Articles

Is it our desire to be better church members? Do we want to be of greater service to our church? Do we want to express more fully the gratitude we feel for what the Church of Christ, Scientist, has done for us? It is axiomatic that to serve one's church better, one must first have a better understanding of what Church is, and we can gain this understanding in no better way than by studying Mary Baker Eddy's definition of "Church" on page 583 of the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. " Even though one has memorized this definition and repeated it many times, it still contains much that is yet to be understood and much that is worthy of continued study.

The true nourishment for which men yearn is the revelation of Truth, the realization of man's true status as a son of God. The knowledge of real being as forever whole, happy, and free, beloved of the Father, is the true "bread which cometh down from heaven" ( John 6:50 ).

The Bible tells us that Peter was once commended by the Master for having discerned the latter's revelation of "the Christ, the Son of the living God" ( Matt. 16:16 ).

One fully believes and understands only that which he has proved or experienced. In Christian Science, especially, that which we know and have proved through practical demonstration helps us to build an ever higher understanding of divine Principle, God.

" Are we duly aware of our own great opportunities and responsibilities? Are we prepared to meet and improve them, to act up to the acme of divine energy wherewith we are armored?" Mary Baker Eddy asks these questions in "Miscellaneous Writings" ( p. 176 ).

IT may be said that as one grasps the truths underlying healing power, he begins to utilize that power. The beginner in Christian Science who puts into practice the truths he knows will find his infant understanding ever increasing.

Everyone desires to compensate loss, from the small boy who has just seen his only penny disappearing into a crack in the sidewalk to the businessman planning his next move after receiving unfavorable financial news. Spiritually minded people of Bible times were able to nullify situations of economic distress, and Christian Science explains how we today can surmount impending financial disaster and wipe out the bitterness of monetary loss.

Usually in preparation for its lecture season, a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, appoints a lecture committee. Ordinarily the purpose of such a committee is to do metaphysical work for the support of the lecture as well as to make the arrangements connected with it.

A Few years ago it was necessary for me, in connection with work I was then doing, to attend and observe the national convocation of one of the great Protestant denominations. For a week or more I listened to devout, earnest men and women speak of God in terms that I myself would have used.

Christian Science teaches that man is immortal. It shows clearly that the real man in God's image and likeness does not undergo birth or death.