Even when someone has fully embraced the concept of God as infinite Love (a concept I have so cherished from my lifelong study of Christian Science), it may still be hard for them to recognize when they are subtly falling for common, incorrect views about divine wrath and punishment. This mistaken sense of God can creep up as something benign, like, “Well, you made a mistake, so now you must pay the penalty.”
Often behind a sense of blame, guilt, and punishment are commonly held religious beliefs of man as weak, inclined toward mistakes, and easily tempted. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer of Christian Science, refers to this in her writings as “scholastic theology.” Scholastic theology typically involves a god whose creation includes good and evil, and who tests us to see if we can resist evil’s attraction. These beliefs need to be detected and handled in prayer so that they will not impede spiritual growth and progress.
Often behind a sense of blame, guilt, and punishment are commonly held religious beliefs.
