Editorial July 20, 1946 Issue

"Believest thou this?"

Margaret Morrison

This was the momentous question put to Martha by Christ Jesus as she stood before him wrapped in grief because of the death of her brother. Jesus had assured her that her brother would rise again, and Martha, thinking in terms of life in matter, agreed, but postponed that resurrection until some mysterious future time called "the last day." "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"

On page 582 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mary Baker Eddy gives this scientific definition: "Believing. Firmness and constancy; not a faltering nor a blind faith, but the perception of spiritual Truth." And in the same textbook she informs us that the original Greek and Hebrew words translated "believe" have more definitely this meaning of firmness and constancy. This is the very opposite of the generally accepted one of faith without understanding, or her further definition on the same page, "Mortal thoughts, illusion."

As we keep in thought the true meaning of believing, it becomes more significant as being allied to spiritual understanding, to steadfastness, trustworthiness, and full confidence in Truth. Then one realizes how much more is required of him than mere belief, in its ordinary meaning, if he would demonstrate the freedom and joy of present resurrection.

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