Friday Metaphysical Feasts
Current students and alumni frequently cite the Christian Science atmosphere pervading the campus as a distinguishing feature of Principia College. All aspects of the College experience—academics, athletics, performing arts, house life, preparation to study abroad, and more—are consistently and intentionally uplifted by being viewed through a spiritual lens.
Sharing inspiration with one another is integral to campus life as well. One of the ways that sharing takes place is during Friday morning Exploring Metaphysical Concepts presentations, known as EMCs. These talks feature College community members who share inspiration and dig deep into spiritual topics.
EMCs—A Range of Topics
Early in the semester, EMC programs included a group of international students leading a panel discussion about Christian Science in Europe. Along with delving into topics such as the refugee crisis, terrorism, and Brexit, students explored ways to share Christian Science more widely. For example, sophomore Kirill Kudaev from Russia noted that a Christian Science Society in St. Petersburg holds its services via Skype, enabling them to reach individuals in Siberia.
The swimming and diving team hosted a discussion on overcoming doubts about performance—in athletics as well as coursework. And several seniors on the team shared instances of handling fear in job interviews and decision-making about life after college. The women's tennis team hosted a discussion about the metaphysics of competition, and another EMC featured student talks about working through relationship challenges and helping a family member who was facing a physical challenge.
Last month, the Leadership Institute invited Dr. Jonathan Palmer, President of Principia College, to give an EMC. His talk, “Protecting Yourself through Prayer,” illustrated both the prophylactic and therapeutic nature of prayer, drawing from the Bible story of Nehemiah who worked with a trowel in one hand and a sword in the other. Dr. Palmer also pointed out Mary Baker Eddy’s emphasis on daily self-defense through prayer outlined in three of her Church Manual By-Laws: “A Rule for Motives and Acts,” “Daily Prayer,” and “Alertness to Duty.” And he noted Principia founder Mary Kimball Morgan’s counsel, from an unpublished letter, that “Christian Science is our protection, but only as we use it aggressively and insistently.” President Palmer concluded by sharing how he approaches his daily metaphysical defense and encouraged students to find a way that works for them.
Still to come, the Music Department will host an EMC featuring composer and music scholar Dr. Ryan Vigil, who will introduce and discuss hymns from the forthcoming expanded Christian Science Hymnal Supplement and talk about the history of our hymnals.
Learn more about spiritual life at Principia College and watch videos of students' Winter Convocation talks, which focused on this year's metaphysical theme, ". . . behold, the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21).