True Idealism and the Christian Science Periodicals

True idealism may be defined as the system of Christianity right thinking and right doing, based on the spiritual understanding of God and His creation. Throughout all ages there have been men and women who have sought the idealism which would stand the test of experience and fulfill their inward hopes. Mrs. Eddy writes in a very definite way on this subject; and in speaking of the work the Master, Christ Jesus, she says in "No and Yes" (p. 38), "He established the only true idealism on the basis that God is All, and He is good, and good is Spirit; hence there is no intelligent sin, evil mind or matter." And mankind is privileged to learn of it by reading the Christian Science periodicals.

A Christian Scientist is an earnest student of true idealism; and not only is he a seeker of the spiritual understanding of it, but he strives to express it in a Christianly practical manner. He regards the Bible as the great classic of true idealism. Our Leader was a deep and thorough student of the Bible; and she tells us that she referred to it constantly for guidance and inspiration, inasmuch as it was her sole teacher and textbook. It is reasonable to think, therefore, that she was under the influence of divine authority when she established and gave the names to each of the Christian Science periodicals (see The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 353).

These periodicals endeavor to express the true idealism of Christianity. Each has a distinct individuality, but their diversity does not detract in any way from their unified mission. The active, true idealism which is expressed in the Christian Science periodicals is the foundation of a permanent Christian consciousness. No character, no movement, no nation can achieve greatness or confer a blessing on mankind without it. While the intent of these publications is sacred and profound, their influence imparts Christian hope and joy, and freedom from the bondage of false trusts and erroneous thoughts. When one considers the discord and destruction which follow the false beliefs in the reality of matter and material methods, he cannot doubt that Christian Science with its teaching in respect to true idealism, is the God-ordained means for dissolving all error.

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The Dividing Line
December 7, 1929
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