In the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health, Mary Baker Eddy devotes an entire chapter — "Christian Science Practice" — primarily to explaining the correct approach to healing through this Science. How does she begin the chapter? Interestingly enough, not with a heavy dose of metaphysical reasoning. She starts by discussing the Biblical account of a woman, who has been called Mary Magdalene, and the manner in which she seeks forgiveness of her sins from Christ Jesus. We read: "Did Jesus spurn the woman? Did he repel her adoration? No! He regarded her compassionately." And a few sentences later Mrs. Eddy points out that Jesus was not hesitant in rebuking the self-righteousness of Simon and the other onlookers. She writes further: "Do Christian Scientists seek Truth as Simon sought the Saviour, through material conservatism and for personal homage? ... If Christian Scientists are like Simon, then it must be said of them also that they love little." Science and Health. pp. 363, 364.
So Mrs. Eddy begins this chapter with a lesson on love and specifically with the idea of compassion.
Just what is compassion? If its essence could be fully captured with words, it would not be what it is. But let's try anyway, even though any effort at definition is bound to fall somewhat short.
