Editorial October 27, 1934 Issue

Heaven Within

VIOLET KER SEYMER

JESUS did away with the discouraging belief that heaven is a place to be reached at the end of the mortal trail, and that in the meantime one must endure its opposite. He brought to men a new understanding of heaven's nearness, and his followers are directed to pray, "Our Father which art in heaven." Since the Father is "in heaven," so is man, His image. Since heaven is represented in man's true state of consciousness, begotten of God, there is nothing remote or futuristic about heaven.

Mrs. Eddy defines "heaven" as "harmony; the reign of Spirit; government by divine Principle; spirituality; bliss; the atmosphere of Soul" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 587). Christian Science teaches us to turn resolutely from all evil in order that we may bring our every thought under the government of God, divine Principle. So may we find heaven, harmony, in our own God-governed consciousness. As divine Principle is understood and obeyed, the hell of unprincipled material belief or unbelief is ruled out.

Jesus' teachings are radical. They require his followers to acknowledge but one Father, one creator, one creation, one spiritual origin. In striking a blow at matter as either creative or created, he struck from mortal thought its self-forged fetters. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh," he said, "and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." Therefore Jesus emphasized the necessity of the new birth, which awakens and releases fear-bound mortals. Belief in a fleshly origin and heritage obscures our vision of heaven. Heaven opens only to those who know that man is begotten of Spirit, divine Love.

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