NO religious writer, ancient or modern, whose writings have been preserved or are generally well known, ever dwelt upon God as omnipotence with the unvarying insistence which characterizes the writings of Mrs. Eddy. Not only does she distinctly define this omnipotence in varying forms of direct expression, but every line of her sayings breathes forth the spirit of omnipotence. This is true especially of the text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures."
The word omnipotence is strictly synonymous with the more commonly used word almighty. In orthodox theological literature the term God Almighty or Almighty God is a usual one. In Christian Science literature omnipotence is used largely in lieu of almighty. These terms being synonymous, they should convey exactly the same conception and perception of Deity. It is evident, however, that they do not express the same meaning to all peoples and to all individuals. To the believer in gods many neither the word almighty nor omnipotence probably conveys any particular meaning. Whether or not the different sects of Christianity get a common idea of Deity from the word almighty is no doubt a question. To what extent individuals composing these varied sects are in agreement as to the character and attributes of God is a matter of speculation. A consensus of belief in this respect would be interesting. Yet it may fairly be assumed that if most individuals were asked if they believe in an almighty God or an omnipotent Being, the answer would be a unanimous Yes.
What, then, is a true interpretation of the term omnipotent or almighty God? In what sense is God almighty or in what sense is He omnipotent? Viewed from the standpoint of limited mortal vision, it is difficult to conceive how, if God is omnipotent or almighty Being, there can exist in this world, or anywhere in His universe, anything that is wrong, sinful, unjust, impure, unholy, or unlike Himself. How, it is asked, can God be all-powerful, and at the same time all-loving, all-just, and all-merciful, in view of the suffering, misery, poverty, sickness, and untimely death which are evident on all sides? Christian Scientists are often asked these very questions, and they are reasonable, fair, and pertinent questions, honestly asked. Intelligent beings, endowed with capacity to think, have a right to think upon such things and to ask such questions. They have a right, moreover, to have these questions satisfactorily answered, if this be possible.
