FOR centuries philosophers have theorized and argued about ideals and idealism and many tomes have been written on the subject. Of course, mankind has been benefited by some of these idealistic theories and teachings, but nevertheless the definite impression prevails that idealism is not practical and provable in present-day human experience; in fact, a well-known modern lexicographer defines an idealist as "one whose conduct is influenced more by ideals than by practical considerations."
Yet the most practical and completely successful of all men was a spiritual idealist. Christ Jesus accepted and proclaimed the idealism of absolute perfection as constituting reality. According to his recorded words, he based his thinking and teaching upon the spiritual fact that God is the one Father, the only creator and governor of man and the universe. Naturally this premise of absolute, infinite perfection, immutability, and immortality included man and all true creation. The practicability of Christ Jesus' idealism was proved by him and his disciples by means of healing and reformative works, whereby the verity and power of spiritual ideas and the reality of spiritual ideals were proved. These proofs were so conclusive and convincing that the New Testament, wherein the words and works of Christ Jesus and the apostles are recorded, constitutes a continuing powerful influence for Christian idealism.
Unfortunately for the world, material theories and practices were permitted to enter the early Christian church, with the result that instead of preaching and proving that "the kingdom of heaven is at hand," as did Christ Jesus and his early followers, the later Christian believers taught that heaven is problematical and post-mortem. But the truth about God and His government as taught and demonstrated by Christ Jesus cannot be lost or remain hidden, because God is forever uttering His loving and liberating messages, and in every age there are some who are responsive to His call. About three hundred years ago Johann Valentin Andreae, a scholar and theologian, an admirer and follower of Luther, wrote a book in Latin picturing the ideal state, which he named "Christianopolis." In this book are these prophetic words (p. 187): "Arise, thou sacred science which shall explain to us Christ, that we may here learn things that are not to be unlearned, but to be increased and extended into all ages!"
