care and labor I turn constantly to divine Love for guidance, and find rest," and, "Love makes all burdens light, it giveth a peace that passeth understanding, and with 'signs following.' "

The following demonstrations were reported:

• At our meeting April 15th, a member asked the Group to work with him on the problem of a neighbor's barking dog. He had tried everything over a two-year period — including a court order — without positive results. Last Saturday morning the barking started; our friend threw up his hands in exasperation and suddenly found himself able to take a stand in absolute Science — he "took it to the top!", as he described it to us. Principle alone was operative; there was no past filled with pain and anguish, no future to dread. He rejoiced in the presence of God alone being him, the dog and his owner. The barking stopped. Later he noticed the dog sleeping in his front yard — he was off his short leash, the gate was open and apparently his owner trusted him to behave. Our member was flooded with gratitude and saw the dog's sense of self-esteem as having been greatly enhanced. The serenity has continued.
• An internet friend reported an incident with his dog. They were out for a walk and the dog was let off the leash. Soon he was out of sight. Our friend prayed to know that the dog was cared for and directed by God. Pretty soon up he ran. Our friend gave him a stern No, but felt he could not be too cross with him since he had been praying to see God in control of the situation. The dog did go back on the leash.
• A member was shocked to hear that her communal center will soon close and participants will be transferred to another center. She fears losing friends and supportive professionals in the shuffle. She has been countering her fears with an editorial in the Nov. 6, 1999 edition of the Christian Science Sentinel. It's entitled "Raising Our Expectations". She not only can be fearless, but know that her needs will be met and even exceeded. Why limit developments?
• Two members worked together during the week on grief over the passing of greatly beloved friends. One reported a profound release and breakthrough of reality. As he talked about the situation with another trusted friend, he was able to let in the fact that the departed one loved him very much and to sense this love as the highest human understanding of divine Love in the circumstances.
• Another member amplified her handling of a mouse intrusion reported a few weeks back. She saw that two divine ideas could not interfere with each other. We felt that this law was applicable to struggles over space such as those going on in Kosovo, the Holy Land or even in regard to minority rights in this country.
• Another member pulled something in his side as he was doing housework. He could hardly breathe and got quite frightened. There was nothing to do but go to absolute Truth — God was his only action and substance. He knew this with all his heart. The pain ceased immediately. He was free but then took note of some hovering memories of conflictive events earlier in the day and some dire astrological predictions. He wisely cleared these off with Science.

Since our topic was Peace we weren't especially surprised that the meeting rose to astonishingly contentious levels. Near the end we got into a lot of hair-splitting over scientific truisms. It felt like an armed camp and we practically exploded into our topic for next week: Self-Righteousness. Each one hopes apparently that the others will have a healing of this troubling trait.