Article August 3, 1918 Issue

Christian Science is the religion, or interpretation of the...

Judge Clifford P. Smith

Jamaica (B.W.L.) Times

Christian Science is the religion, or interpretation of the Christian religion, discovered and founded by Mary Baker Eddy. Christian Scientists regard it as the restoration and divinely promised fulfillment of the religion practiced by Christ Jesus. It is defined by Mrs. Eddy on page 1 of "Rudimental Divine Science" as "the law of God, the law of good, interpreting and demonstrating the divine Principle and rule of universal harmony."

In answer to the question, What did Mrs. Eddy discover? it can be said that she discovered the law of God, the law of Life, Truth, and Love, as well as the rule, the systematic method of practice, for demonstrating the Principle of harmonious being. Besides this she added immeasurably to the world's knowledge of spiritual reality as distinguished from material belief. Anyone who would understand Christian Science "must begin," says Mrs. Eddy in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 275), "by reckoning God as the divine Principle of all that really is." Whatever is the object or subject of thought, unless God made it, unless it expresses His being, is illusive, destructible, and unreal. This is the basis of Christian Science. On this basis the Christian Scientist works to purify human thought, to realize the truth of being.

On page 465 of Science and Health we find this definition of God: "Incorporeal, divine, supreme, infinite Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love." The word "Person" (spelled with a capital letter) is also used as a term for God, but Christian Science does not hold that He is like a human being. Of God it is said that "He is all-inclusive" (Science and Health, p. 331); which statement is to be regard as consistent with the idea of imparted identity and individuality. Indeed, one of the leading points of Christian Science is that God is the Life, Mind, and Soul of man, yet that man, as the reflection of God, possesses perfect identity and individuality. As understood in Christian Science, God creates man and the universe; He governs the individuality and continuity of each creature, and maintains this infinite creation as the expression of His being.

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