Article November 30, 1974 Issue

Learning That Liberates

PAMELA SUSAN NADEN

In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy gives us food for thought as to what true scholarship is all about and brings out the true purpose of learning, namely, spiritual growth. She writes, "Observation, invention, study, and original thought are expansive and should promote the growth of mortal mind out of itself, out of all that is mortal."^{Science and Health, p. 195;}

A dictionary gives mental and moral training as one definition of education. Contrary to much human opinion, it is not the mere accumulation of material facts and skills. True education is learning to understand more of God, Spirit, as divine Mind, and of man as Mind's idea, reflecting such immortal qualities as wisdom, intelligence, and spiritual understanding.

It is important to be aware of the true purpose of learning and not to be mesmerized by the drive for material knowledge. Christ Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters.... Ye cannot serve God and mammon."^{Matt. 6:24;} This truth applies to our studies too. The work we do is really for God, and it is Him, and Him alone, whom we are striving to please. This fact is brought out clearly in this text from II Timothy: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."^{II Tim. 2:15;}