'To Bless All Mankind' October 17, 2016 Issue

The inherent intelligence and ability of children

Debra Corry Brandt

Adapted from an article published in The Christian Science Monitor, August 22, 2016.

It is refreshing to hear that two American women representing opposing political parties may agree on an approach to education that views children in a new way (see editorial on facing page).

Speaking of the generic term man—including all men and women—Mary Baker Eddy wrote, “We know no more of man as the true divine image and likeness, than we know of God” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 258). To me, this means that in order to view children in a whole new light, we must take a deeper look at God.

The Bible repeatedly refers to God as the source of intelligence. In the book of Psalms, we read, “The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations” (33:11). From the inspiration that came through her study of the Bible, Mrs. Eddy defined God, in part, as “… the all-knowing, all-seeing, all-acting, all-wise, all-loving, and eternal; …” (Science and Health, p. 587). Recognizing God as the all-knowing, all-wise creator of each individual, we see that every one of us already has and can increasingly express the understanding of God, or divine Mind.