When Mrs. Eddy first gave to the world her remarkable...

Louis E. Scholl—Spokane, Wash.

Spokesman-Review

When Mrs. Eddy first gave to the world her remarkable definition of God, found on page 587 of Science and Health, she little suspected probably that one word contained therein would arouse such a storm of protest from the old school theologians, and all because that one word, "Principle," as she used it, is so little understood by them. The definition referred to reads (p. 587): "God. 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."

Now even the most strictly orthodox people find themselves in agreement with the first part of this definition, for being familiar with the Bible they see that the definition is strictly Scriptural; but the theologue always stops at the word "Principle." It sounds new; it is Mrs. Eddy's teaching; therefore, says he, it is wrong.

A bishop in an address before the Fourteenth Annual Convention of Inland Empire Sunday Schools, held in Spokane, as reported said, "I cannot think of one of these social cults in which people have thought seriously of God. The God they thought of was only principle. I don't see what the use is of praying to a principle." The bishop is right from his standpoint. No one could see the use of praying to a principle, or a mind, or a soul, or a spirit, as these words are commonly used, for it is generally believed that there are divers principles, minds, souls, and spirits—good, bad, and indifferent. Mrs. Eddy has used these words, however, as synonyms of God; and when Christian Scientists Speak of God as Principle, Mind, Soul, Spirit, and so forth, they speak with the clear understanding that comes with the casting out of the mortal belief in innumerable other principles, minds, souls, and spirits all outside of or opposed to God.

The bishop also lamented the great lack of interest in religion, and made the astounding statement, "I am almost afraid there are just about as many heathen to the square inch in Washington as in Turkey." While it is true, according to the statement of Dr. Charles Stelzle, that membership in the Protestant churches in the United States last year actually decreased, that fact does not necessarily mean that there is a decreased interest in things spiritual. There are many who believe, and with good reason for it, that there are more men to-day who are seeking earnestly and seriously for the truth that makes men free than ever before. The people of this state are as fine a class of people as can be found on the face of the earth, and it is probable that if the bishop had had an understanding of God as Principle, he would not have likened the people of Washington to the Turks.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit