One of the most familiar biblical descriptions of God is “God is Love.” Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, says that Love, as a synonym for God, “imparts the clearest idea of Deity” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 517). And she provides the world with a deep and insightful definition of God as, “The great I am; the all-knowing, all-seeing, all-acting, all-wise, all-loving, and eternal; Principle; Mind; Soul; Spirit; Life; Truth; Love; all substance; intelligence” (Science and Health, p. 587).
I have spent many years delving into this definition of God. It has served me well in my footsteps of spiritual growth and healing. Recently, however, I feel I have made a valuable new friend as I have focused on Principle as a name or synonym for God.
When not capitalized, principle is thought of as a fundamental truth that can serve as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior. It is commonly used with regard to law, science, ethics, and metaphysics. When used by Mrs. Eddy in describing Christian Science, the capitalized Principle takes on a unique role as a name for God. When speaking of the synonyms for God in an article on capitalization, she writes, “The divine Principle includes them all” (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 225).
