IN THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE BIBLE LESSON June 8, 2009 Issue

THE UNIVERSE GOVERNED BY DIVINE POWER

MICHAEL HAMILTON

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THIS WEEK'S Christian Science Bible Lesson, titled "Is the Universe, Including Man, Evolved by Atomic Force?" consistently identifies the universe with the kingdom of heaven and God's government.

When I first read it, I was reminded of what a thoughtful friend once said. "Earth is the body of heaven, and heaven is the true identity of earth." For me, this identification of the universe with God's harmonious government reframes the concept of evolution and offers a uniquely liberating view. It places the locus of power, as the Lesson's Golden Text states, in Spirit, not matter: "Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power" (Ps. 21:13). James Moffatt renders the verse: "Rise up, O thou Eternal, in thy power, and we will sing the praises of thy might."