Q: For fifty years I’ve been trying to figure this out: If we are spiritual, and not material, why do we experience and appreciate things like good food and beautiful weather? Aren’t these material things as unreal as the error of fear and sickness?
A: Well, my friend, I can’t say that after fifty years I suddenly have the right words for you! But here are some thoughts that you might add to what, no doubt, will eventually become a full and satisfying answer.
You may not realize your question touches on issues that have to do with the very fabric of life—of all we believe to be true about matter, substance, creation, even reality itself. The Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, challenges popular belief in the reality of matter, proclaiming, “Matter is a frail conception of mortal mind; …” (Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 87). The term mortal mind is used here to describe a supposed mind apart from the one immortal Mind, God. Calling matter a “frail” conception of this mind might seem highly puzzling—at least for the person who feels that matter is God’s great gift of powerful and permanent substance to His creation! Actually, Mrs. Eddy isn’t challenging God’s good creation when she says this. She isn’t denying substance or reality to what truly underlies the special things we see around us or experience, like the beauty of nature or the pleasure of an enjoyable meal.
