Editorial July 17, 1943 Issue

Man Is Spiritual, Not Material

Paul Stark Seeley

Spiritual values, quite apart from matter, have long been recognized. But the concept of man as wholly spiritual, and in no wise material, though set forth in the Scriptures, has remained to be emphasized, and its scientific import understood, through Christian Science.

One of the most radical and important statements made by Mary Baker Eddy is her definition of man beginning on page 475 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." The first sentence thus challenges the generally accepted concept of man as matter: "Man is not matter; he is not made up of brain, blood, bones, and other material elements." Not a single material cell, not a drop of material blood, not an atom of bone is in the individuality of man.

The definition then declares, with Bible authority, that man is the image and likeness of God; that matter cannot be that likeness, for God is Spirit, and the likeness of Spirit must be like Spirit. "Man is spiritual and perfect." Mrs. Eddy states further. "Man is idea, the image, of Love; he is not physique." God's man then, has no organic, structural, or cellular construction, is not definable within the three material dimensions of length, breadth, and height, nor is he characterized by material weight or mass.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
Notices
July 17, 1943
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit