Christian Science teaches that we can demonstrate only what is already divinely true. We could not make peace or have unity among men were not that unity already a fact in divine Science. Such unity does exist. It rests upon the oneness of God, the universal nature of divine Love as the only creative power. Man in the likeness of God has no other Mind but God. It is on this basis that we can realize the brotherhood of man and in our present circumstance come to some modus vivendi that allows for progressive unfoldment.
The oneness of God is the central fact of harmony. The divergent views of God fragment society. Christian Science has come to define God explicitly, to demonstrate the nature of good as embracing all individuality, and to spell out the way of demonstrating these facts in human experience. Because we know that there is one real source of government, one divine intelligence controlling all creation, we can insist prayerfully that there is no room for conflict, there is no place for confusion. And as we come to realize that this source of government is divine Principle, Love, we shall see the unifying effect of all the laws that express this Principle.
Mrs. Eddy says: "God is universal; confined to no spot, defined by no dogma, appropriated by no sect. Not more to one than to all, is God demonstrable as divine Life, Truth, and Love; and His people are they that reflect Him—that reflect Love."Miscellaneous Writings, p. 150; We can see some evidence of the universal nature of divine Love appearing in society when we have such efforts as international relief, the Peace Corps, the efforts to eliminate racial injustice, and the recent work in establishing more equitable trade arrangements. Such moves toward peace and harmony will quicken and become stronger as the oneness of God, divine Mind, becomes more apparent.
The nature of God is represented in the spiritual forces, or spiritual laws, that hold man and the universe intact. As we acknowledge these forces and obey them, we demonstrate in some degree the joy and freedom of God's perfect government. One such law is known as the Golden Rule: "As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."Luke 6:31;
It is interesting to note that such a rule is not confined by any means to the Christian religion. This rule appears in variety of form in many of the ancient philosophies. Confucius, Plato, and Lao-tse, all advocated a similar rule. One of the practical ways of working toward harmony among men is to find common ground, areas of agreement, and then work on to greater understanding of each other.
Shrinking distances give us new views of how to widen our application of the Golden Rule. Whether we like it or not, the problems of the world are on our doorstep. As Christian Scientists, we are required to explore the spiritual laws as the integrating powers in society and to apply them to the problems that face us each day. Those who understand the oneness of God and the nature of divine Love must put this understanding into practice.
In prayer we affirm the fact of one God, one Mind, governing all individuality. We affirm that the Science of being is intact, that all men exist within the law of Love, and that divine Love meets every human need. We reject the belief that evil is real, that there is an evil mind that governs men erroneously. We throw the weight of our thought and active efforts on the side of the oneness of God.
When mankind arrive at a proper understanding of God, they will be prepared to realize peace. The appreciation of God as infinite good—impartial and universal good —counteracts the divisive effects of a limited god, a partial god, or a tribal Jehovah. Once men recognize that the good they desire is the same good that their neighbors desire, when they recognize that this good is unlimited because it is spiritual and infinite, there will be no conflict, no fear, and no sense of competition. Peace is possible only when this basic nature of God is revealed, understood, and demonstrated.
The fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man are basic ideas in theology, certainly in the Christian world and to a degree in other religious societies. A clearer sense of God as Love will bring all mankind into more direct unity in motive and act. Christ Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is come, is already established, and that as men come into harmony with the one God and know His expression, the ever-present Christ, they can demonstrate harmony and well-being here and now.
Love is the unifying Principle. It is that which draws mankind together as individuals as well as in the community and in the Church. It is that which maintains harmony and peace. Mrs. Eddy says, "The cement of a higher humanity will unite all interests in the one divinity."Science and Health, p. 571. When we are ready to give up the sense of having separate personal minds liable to division, dissension, and all the elements of evil, we shall be ready to realize one Mind, one God. Only then shall we feel the power of the law of God drawing us together with others in the expression of harmony and peace.
