THE reassuring message of Christian Science comes to a materialistic world that is power conscious, that has suffered from power politics, that has witnessed the destructive power of mechanical engines of war, and that lives in fear of the unleashing of a power hitherto unknown. Mary Baker Eddy, after years of consecrated study and prayer, received the revelation that God, Love, is the only power; that God, Spirit, is All; that matter is nothing; that so potent is divine Love that it can annul all material so-called power, even if it is manifested as the power of the totalitarian dictator, the engine of war, or the fury of the atomic bomb.
Lord Acton, referring to material power, said, "All power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Yet Christian Scientists know that there is only one real power, God, Love, and that Love's power is absolute and constructive, reversing and nullifying corruptive, destructive material power in its totality. To know this and to prove our knowing by demonstration is the joyous occupation of all who have named the name of Christ in Christian Science. "All knowledge is lost which ends in the knowing," and unless we use our knowledge of Christian Science in demonstration, it becomes atrophied—indeed, it is not knowledge until it is demonstrated, even as God could not be God without being expressed.
In Christian Science, as in the Bible, Love is used as a synonym for God. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy we find that our Leader uses seven synonyms for God, namely, Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love. A careful study of the chapter headed "Recapitulation" and of the Glossary will yield to the student revealing descriptions and definitions of Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, and Life. In the Preface to the textbook Mrs. Eddy writes (p. viii), "The question, What is Truth, is answered by demonstration,—by healing both disease and sin." So we know that Truth is that which can be proved. But fully to define Love is beyond mere human speech or thought. Yet none, be he of highly trained intellect, illiterate, spiritually-minded, or vicious, can fail to respond to Love expressed, be it in good works, kindly words, charitable thoughts, or merited rebuke. The betrayal by Judas was mortal mind's reaction to Love as expressed by Christ Jesus, and it was utterly without power to harm, as he proved by his resurrection and ascension beyond matter. The giving of the widow's mite was a reflection of Love, and the gift had power beyond human understanding.
