Article August 26, 1933 Issue

The Realness of God

HERBERT E. RIEKE

A Student of Christian Science at one time found his thinking becoming somewhat clouded. He turned in prayer to God, but even his prayer seemed empty to him. He sought to declare the truth as taught in Christian Science, but every statement seemed to be mere words.

While reading in the book of Hebrews he came upon the passage, "He that cometh to God must believe that he is." He closed the book and asked himself: "Do I really believe that God is? I talk about God and read about Him; but how real is He to me? Is He as real to me as my human mother?" The student began to ponder carefully this last question. He was very certain of the existence of his mother. He talked to her and she listened to him. She often talked to him and he listened. Furthermore, he knew that his mother loved him and would do anything for his welfare. No one could bring any doubt into his thinking as to the nature or existence of his mother. He asked himself, "Am I just as certain of the existence and love of God?" He was surprised to find that his sense of God's existence was rather indefinite. He determined instantly that he would not be a hypocrite. If he was going to be a Christian Scientist and read and talk about God, he must deal with God as the great reality and not as a vague theory or ideal abstraction. Mrs. Eddy says on page 151 of "Miscellaneous Writings," "Delay not to make Him thy first acquaintance."

This student then proceeded to talk to God as his nearest and dearest friend. He unburdened himself and asked for help and inspiration. In a few minutes he found himself realizing that he must be more unselfish about a certain matter, that he should be more conscientious about his work, and that he must be more patient and kind. Suddenly he realized that thereby God was talking to him in terms that could not be mistaken. He heeded this divine advice, and soon found himself entertaining an entirely new sense of things. As he recognized his comradeship with his heavenly Father the darkness disappeared from his thought.

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