OF all important questions calling for a definite answer, this comes first: What is God? Then, Can God be certainly known? and, Can proof be given that there is but one God? The heart and flesh thus cry out for the living God.
Commonly, theology is considered as implying knowledge of the existence of Deity and what constitutes the divine nature. Many sects have made Scripture the basis of their creeds, yet this main subject of the nature of God has been left largely to conjecture, and has often led to vague and contradictory opinions. Christianity presents the most spiritual form of worship of the Supreme Being, and Christian Science has today supplied the key which unlocks the spiritual import of God's Word.
The history of the children of Israel records a unique government practiced by a peculiar people, who regarded God as almighty. Prophets, aware of wisdom above the ordinary vision, guided their movements, directed them in safe ways and when they were obedient protected them, thus giving evidence of God's ever-presence. Moses, the lawgiver, foretold a Messiah, who would lead the obedient in the right way. Later, Christ Jesus revealed the real man governed by perfect Mind. He, in turn, announced the Comforter, who should further unfold God as the divine Principle of man.
Mrs. Eddy, author of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," brought her conscious knowledge of Spirit as a distinct contribution to theology. Her capitalization of synonyms for God (ibid., p. 587) honors Him preeminently, and raises a new standard of thought. The true understanding of God makes possible communion with the deep things of Life, and demonstration in proof of actual good as the great reality of existence.
The theology of Christian Science declares one Life, self-sustained, endless. Length of days is a gift to those who honor the Father-Mother God. The Science of Life brings immortality to light by showing the power of Christ in overcoming the supposition of a law of mortality. To those starving on the husks of personal concepts of love, Christian Science offers manna from Love itself. One cannot conceive of Love, or the idea that reflects Love, as injuring anyone or anything. Free from all selfish aim or sinister motive, the reflection of divine Love carries out the purpose to bless and enlighten. The notions that God is influenced by evil, imparts the liability to err, has satisfaction in punishing ignorant mistakes, or permits sin to go unrebuked, have no place in Christian Science.
Predestination and everlasting punishment have terrorized thought, obscuring the true nature of Love. Much of Puritan doctrine woven into Milton's "Paradise Lost" colors current opinions of Satan, heaven, and hell. God has sent His word in Science and Health to clear away such delusions, induced by a wrong and unspiritual concept of the teachings of the Bible. The Christian Science Quarterly Lesson-Sermons on "Doctrine of Atonement," "Sacrament," and "Probation after Death" bring the balm of spiritual views on these subjects. It remained for Christian Science to reveal the nature of the Master's sacrifice and its value.
The theology of Christian Science presents the satisfying concept of perfect God and perfect man. This theology reveals the basis of health and holiness, without physical or moral deformity. Perfect Love casts out fears, wipes away tears, blots out sin, and leaves no memory of faults forsaken.
The vital part of the theology of Christian Science is its spirit. It calls for an active faith, self-abnegating desires, and willingness to surrender idolatries. It is known by its fruits. To do God's will on earth was our Leader's purpose. Convinced that the Cause of Christian Science was being cared for by a power above herself, Mrs. Eddy waited to be shown each move in the establishment of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, acting only when but one direct course opened before her.
The demands of Christian Science are proved to be real opportunities for each individual. The requirement to come out and be separate from all uninspired, unspiritual, systems of medicine and religion is essential to the preservation and demonstration of its teachings. Thought must find refuge only in a demonstrable, intelligent understanding of Deity. Sufferers are wont to look in many directions for help. Christian Science turns thought to the only way of God's appointing, the way of spiritual healing, as taught by Christ Jesus and restated by Mrs. Eddy.
Christian Science speaks with authority. It is final and absolute in its teaching of reliance on divine Mind. It has one starting point, one cause; and it confirms its position with results. There can be but one correct spiritual view. Whoever reaches that view, will know for himself that he has touched the hem of the seamless robe of Christ, Truth. Consistency permeates every statement in Science and Health.
