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Lightoller was on the Majestic's New York run when he discovered Christian Science. It came to him the way many religions come to people these days- a pamphlet stuffed into his hand while walking down a busy New York City street. But when he read this particular pamphlet, Lightoller felt a burning desire to find out more about this religion. A religion where there was no sickness or death, no evil or sin. Material things such as clothing, houses, automobiles and even the ships that were his livelihood were purely illusionary. "The Christian Science cure for sickness was to help a person understand that he was not really sick, that his pain was imaginary and that this 'imagined ailment' was only the result of a 'false belief'. The true Christian Scientist, it seemed therefore, should have no need of doctors and the surgeon's knife." (Stenson 133) In his life, Lightoller came to realize 'The Truth' (Life is real) and 'The Key' (Death is the illusion) and clung to these beliefs dearly. Many times he had cheated death through pure strength and had often felt as if someone had been watching over him. This was a factor that led to both his and Sylvia's conversion to Christian Science. While he was stuck to that ventilation grate when Titanic was sinking, Lightoller recalled the 91st Psalm to give him strength. We the authors feel that it very fitting, almost eerily fitting. In the Holy Bible, Psalm 91 reads as the following: |
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Security of the One Who Trusts in the Lord He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow in the Almighty I will say to the Lord "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!" For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, And from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge: His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day; Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not approach you. You will only look on with your eyes, And see the recompense of the wicked. For you have made the Lord, my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, Nor will any plague come near your tent. For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, Lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and cobra, The young lion and the serpent you will trample down. "Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. "He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him, and honor him. "With a long life I will satisfy him, And let him behold My salvation." |
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To learn more about Christian Science, visit The Virtual Christian Science Reading Room or The Official Home Page of the Church of Christ, Scientist. Another site of interest would be the Mary Baker Eddy Institute Home page. Mary Baker Eddy's book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures greatly influenced Lightoller's decision to convert. |