Article November 27, 1976 Issue

Spiritualization―The Answer to Need

MARIA SOUBIER

Wherever there seems to be a need, the answer does not lie in more matter or better matter but in a clearer recognition of the fact that being is spiritual, reflecting God, Spirit. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, writes, "Being is God, infinite Spirit; therefore it cannot cognize aught material, or outside of infinity."^{ Miscellaneous Writings, p. 72;} Throughout her books she shows that since God is infinite Spirit and man is the likeness of God, as the Bible declares, man must image forth all God's spiritual qualities and be unable to "cognize aught material."

Christ Jesus said, "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing."^{ John 6:63;} On this basis Christian Science shows that mankind's need is always to understand the nature of true being as the expression of Spirit. As one begins to comprehend in some measure the purity and perfection of Spirit, he will inevitably love Spirit and endeavor to live in accord with Spirit in his daily life. Thus, step by step, he will awaken from the dream of materialism. One who glimpses this goal and decides to devote himself to a search for more spiritual understanding may find this question coming to him: "How can I spiritualize my thought?"

In Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures Mrs. Eddy shows plainly how this can be done. For instance, in the chapter entitled "Recapitulation" the first question is, "What is God?" and the answer follows: "God is incorporeal, divine, supreme, infinite Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love." Mrs. Eddy then asks, "Are these terms synonymous?" and begins her answer with, "They are."^{ Science and Health, p. 465;}