Article November 9, 1918 Issue

Home

ALBERT M. PETERS

One of the many problems which come to the student of Christian Science is that which deals with home conditions. Probably there is no one who has not at some time, in one way or another, had to face conditions in the home which were not as he would have them. It may be that the home is a happy one, but lack of sufficient material resources seems to exist, or perhaps discord is manifest among the members of the family. The study of Christian Science has possibly been the first step taken away from that doctrine or creed which has claimed generations of ancestors as well as present kindred; or it may be that the "last enemy" has entered the household and with one blow struck at the very foundations of the earthly home and left only grief and bitterness.

To those who are struggling with any one of these phases of mortal experience, what a sense of freedom is found in the statement made by Mrs. Eddy in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 254), "Pilgrim on earth, thy home is heaven; stranger, thou art the guest of God." The writer well remembers how, while yet a young man, in the orthodox church which he attended he would often hear remarks which referred to heaven as being our home. Now, through his study of Christian Science, this statement has been explained, and its spiritual significance gained in large measure. "Of course," says one, "I believe that heaven is our eventual home; but how does that affect my present problem?" In answering this question let us see what we find in the Glossary of Science and Health (p. 587) as Mrs. Eddy's definition of heaven. We there read: "Heaven. Harmony; the reign of Spirit; government by divine Principle; spirituality; bliss; the atmosphere of Soul." This points to something above and beyond any locality.

As any condition must be comprised in thought before it is manifested, so must our home be that which we make it in our consciousness. This statement may be questioned by some, but it will be easily understood if we observe the homes of different classes of people. What to one of intelligence and culture would seem a hovel, to a less highly educated individual would be all that could be desired. Again, to one of finer sensibilities, all must show perfect order and cleanliness, while confusion and even dirt would not in the least interfere with the happiness of one of grosser and more indolent habits. These illustrations make it very evident to the inquirer that home is merely the outward manifestation of that which is held in human consciousness.

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