It would not be a stretch to say that every issue of this magazine carries a “back to basics” message. To a Christian Scientist theology matters. Because as faith deepens into spiritual understanding, healing happens. Journal founder Mary Baker Eddy wrote, “It was this theology of Jesus which healed the sick and the sinning” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 138). There’s nothing esoteric or multi-layered about the fundamentals of Jesus’ theology: love God wholly, and love the whole human family unconditionally.
“It seems apparent to me that Jesus would have started with God,” says Bill Moody, in our lead article. “As healers in the 21st century, that is surely still our own starting point for Christian Science treatment. To start with God is a primary fundamental, not only of all metaphysical practice but of all spiritual progress as well.”
When we’re facing a difficult challenge, say, a stubborn illness or injury, the human mind wants to go everywhere but to God—to a laundry list of potential causes and creators. I know that from my own search for health and stability. But recently I was helped immensely by a friend’s encouragement to go back to basics in prayer. Paraphrasing a hymn in the Christian Science Hymnal (see No. 101, words by Maude de Verse Newton),
he reminded me:
