God’s power—unlimited
What I find most important to consider here in the answer to the question in the March Journal as to whether Bible stories are fiction, is not whether some Bible stories are fiction but to ask myself, do I believe that God is capable of delivering me from a den of lions, literally or figuratively?
“If a man were in prison, there is a law of God which is applicable to his condition and which, if properly applied, would procure his release. If a man were drowning in mid-ocean with apparently no human help at hand, there is a law of God which, when rightly appealed to, would bring about his rescue. Does the reader doubt this? Then he must believe that it is possible for man to find himself in a condition where God cannot help him. If one were in a burning building or a railroad accident, or if he were in a den of lions, there is a law of God which would at once adjust the apparent material circumstances so as instantaneously to bring about his complete deliverance” (“God’s Law of Adjustment,” Adam H. Dickey, Journal, January 1916).
Our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, wrote, “The divine Love, which made harmless the poisonous viper, which delivered men from the boiling oil, from the fiery furnace, from the jaws of the lion, can heal the sick in every age and triumph over sin and death” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 243).
JSH-Online Web Post
Thanks for the joy
I have been a subscriber to the Christian Science periodicals for many years and have even enjoyed the pleasure of having some of my articles accepted for print. I’ve seen the evolution of the forms and must agree that they have always been in good taste along with the contents.
I’m writing now about the cover of your March 2014 Journal. That is such a darling thought expressed. The inspiration for it is so “right on.” “Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein” (Luke 18:17). And I’m also reminded of Mrs. Eddy’s poem “Christmas Morn,” “Thou gentle beam of living Love, / And deathless Life! / Truth infinite,—so far above / All mortal strife” (Poems, p. 29).
Thank you for the joy.
Riverdale, New York, US
Universal message
This letter is to let you know how very much I appreciated the article by Carol Rullman in the March 2014 Journal “Joining an interfaith group.”
My experience of joining interfaith groups in the British Isles has been very similar to Carol’s, and so I would like to add my voice to hers in confirming that divine Love is currently impelling listeners to search their hearts, question religious dogma, and look for fresh inspiration, here across the pond. The universal message of Divine Science is being heard by enlightened spiritual seekers everywhere.
May God bless you, Carol, for hearing “the trumpet call” (Mary Baker Eddy, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 155) and sharing with the world this evidence of enlightenment and so assisting in the onward march of Truth, “that we all may be one” (see John 17:21).
Port Erin, Isle of Man, British Isles
Bravo
I find inspiration reading the letters that open each month’s Journal. Having a letter of gratitude and the gold star of recognition it pastes on an article in one of the past issues, provides me with a partner in thought, nudging me closer to the good thinking in the article being starred.
The March 2014 Journal has five letters of appreciation for the December 2013 issue. Reading each of the articles referred to in the letters sent me on a second trip through that wonderful issue.
The reference of Stewart Murphy to the poem by Gwen Gurnack mentions his gratitude for the gift of a well written poem. This brought to mind a gift I received this December, a book of poems called Boundless Light, published by The Christian Science Publishing Society. I have received such benefit from the ideas expressed in these poems, The freshness of thought, the inspiration and healing, are abundant. Bravo!
Centre Hall. Pennsylvania, US
Timely article
A sincere thank you to Marilyn Perkinson for her comments in the “Questions & Answers” section of the March Journal. As a guardian ad litem for neglected or abused children, I often deal with pre-K and elementary schoolchildren who need individual education plans or other accommodations. My assignment is to advocate on their behalf so that they get all the help they need.
A thought I always find very helpful is from The Gentle Art of Blessing by Pierre Pradervand: “… the material senses present but the inverted image of the ultimate splendor and perfection that only the inner eye beholds.” Ms. Perkinson’s distinction between identifying/correcting human shortfalls while meeting our “divine employment responsibility, which is always to acknowledge each student’s inherent perfection and uninterrupted unity with God” could not have come at a better time as I have two reviews coming up!
Lyndeborough, New Hampshire, US
Brief and concise
Thanks for Thomas Blair’s testimony, “Hernia healed overnight,” in the February issue of the Journal. What a beautiful example of brevity and conciseness—brevity in the focused Christian Science treatment resulting in physical healing, and conciseness in the written testimony.
Ballwin, Missouri, US
