In her writings on Christian Science, why does Mary Baker Eddy refer to the trinity as Life, Truth, and Love instead of using other synonyms for God—such as Mind, Soul, Spirit, or Principle? Wouldn 't these be just as accurate in defining the trinity?—from a reader in Dorset, England
Mary Baker Eddy uses many synonyms, or names, for God throughout her writings. The seven she uses most prominently are Life, Truth, Love, Mind, Soul, Spirit, and Principle. Each synonym is useful in bringing to thought certain aspects of God's nature. These synonyms are wholly interchangeable, however, since they refer to the one God.
In her use of words, though, the Discoverer of Christian Science was very particular; each word was meant to bring out the clearest meaning to fit the explanation of a specific theological point. In explaining the Biblical trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Ghost—in her book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mrs. Eddy writes: "Life, Truth, and Love constitute the triune Person called God,—that is, the triply divine Principle, Love. They represent a trinity in unity, three in one,—the same in essence, though multiform in office: God the Father-Mother; Christ the spiritual idea of sonship; divine Science or the Holy Comforter. These three express in divine Science the threefold, essential nature of the infinite" (pp. 331-332).
