Article February 27, 1978 Issue

Thoughts and nonthoughts

ERNEST H. LYONS, JR.

There seem to be two kinds of thoughts: those that originate in the divine Mind, God, and are therefore good, and those based on postulates of material existence with its limitations. These cannot be of God.

"Are thoughts divine or human? That is the important question,"^{Science and Health, p. 462;} observes Mrs. Eddy. It is indeed important, for God is the only Mind; there is no other. Thoughts that do not come from Him cannot be actual thoughts at all; they are illusions. Since they are not known to divine Mind, we might call them nonthoughts, suggestions claiming to possess form and substance in consciousness, but in fact devoid of character and substantiality.

It is vital that we distinguish between true thoughts, having the nature of God, and nonthoughts. What are some characteristics of divine thoughts? They are consistently good, containing no trace of evil. They result in universal blessing. They have no limits, and therefore have no connection with matter. Real thoughts, or ideas, are purely spiritual.

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