Article December 17, 1921 Issue

"Shallow pantheism"

LELA WILLSON BARRETT

On page 257 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy says: "The theory that Spirit is not the only substance and creator is pantheistic heterodoxy, which ultimates in sickness, sin, and death; it is the belief in a bodily soul and a material mind, a soul governed by the body and a mind in matter. This belief is shallow pantheism." Mortal mind, or the mind of the flesh, puts forth every variety of fallacious argument for self-deception. It wants to try every way except the right one. It is bored exceedingly when told that the one way to attain good is to desire good above all else not only for himself but for others, to work for good, to do good, and above all to bear in mind that God, good, is not in matter. The man who has set his heart upon things below does not like to be reminded that the only sure way in Christian Science is, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you," but if he is obedient to this law he soon finds that materiality has lost its value and importance to him, and his real possession is spiritual, leaving him no sense of loss.

Said one asking treatment in Christian Science: "I am so anxious to have this thing work out right, because a lot of my friends are watching it, and if I am helped they, too, will try Christian Science." It is thus mortal mind ever reverses the truth, for no one can try Christian Science. Christian Science tries him. Neither can he seek first for worldly goods, or worldly power and have the kingdom of heaven added unto him. Few there are who do not smile incredulously when first reminded of the Master's admonition, "Take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?" and yet it is quite as much to be regarded as his command to heal the sick; in fact, it is a very necessary preparatory step to gaining the understanding which heals the sick.

To ask help of Spirit in order to rock one's self into deeper sleep in matter is a fruitless and foolish proceeding. One must get past the attitude expressed in the question, "What can Christian Science do for me?" One of the clearest proofs that Christian Science is indeed the very spirit of Truth is the fact that it is able to withstand the many mistakes of those who claim to speak for it, the follies of those students whose zeal is not according to knowledge. The enemy to be watched is truly of our own household, whether we speak of individuals, of nations, or of a cause. We need the "whole armour of God," and we need it always, for material sense lies always in wait to strike if we lay off any part of our protection. Jesus' perfect spiritual sense was gained by his understanding of and obedience to the law of divine Love, so that he did always those things which pleased the Father.

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