SPIRITUALITY

Annie M. Knott

In searching the dictionary for definitions of the word Spirit and its derivatives, the student of Christian Science cannot fail to observe that very few of these relate to the divine nature or its manifestation in man and the universe. This reminds them very forcibly of their indebtedness to their Leader, Mrs. Eddy, for her scientific discovery of the nature and qualities of Spirit, God, and her broad application of spiritual facts to human experiences. Here it may be well to give Webster's definition of the word spiritualize: "To refine intellectually or morally; to purify from the corrupting influences of the world; to give a spiritual character or tendency to." All of this is good, as far as it goes, but it stops short of the teaching of Christian Science, that in the true sense God alone is Spirit; hence, to spiritualize must mean to make Godlike.

The proposition admitted that God is Spirit, it follows that Spirit must be good and good only. Mrs. Eddy says, "There are evil beliefs, often called evil spirits; but these evils are not Spirit, for there is no evil in Spirit. Because God is Spirit, evil becomes more apparent and obnoxious proportionately as we advance spiritually, until it disappears from our lives" (Science and Health, p. 206). Spirit is thus seen to be symbolized by light, which reveals all things and is an unceasing demand for purity. Nor is this all, for Spirit is also synonymous with all that represents the divine nature,—with Mind, Soul, Life, Truth, Love, and intelligence.

Spirituality is, therefore, a life-giving quality, and not, as some suppose, a mental condition lacking in vital force and what is called physical strength; else would not the prophet have bidden us trust in the Lord forever, because that in Him is "everlasting strength." Happily, humanity is awakening to the fact that a man's strength is in proportion to his purity,—right thinking and right living,—and not to his muscular development. It is also finding out, through the teachings of Christian Science, that spirituality not only means goodness, but also intelligence, clearness of vision in all that makes for the progress of the race. The one who labors unselfishly and with pure motives for the good of others, is spiritually minded, whether this is generally admitted or not; and well is it for him and the cause for which he labors if his understanding of spirituality is based upon divine Principle, so that he may work somewhat as God works. It of course goes without saying that in Christian Science spirituality and health, moral and physical, are inseparable.

It has too long been believed that spirituality means what some one has called "other-worldliness,"—that is, a mental condition which expects to realize all good by passing to another sphere; but Christian Science teaches that here and now the kingdom of God is to be known and its laws obeyed, and in this attitude we find not only unnumbered opportunities to be good, but to be happy and successful as well. Normal, healthful thought makes the very most of each opportunity; it does not despise the most ordinary duties, but sees in all a way to unfold the latent capabilities of man, as divinely bestowed, and in performing each task strives to respond to the Christ demand for perfection.

It should never be forgotten that spirituality is not to be gained by dreaming, but by doing! Joseph's brethren called him a dreamer, but he was the most intensely practical man of his age, and Pharaoh witnessed to the reason for this when he said to his servants, "Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?" and to Joseph he said, "There is none so discreet and wise as thou art." A greater than Joseph stilled the tempest, fed the multitudes, healed the sick, and raised the dead, through his pure spirituality, his reflection of the divine nature. What are we, as his professed followers, doing toward this end?

Annie M. Knott.

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