Article February 29, 2016 Issue

Limitless light, always available

Hannah Carlson

Throughout last year, a United Nations initiative, the International Year of Light (IYL2015), celebrated the achievements of light science, its applications, and its importance to mankind. Coordinated activities around the globe for all ages and backgrounds raised awareness and appreciation of light-based technologies. Apparently, the first studies of optics began 1,000 years ago. Fast forward, and today we have lasers that read CDs, optical communications that power the Internet, and more! At a meeting early last year, I was reminded of the countless ways we’ve utilized these scientific inventions, especially Thomas Edison’s extraordinary light bulb. Edison remarked that he hoped his inventions would create “… the largest possible measure of happiness, and prosperity.” Out of his 1,093 US patents, the commercially feasible light bulb alone undoubtedly brought happiness to countless people when they were able to illumine the darkness with a clean, safe device.

In the early 1900s, Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of The Christian Science Monitor, the discoverer of Christian Science, and a contemporary of Edison, had the following new inventions in her household: electric lights, telephones, and vacuum cleaners, among others, and she provided automobiles for the use of her household workers. She wrote, “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 with Key to the Scriptures, p. 195). But in her study of the Scriptures, she explored an entirely different kind of light from electric light—the limitless, timeless light of Spirit; and she yearned to bless all mankind with the truth that was being revealed to her.

For years Mrs. Eddy studied, searched, researched, experimented with, and wrote about subjects related to this divine light. The result? Her discovery of divine laws of healing—the spiritual laws underlying Christ Jesus’ healing works. Her discovery brought God’s healing, comfort, and guidance to herself and thousands in her day and beyond; and this healing activity continues today. She proved through her healing works, and enabled others to prove, that “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (I John 1:5).

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