Q: In Science and Health Mary Baker Eddy writes, “If Mind is foremost and superior, let us rely upon Mind, which needs no cooperation from lower powers, even if these so-called powers are real” (p. 144). From all that I’ve learned in Christian Science, these “lower powers” couldn’t possibly be real. Obviously I am not reading this correctly or am missing something. Can you explain? —A reader in Shelter Island Heights, New York, US
A: As she did so often in her writings, Mary Baker Eddy needed to confront a commonly held misconception through logical reasoning—by addressing a question human consciousness might have, and then answering it.
Even as devoted Christian Scientists, we can be lured into seeing challenges that come up as “real.” So in her compassion, you could say she is acknowledging the biblical dictate “Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him” (Matthew 5:25).
Early in the sentence she sets us straight: Mind “needs no cooperation from lower powers …” and then she continues, “… even if these so-called powers are real.” Mrs. Eddy used the term “so-called” numerous times in her writings in order to communicate one thing to her readers: unreality. So to me she is clearly identifying these lower powers as mankind’s viewpoint of a world made up of conflicting forces—in contrast to one Almighty God, one power, that does not cooperate with a nature unlike itself. Similarly, in this same sentence she also employs the phrase “even if.” Here again, she is addressing human consciousness: Even if these so-called powers were real (to thought) it would not make a difference. The consciousness of God is still supreme.
Mind is always “foremost and superior.” Divine Mind doesn’t need anything else to heal and maintain its creation—even if a “so-called” material world sees it otherwise. Backing up this fact are thousands of years of biblical testimonials, along with over 100 years of substantiated Christian Science healing, proving the reliability of God’s power as the only power.
The human mind must be released from its own fears and beliefs based on mortality. This was the great message and purpose of Christ Jesus, and enables us to meet the biblical demand to overcome the worldly influence of sin and mortality, and to have no other power but Mind, Spirit.
Mission Viejo, California, US
