Article January 21, 1911 Issue

THE RIGHT CONCEPT

IDA BOGARDUS ZUFELT

How often we hear a criticism of some so-called "doctrine" of Christian Science, and how often is the explanation given that Christian Scientists base their religion on the sayings and works of Jesus; that there is nothing in his whole life, throughout the years of his ministry, including his teaching and healing, which they do not accept. Christian Scientists know that the nearer they can come to the Christ-mind, in that degree is Truth manifested in their lives in the overcoming of error.

This plainly illustrates the fact that it is the spiritual concept of being which enables a student to demonstrate the Principle of Christian Science, and that there is a wide difference between this concept and mere belief. The lives of Jesus' disciples plainly show that under the same teaching one would reflect more of Truth than another, consequently that his consciousness was more open to the spiritual. This was especially true of the disciple John, who appears from the first to have won the special love and confidence of his Lord and Master, so that he was designated as the "disciple whom Jesus loved." If we contrast John with Thomas, who is sometimes called the doubting disciple, we shall see that the difference between them was due to John's greater spirituality.

For the records which we have of the Master's words and healing works, Christian Scientists give heart felt thanks, and also for the exposition of them as given in our textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, an exposition so clear that all can gain at least some understanding of the truth. We all pass through periods of darkness in our journey from materiality, and at these times we cannot think that there is anything wrong with the Principle, if the light does not manifest itself as we think it should. We may recall that we were once able to meet certain conditions, and inquire, What is the trouble now? We have used all the understanding we possess, and have been persistent in our declarations. Then it may dawn upon our consciousness that we cannot progress without drawing on the infinite intelligence for more understanding; that a higher state of realization is required; that our perception must be changed, and as our consciousness becomes a transparency for Truth, the illusions of mortal mind are dispelled.

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