Article January 4, 1930 Issue

Transformation

ALBERT JACOBSON

The word "transformation" is derived from the Latin word transformare, meaning "to change the shape of." Since the modus operandi of Christian Science is the transformation of thought, it is apparent why the words "thought" and "thoughts" are mentioned in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, so many times; for Mrs. Eddy attached great importance to correct and scientific thinking. Christian Science is fully in accord with these sayings of Paul: "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind;" and, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus."

A young student who applied for help in Christian Science was told to study the first chapter of Genesis in the Bible, as there he could learn what kind of man God had created. He was also told to study the definitions of God and man as given in Science and Health (pp. 465, 475). He found that "God is incorporeal, divine, supreme, infinite Mind" and that man, as the offspring of God, of necessity reflects or expresses this Mind. The student's thought had to undergo a transformation, for his concept of God had been anthropomorphic, and he had thought of man as consisting of five physical senses. In other words, his thinking had to change from a material to a spiritual basis, to find that man is never sick, sinful, or discordant, but forever healthy, happy, and harmonious.

When erroneous thought is replaced by Truth, the experience is sometimes somewhat similar to that of Galileo, who perceived that the earth is round and not flat, as most of his contemporaries believed. And Galileo had to undergo much harsh treatment, and was even imprisoned, for teaching as he did. Did Galileo change the shape of the earth? No! He simply sought to change the erroneous thought. Has Christian Science changed God and His creation? No! Christian Science only changes false human belief, replacing it with the truth of being; and all mankind will recognize this some day.

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