In the Christian Science Bible Lesson November 4, 2013 Issue

The myth of Eden, countered

For the Lesson titled “Adam and Fallen Man” from November 4 - 10, 2013

Michael Hamilton

In Christian Science, “Adam” stands for “error,” and “Christ” stands for “Truth.” Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy explains First Corinthians 15:22 this way: “ ‘As in Adam [error] all die, even so in Christ [Truth] shall all be made alive.’ The mortality of man is a myth, for man is immortal” (p. 545, citation 22). This week’s Bible Lesson, “Adam and Fallen Man,” dispels error with Truth, contrasting the first, spiritual account of creation (see Genesis 1, cit. 2) with the second, mythical narrative (see Genesis 2, cit. 7). 

Some Bible readers might initially be concerned that Christian Science doesn’t take seriously the second account of creation because it explains the Adam and Eve narrative as an allegory. On the contrary, by dispelling the common confusion that conflates the two accounts, Christian Science contrasts them and actually deepens their significance. Jesus demonstrated the Christ, Truth, healing sin and sickness and defeating death. The Christ dispels the consequences of the “fall” by countering the myth of Eden, thus proving God’s real, good creation. “As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (I Corinthians 15:22, Golden Text).

This Lesson links the first account of creation with the words and works of Christ Jesus, who lived and taught the truth. He said, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48, cit. 5). The HarperCollins Study Bible notes that perfect here means “whole, complete, mature” (p. 1677). It also explains that “the term Father … suggests familial intimacy, but also respect and obedience when used by sons and daughters” (p. 1678).