Article August 20, 1910 Issue

The basic idea of Christian Science is not so much philosophic...

Edward W. Dickey

Pasadena (Cal.) Star

The basic idea of Christian Science is not so much philosophic as it is spiritual. Its early statement is found in the life and works of Jesus the Christ, and it has come to this age as the Comforter, "even the Spirit of truth," to show how Jesus did his work and to enable his followers to do likewise.

What is God? This is one of the oldest and by far the most important question in human history. It is so vast in its import—so full of meaning to humanity—so comprehensive in its nature, that it may well be regarded as the most profound and vital inquiry men can make. Christian Science declares God to be, "The great I AM; the all–knowing, all–seeing, all–acting, all–wise, all–loving, and eternal; Principle; Mind; Soul; Spirit; Life; Truth; Love; all substance; intelligence" (Science and Health, p. 587).

Christian Science also declares that God is good—supreme infinite good. To amplify further her definition of God, Mrs. Eddy has employed the term divine Principle. This is used synonymously with Love and accords with John's statement, "God is love." The word Principle is not used in the same sense in which it is used in mechanics, but refers to the all–wise, all–knowing heavenly Father, and means the one source of all being—called God. Christian Science further declares God to be omnipresence, as All–in–all. God is therefore always with us, but material terms and symbols do not express the proper spiritual idea of omnipresence. Paul says, "In him we live, and move, and have our being." As we reflect or manifest godliness, or the attributes of God, do we in a finite sense realize that God is with us.

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