Article August 9, 1952 Issue

THE RADIANCE OF REALITY

JESSIE DEANE MEWS

"I DO not think I have ever seen more cheerful looking groups of people than I have met in Boston during the past few days. Their happy faces would make sunshine on the grayest day. If Christian Science gives such serene, beautiful expressions, it would not be a bad thing if all the world turned to the new religion." These remarks appeared in the Boston Herald in 1906 on the occasion of the dedication of the Extension of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts. Other press reports recorded in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" by Mary Baker Eddy also commented on the radiant, happy faces of the students who gathered at that memorable and joyous meeting. Students of Christian Science have ample reason to express joy and satisfaction, for they are learning something of the unchanging radiance of reality or true existence, which is at one with God, and this enlightenment is manifested in happy, healthy, contented, and useful living.

A radiant countenance is the outward sign of assurance and poise, of joyous, fearless thinking. This state of thought, resulting in alertness, hope, vivacity, and contentment, is not frivolous, temporary, or insincere, since it is based on the understanding of man as the changeless, radiant reflection of God. There are many references to the actual nature of God in the books of the Bible, and amongst them we find the following (I John 1:5): "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all."

From this we may conclude that God is the one energizing power and illuminating presence, even the intelligence of all that really exists, and that this light knows no opposite, for it is omnipotent and all-inclusive. John's message unfolds still further when the various synonymous terms for God, as used in Christian Science, are substituted for the word light.

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