For much of the twentieth century the word "metaphysics" dropped out of popular use. With Christian Scientists, of course, it remained a mainstay of expression. But for most people it meant little more than an unusual branch of human philosophy concerned with the most abstruse issues of ultimate reality. Now, however, because of virtually seismic shifts of thought in the natural science of physics (the realization that the link between subjective observation and so-called objective reality cannot be escaped) the word "metaphysics" is again showing up in books and magazines. (See "Second Thought," Christian Science Sentinel, August 6, 1984.)
But something very different is meant today in general usage from Mary Baker Eddy's use of the word "metaphysics" in her characterization of Christian Science. Someone once asked Mrs. Eddy about her teaching of the subject, obviously thinking in terms of the usual concept of metaphysics. She didn't hesitate to point out the difference in a vigorous, candid way. "Metaphysics, as taught by me at the Massachusetts Metaphysical College," she said, "is far from dry and abstract. It is a Science that has the animus of Truth. . . . Teaching metaphysics at other colleges means, mainly, elaborating a man-made theory, or some speculative view too vapory and hypothetical for questions of practical import."Miscellaneous Writings, p. 38.
Nothing, really, about the absolute metaphysics of Christian Science is man-made. Mrs. Eddy knew divine Science to be the outcome of God Himself, His emanation. It is the knowledge of God, necessarily complete and coexisting with God. When expressed in human language, in Christian Science, it shows us God and His universe, including man, with a clarity and self-evidence never seen before.
