Many of the events which take place in human experience do not seem progressive or helpful. Therefore it is important to understand the difference, which Christian Science reveals, between the changing universe of material sense and the unchanging universe of Spirit, God.
Through the study of this Science, with its vital approach to daily living, the concept of a material universe is constantly exchanged for an understanding and true appreciation of God's spiritual universe. This spiritualization of human thought is inevitably accompanied by a change for the better in one's outward circumstances, evidenced in regeneration, healing, happiness, and holiness.
To material sense the universe is made up of energy and mindless matter, resulting in a mortal belief of life in matter. Accepting this concept as real, materialistic thinking also accepts sin, disease, decay, and death as realities. To those in need of moral or physical healing, such a concept is of little comfort. But when one gains an understanding of Christian Science this illusion of the physical senses is broken, for Science reveals God's universe, including man, His image and likeness, as the only reality, harmonious and immortal.
The Bible and the writings of Mrs. Eddy illustrate the nature of God's universe. In Genesis we read, "God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good."Gen. 1:31; And Mrs. Eddy writes, "In the universe of Truth, matter is unknown."Science and Health, p. 503;
This concept of a spiritual universe created and governed by an omnipotent, all-loving Principle, which is God, is gained and demonstrated through the study and practice of Christian Science. No blight exists in God's universe, for His eternal attributes include unchanging peace and abundance. Matter and its so-called laws have no power or existence in this universe of Love, for God governs all His ideas, including man, with His own unchangeable laws. This dynamic universe of right ideas was spoken of by our Master, Christ Jesus, as "the kingdom of God," which, he said, "is within you."Luke 17:21;
Acknowledging God's kingdom as the only reality, the student of Christian Science does not attempt to manipulate matter or material personalities in order to solve a problem. Nor does he seek happiness through a change in his material environment. Like the Master, he proceeds to demonstrate his own mastery over matter, material laws, and the belief in their supposed power for good or evil. And he does this by replacing the false concept of a material universe with the glorious fact of God's spiritual universe.
These truths were demonstrated by the writer while he was engaged in research work in the field of radio astronomy. Confronted by many difficult scientific problems, including the use and maintenance of complex electronic equipment, he experienced at times a great sense of inadequacy and fear. This resulted in much unhappiness, especially when a more diligent approach to his work failed to bring about an improved state of thought.
Through his study of Christian Science the writer began to see why his human efforts alone had not solved the problem of fear. He perceived that the real problem was not a lack of material knowledge or ability but a false belief that he lived in a material universe, that his happiness was dependent on matter, and that matter had to change in some way before he could be healed. He saw clearly that God's universe was already intact, that it included unchanging goodness, intelligence, and perfection, and that in reality he dwelt in this universe. Therefore his task was to give up a material concept of the universe for the spiritual reality, to change his thinking until it conformed to the true idea of God and His creation.
A sincere effort to put this increased understanding of God and man into practice removed many false traits of character and brought healing. A confident trust in God, good, replaced the sense of fear and inadequacy, and the writer experienced greater success and more accomplishment in his work than ever before.
We should all ask ourselves the questions: "What am I attempting to change in order that I may experience regeneration, healing, happiness, and holiness? Do I believe that I would be happy if I had more intelligence or money or friends, or that my unhappiness is due to my environment, to the actions of those around me, or to material circumstances beyond my control? Do I think I would be healed by changing sick matter into well matter? Do I believe that my joy is dependent upon chance and may be dispelled at any moment? Do I blame a seeming lack of any good or right experience in my life on anything but my own lack of spiritual understanding? Do I seek the kingdom of heaven in materiality instead of purifying my heart that I may understand and obey God?"
If the answer to these questions is Yes, then we need to exchange our false concept of a material universe for the unchanging reality of God's universe. We shall then see ourselves as God's beloved children, perfect and immortal, and demonstrate this harmony in our daily lives. Our Leader says, "Even though you aver that the material senses are indispensable to man's existence or entity, you must change the human concept of life, and must at length know yourself spiritually and scientifically."Science and Health, p. 359.
