Editorials

Whether one uses English or some other tongue, he soon finds that in studying Christian Science he's learning a new language. In a certain sense a translation is necessary—the exchanging of traditional and matter-bound meanings of important words for their spiritual and metaphysical definitions.

Think for a moment what life would be like if religion offered you no meaning—suppose you felt no belief in a Supreme Being. There would probably be a more radical difference than can easily be imagined because, for many people, a love of God is central to consciousness.

The human desire for freedom has spiritual roots. Christ Jesus' life and teachings point to a liberty so glorious that the human mind can barely fathom it, and his ascension demonstrates the ultimate freedom.

According to various studies and polls, the trust of many people is currently at a low ebb. There is a growing concern that a number of society's institutions, political leaders, and also individuals who provide the basic services of daily life may not be worthy of one's confidence.

There is ample evidence today to attest to the fact: Christian Science treatment heals chronic as well as acute physical disease. A difficulty that may seem to have been hanging on for weeks, months, even years, can be dispelled by the light of divine Truth—the illumination that comes to human consciousness through prayer as the Christ is revealed and received in its healing and saving office.

You may have wondered, as I have, just what more the Apostle Paul could have said in order to convince King Agrippa of the Christ. In describing the dramatic events involving his own conversion, Paul must have spoken with a compelling fervor.

One of the outstanding characteristics of Christian Science is its consistency—in metaphysical teachings, method of practice, and ethical standard. This consistency rests on unqualified acceptance of the omnipotence and goodness of God, divine Principle, as the only creator and source of man's being.

The concept of God's grace has been basic to Christian theology since the earliest days of the Church. In the Bible, Paul often writes on the subject—in fact, the Pauline epistles include more references to grace than the rest of the New Testament Gospels, letters, and other books combined.

Most who have experienced the "amazing grace" celebrated in the old gospel hymn love to share the experience. How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed! the song reminds us.

How can we best advance the Cause of Christian Science in the world? And in our own community? Such questions are prompting a great deal of prayerful searching on the part of those who love Christian Science and yearn to share it more widely. Nobody has ever sought the answers more earnestly, or seen them more vividly, than the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy.