One of the chief objections to Christian Science made by those unwilling to accept its teachings, is that it takes away the living and true God, and puts in His place a cold, distant, lifeless, abstract, impersonal principle. Of course, such a statement only manifests an ignorance of what Christian Science does teach. Let us, however, look at this objection candidly and fairly. The difficulty seems to be in the use of the word Principle as applied to Deity. One might think that principle was something to be avoided and shunned from the cry made against such a use of it, whereas it is generally regarded as that which makes anything commendable and worthy our respect and attention. We talk of a man of sound or strong principle, or a man of no principle. Webster defines principle as the cause, source, or origin of anything; that from which a thing proceeds; as, the principle of motion, the principle of action. Now, if we ask what is the great cause, source, or origin of the universe, the strictest orthodox theologian, or the most liberal, will readily admit that it is God. Shall we say, then, that the Principle of all things is God, but God is not principle?
But it is said that it makes God a mere abstraction. This might also be said of the terms Truth and Love, which are Scriptural, and generally accepted as equivalent terms for God. Let us see if there is any ground for the assertion. To abstract is to draw away or apart from, as presenting a quality or condition apart from all else. Does declaring God the Principle of all good draw him apart from anything? Truly not,—unless it be to draw him apart from all that is evil. We cannot separate the cause from the effect. A harmonious chord in music involves the principle of harmony. It is impossible to abstract the principle and still have the chord; neither can we strike a chord without having the principle expressed. So we cannot conceive of the Principle of the universe as apart from it.
Again, it is said this view makes God seem so cold and distant, whereas the Scriptures declare that "God is Love." Surely no one would consider the word love used here as being unprincipled love. But if a love of principle, where is the principle; the cause, source, or origin, that from which it proceeds, if God is not that Principle? Must there be a cause, source, or origin found for God? The Scriptures declare, "I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God," and also commands, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." If God is Love, and there is none beside him we must find the principle of Love to be God himself; and its expression will be found in gentleness, tenderness, mercy, and kindness. There is certainly nothing cold or distant about such a Principle as that.
