Article August 21, 1920 Issue

Understanding versus Belief

JESSIE M. CHANDLER

The writer at one time thought that one having been taught by Christian parents since early childhood to believe in God, and being equipped with a college education, was fully prepared to meet every vicissitude of daily living. This was soon seen to be but a belief, which though faithfully relied upon and adhered to in a time of great need, failed to bring the desired help. This seeming failure showed clearly that something more than a college education and a belief in God was needed to accomplish healing. Then it was that these words from Paul's epistle to the Romans were recalled, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

The knowing that a fact could be proved, and the not having been able to prove this theory to one's own satisfaction therefore indicated that a belief is always dwelling in the realm of belief; whereas a fact is now, and always has been, dwelling in the realm of fact or Truth. Therefore a fact is knowable and must be known.

In college one learns when studying mathematics, that a belief in mathematics does not make one a mathematician. So in time of trouble one learns that a belief in God does not convey an understanding of God. With music it is the same. One learns that a belief in music does not make one a musician; but the love of music, coupled with an honest desire to become a musician, will enable one to become a musician. So it is with the individual who loves God and honestly desires to know Him rightly. He will be rightly guided to an understanding of God. When in college, one finds that through the study of mathematics one's belief about mathematics is changed to an understanding of mathematics, and consequently one finds himself a mathematician. So through the earnest study of the Bible in conjunction with "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, the writer did also find that a belief in God was corrected or transformed into an understanding of God, thus proving the truth of the apostle John's words, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."

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Practical Religion
August 21, 1920
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