The old saying, “everyone talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it!” used to draw a laugh every time. One could say the same about the sharp divisions in American society today. There’s awareness, and distress, but little change.
That’s obvious in how quickly discussions about political and other issues escalate into disagreements or accusations. Unlike altering the weather, can anything be done about conflict, whether in families, communities, the nation, even the world? Are there constructive ways to bridge the divides?
That is what the members of the Christian Science church in Easton had in mind when they decided to sponsor a public talk by Frenchman Alexandre Fischer, a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship, titled: “Healing the Divide.”
Fischer, who’s based in the Basque region in France, is a lawyer who has practiced in both the U.S. and France, so he knows a thing or two about conflict. He draws on that experience, in part, in concluding that it is possible to turn conflict around.
Interestingly, though, he believes the most effective way to heal conflict is spiritual. By that, Fischer explains, he means turning to a power beyond human reasoning and human arguments to focus instead on something higher and universal; namely, the love the Creator has for us all.
That’s the second foundation for Fischer’s approach. In 2006, he gave up his legal practice to become a Christian Science practitioner, one who engages in the practice of spiritual healing. Fischer says that God, rather than an anthropomorphic figure, is the supreme intelligence, love, beauty, and life source that, in fact, governs the universe. By acknowledging that power, and changing our own perceptions, we can – and do – effect change.
He explains in this context why this religion was called “Christian Science” by its founder, Mary Baker Eddy, who was able to demonstrate that there are laws of God applicable to any human circumstance, including the divisiveness seen today.
It’s a provocative concept, and the public is invited to hear Fischer discuss it on Sunday, March 10, at 2:00 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge at 114 N. Washington Street in Easton. The talk is free; there’s parking adjacent to the building; and the venue is accessible. Local guitarist Justin Ryan will entertain beginning at 1:15.
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