Article August 13, 1955 Issue

PROMISES

VOLNEY D. HURD

ONE of the loveliest words in every language is "promise." This word is used almost invariably to indicate something which will take place in the future. Yet in Christian Science we learn that there is neither past nor future, only the present.

According to the first chapter of Genesis, all creation is complete and finished. Therefore a promise can also refer to the first perception of something already finished and complete, but not yet fully unfolded or made clear in our thought and therefore in our experience. Used in this way, the word "promise" indicates the first glimpse of something true and therefore spiritual.

The world's concept of promise is in sharp contrast to this sense of present unfoldment of a spiritual idea. Disappointment and disillusionment often accompany promises in the world's experience, and so we hear such words as, "He held so much promise, but ..." or, "Our friendship promised so much, but ..." or, "The beautiful idea was so promising until ..."

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