As a teacher of college physics, and a Christian Scientist, I have been impressed by the clear understanding of optics shown by Mary Baker Eddy in her book, Science and Health. While taking a sabbatical at a neighboring university, I learned a fresh definition of the word image from a master physics teacher: “a collection of points, each of which corresponds exactly to a point in the source.” I find that this definition applies to metaphysics as well as to physics.
According to this definition, the concept of an image requires that each point or quality in the image derives directly from the source. An image cannot stand alone without the source, nor can an image exhibit a defect if that defect is absent in the source. These points in physics translate without change to the metaphysical description of man as God’s image, as given by Mrs. Eddy. That relationship is total, with form, outline, and color of the image, man, corresponding to the qualities of God, man’s source. No evil can be found in man, if it cannot abide in God, good.
The same year that I learned this definition of image, I had an opportunity to prove its practical nature through healing. After attending church one frigid Sunday, I fell on the ice while approaching our car in the parking lot. I could walk, but there was discomfort in one foot. I prayed to see that I was God’s image right there and then. Reasoning from God as my starting point, I regarded all points in my body as corresponding to points in divine Spirit, not subject to breakage, tearing, or accident. However, the pain didn’t subside right away.
