Article March 13, 1920 Issue

Reconstruction

LULU C. BALZ

On all sides one hears that the great problem in the world to-day is reconstruction. The question for us as Christian Scientists is deeply interesting from a metaphysical standpoint. The word reconstruct implies that something has been destroyed, and therefore requires rebuilding or reestablishment; and it is the privilege of every one who has even an inkling of the truth to assist in this great work. One may wonder how he can do his part in a world work when he is just a humble citizen who seemingly has no other part in affairs of state than to obey; but are we not constantly engaged in replacing false beliefs with right ideas? We can be very actively engaged, therefore, in this process of reconstruction. From the very moment one begins to study Christian Science, he is reconstructing not only for himself but for the whole world. That is the beautiful unselfishness of this new-old religion.

What becomes of the false beliefs of limitation when confronted by the truth of God's infinity? Can two opposites dwell together? Can light and darkness occupy the same space at the same time? Can the infinite know aught of limitation? And what is responsible for false beliefs but a mistaken outlook, a material instead of a spiritual viewpoint? On page 545 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy says: "The notion of a material universe is utterly opposed to the theory of man as evolved from Mind. Such fundamental errors send falsity into all human doctrines and conclusions, and do not accord infinity to Deity."

All down the ages the great religious leaders were striving to turn thought away from a material to the spiritual worship of God. Abraham emphasized the spiritual, and the prophets worked toward the same end. The great burden of the message of Amos was to show the worthlessness of materiality and the great necessity for spirituality, "For thus saith the Lord unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live." Not until the great Teacher came, however, was it clearly stated or recognized that "it is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing." From the lips of this greatest religious Teacher, Jesus of Nazareth, we have the words, "The kingdom of God is within you." He taught that the breaking of the commandments was already done when the wrong desire was entertained. What a debt of gratitude the world owes Mrs. Eddy for restoring to it the inspiration of the works of the great Teacher; for it is she who checked the world in its mad career toward materiality and in this age taught us the truth about God and man.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Reconstruction

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access