Article October 31, 1925 Issue

Basis of Correct Mental Practice

CLIFFORD P. SMITH

In the words, "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all," John attempted to put the gist of the Christian gospel. Whether he succeeded or not, he did express in a few words a fact that is of supreme importance for all men. Doubtless, John used "light" and "darkness" as Jesus used "good" and "evil" or "Spirit" and "flesh." Probably, also, John chose the words he used in order to present, in the strongest way he could, the idea that God is absolute. Light and darkness seem to mingle, and to produce a condition or state that is neither pure light nor the opposite. In effect, therefore, John said there is nothing in the divine nature like a mingling of opposite elements. So in his brief summary, whether he so intended or not, John stated in a positive way the fact that God is absolute. And when this fact is considered in relation to human welfare, it can be seen to be of supreme importance to everybody; for all that is wrong with anybody is his seeming to be a compound of opposite qualities.

Closely connected with the basic fact stated by John is the fundamental truth that God's being is expressed through man. This expression includes all of the divine qualities. It includes not only such qualities as purity and freedom, not only such qualities as existence and goodness, but also such qualities as ability and power. Man is the reflection of God. Therefore in man also is "no darkness at all." As Jesus himself said, "That which is born of the Spirit is spirit."

Jesus does not appear to have attempted to put the gist of his gospel into a single statement, but he did declare explicitly why he was in the human world. He came, he said, to "bear witness unto the truth;" and the entire record of his ministry shows that he meant the truth of being, that is, the truth concerning God and man. So, as followers of him, we must base our Christian endeavor, our religious practice, on the absolute truth of being.

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