Articles

As Christianity spread westward from Palestine and became more and more firmly rooted in the far-flung dominions of the Roman Empire, it was but natural that the need should arise for renderings of the Bible in Latin, the official language of that empire, and, as a result, there came into existence a number of more or less desultory translations, usually grouped together under the general title of "the Old Latin Version. " Towards the close of the fourth century, however, a certain Damasus, then Bishop of Rome, decided that it was of prime importance for the spread of Christianity that someone should prepare a more standard version of the Bible, which would improve upon, and ultimately supersede, the "Old Latin" texts, which were clearly in need of revision.

Many are in quest of a rule that will solve the problems confronting the world today, concerning government, business, home, supply, as well as health and happiness. The solution to these problems is gained through an understanding of spiritual law.

"If you could save only three of the world's best books from destruction, which three would you choose to save?" This question was asked over the radio one evening in northern California, and listeners were invited to write to the station, indicating their choice of the three best books. Of the 1730 ballots received, 1310 were found to include the Bible, which ranked first among those chosen.

On page 497 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, as well as on pages 15 and 16 of the Manual of The Mother Church, are to be found the six religious Tenets of Christian Science, study of which brings us spiritual enlightenment. These Tenets provide a foundation for the faith of all Christian Scientists, and inspire them to exemplify the teachings of Christ Jesus as revealed today through Christian Science.

Ever about his Father's business, Christ Jesus was indeed the most successful man that ever lived. There is no record of failure on his part to accomplish aught that he set out to do, be it to provide health for the sick, food for the hungry, sight for the blind, hearing for the deaf, or joy for the sorrowing.

Knowing God as our real Friend confers freedom from the belief that constant or frequent contact with personal friends is essential to our happiness. The abiding understanding of ever-present infinite Love includes all real friendship and relationship.

Christian science reveals the true idea of Church, in the words of Mary Baker Eddy, as "the structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 583 ).

Righteous prayer is always answered, for it discerns that only good exists in the divine Mind; and it accepts this good as spiritual and real, and forever expressed by man and the universe. All the good that can be desired by human beings is now, always has been, and always will be in Mind, God; and, by reflection, it belongs to man.

The problem of demand and supply sometimes presents a dismal picture on this material stage of existence, and many view it with fear and foreboding. But just as a motion picture operator can change the picture on the screen by replacing an unsatisfactory film with a more excellent one, so an unfavorable economic outlook can be changed by the replacing of thoughts of fear with spiritual thoughts which reflect divine Mind.

A superficial consideration of Mrs. Eddy's statements may sometimes distort them into endorsements of easy-going standards of human conduct.