True dominion is coincident with the understanding of God. In fact, dominion and understanding are inseparable. Christ Jesus constantly expressed his understanding of God and demonstrated the dominion it brings. In the presence of the Christ-understanding, sickness, lack, ignorance, sin, grief, death itself, disappeared, and the individual or the situation was restored to harmony. Men call the power which results from such restoration to harmony dominion, but in reality is it not the awareness of Truth's allness and the nothingness of ignorance, fear, error, and materiality?
One does not reach outside of himself in order to acquire dominion, for it is a spiritual quality, which man expresses as the reflection of God. Matter, possessions, or armaments, in the hands of an individual or a nation, can confer but a fleeting sense of control which has nothing to do with real authority and dominion. An individual may direct the affairs of a corporation or even of a nation, and yet not have jurisdiction over his own disposition, appetite, or health. Another may own lands, houses, stocks, and bonds, and yet be unable to control his ambition or fear. Can it be said that either one has dominion?
On page 14 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy has written: "Entirely separate from the belief and dream of material living, is the Life divine, revealing spiritual understanding and the consciousness of man's dominion over the whole earth. This understanding casts out error and heals the sick, and with it you can speak 'as one having authority.'"
