Jesse Lee Peterson
I recently had an invitation for a seed sowing opportunity. It was an interview with Jesse Lee Peterson on his nationally syndicated talk show. The program was on faith and I was to discuss Christian Science with him. Individuals called in from various states with their questions and all went well. I emphasized this thought: when asked if hell was a place and heaven was a place, I continually defined them as thought, as consciousness, i.e. hell as “self imposed.” When I was challenged on an issue, my response was, “If that’s what you believe…”
During each Thursday’s program on faith, Jesse asks questions about different religions because he honestly wants to know more about all religions. What a delightful experience I had discussing Christian Science with Jesse!
What’s Christian Science? Have you always been a Christian Scientist? What church did you belong to before you became a Christian Scientist? What was it like meeting the President? Do you believe in the Trinity? Is Jesus the Son of God? What’s the big difference between your religion and other religions?
All I can say is that there wasn’t anything about that radio show interview that I didn’t love. What do I mean by everything? I loved the attitude of the producer, the helpfulness of the technicians, and the openness and sincerity of Jesse and the call-ins.
But the greatest thing about the interview was the interest and receptivity of the whole staff. Several of the staff approached me on the sidewalk outside the building about healing and effective prayer. We had such a wonderful discussion. I felt healing taking place as we talked. And the frosting on the cake even before I got back to my office – the producer had written a note expressing appreciation for my being there and that she hoped there would be a return visit.
At the close of that very long day, I found myself asking, “What cannot God do?”
One of the questions that my host discussed with me and with his listening audience was Is Jesus the Son of God or is Jesus God? I could see that he really wanted to know why religions felt differently about that answer. As a Christian Scientist, that question is very simple. Jesus is the Son of God. My host liked that answer and it was his point of view also. He wanted to know what made Jesus so special as the Son of God. I wished I had had more to time to discuss with my host the very basic questions about God, Jesus, the Trinity, etc., but I sense our paths will cross again as we seekers share our questions and insights. Thank you, Jesse Lee Peterson, for allowing me to sit with you and talk about God. I found myself being extremely grateful for all those who helped me over the years to understand more about God and Jesus, and thankful to dedicated religious leaders like Mary Baker Eddy, founder of the Christian Science Church, who brought the healing works of Jesus into the modern day world of the 21st Century.
You can listen to the interview by clicking here: JPShowPodCast201155Don 2 by Don Ingwerson
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I loved the interview. Don, you did a fabulous job of explaining Christian Science, with a loving and gracious attitude.
I was so glad to hear that you had done this interview. What a great opportunity. I met Jesse years ago when he came to our local high school at a time when we were having a very divisive and public disagreement in our parent community regarding a moral issue. He was so strong and clear and unafraid. Two of my sons’ best friends went to him for counseling for many years. He is a true “walker” not just a talker and a worker.
So what were the circumstances of your meeting with the President?
I was America’s Superintendent of the year and President Bush (senior) recognized me at a ceremony in the White House.
Utterly awesome!!
It is always good to hear of positive responses in regard to sharing Christian Science. I am not familiar with Jesse but it sounds like it was a wonderful opportunity to share C.S. on a nationally syndicated talk show. May you have many more opportunities in the future!
P.S. Thank you Judy for asking about the President encounter…and congratulatons Don, wow, what an achievement that bespeaks what the practice of Christian Science engenders!
How nice to hear Don’s thoughtful responses to Jesse’s non-confrontive and sincere questions. It made for a nice dialog.
Don – You did an excellent job in this interview, and I thought it was great that one of the gentlemen who called in said that you were straightforward and uncomplicated in your explanations. Bravo! I truly congratulate you for your clear answers. Not always easy to do!
Thanks so much.
I love the story about heaven and hell that goes like this: A Samurai warrior asked a Holy Man about this, and the reply was, “Because of your state of mind, I can’t tell you.” This infuriated the warrior, and he raised his sword to chop off the man’s head. The man pointed to him, and said, “Now you’re in hell!” This was an aha moment for the warrior, and he dropped his sword, and went over to hug the man. The man then pointed to him, and said, “Now you’re in heaven!” Nuff said. About the Trinity and the Holy Ghost, I love Barbara Cook Spencer’s article WHAT HOLDS IT ALL TOGETHER in the October, 2005 Journal.
DON,Know you were looking forward to the dialogue when we last met.Thanks for the posting. Sounds like “the California Sea was “parted” for all that
were tuned-in” Bob Filep