At times of need, many Christian Scientists turn to the chapter "Christian Science Practice" in Science and Health faster than a hungry dog to a favorite buried bone, and for good reasons. How many of us, however, return to the same few well-chosen pages for support? There will come a time--and probably sooner than we might wish--when we need to begin chewing on all of it, the whole chapter, and not just those comfy pages we like best.
For some, the trial may smack too much of boiled mustard greens to be engaging, but people have been healed by gaining a more inspired grasp of it. It is saturated with important and, some might add, subtle points. Mrs. Eddy presents a "mental case", as mental as a case of insanity, which it is at bottom. A temptation could be to view the trial as just an example of how a physical problem--in this instance "liver complaint"--is met and the physical body returned to its normal functioning. Yes, on one level it is that, but since disease can only exist in some false belief of one's personal sense, he needs to begin understanding that matter, nothingness, can never be well or ill and therefore never really healed of anything. We possess a body, but it is not a physical something.
Another aspect of the trial worth noting is that it is the healing of a "Mortal Man" who felt ill in the course of doing good for a friend. Could this imply that a condition for healing or continued healing is to be always doing good for one's fellow man? Mrs. Eddy certainly chose the scenario and every detail of the trial carefully. This query may have a partial answer in the statement and two questions in the chapter "Prayer" (S&H 9: 5-11). Does it not appear that the only way for us to consistently express and demonstrate our God-given health and harmony is first to see and love our neighbor as His flawless reflection?
The above is by no means an attempt to present a definitive statement, or even more than a well-meant first thought, on the trial, but nothing in Science and Health should go unpondered and certainly not the trial. One would not exhaust its message with fifty prayerful readings. It, like all of our textbook, is a wellspring of inspiration, and we need all of it in order to attain and continue in harmony and health.
Friday, December 19, 2008
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11 comments:
You've done it again! Arresting title and solid help in gaining more inspiration in our daily study and living of Christian Science, as the heading in your blog states.
God continue blessing your giving,
Love this entry as I myself have found help from some of the strong spiritual truths in the trial. Especially strengthening at times has been where Mrs. Eddy says in essence that Christ, Truth is the friend of mortal man and can set him free. Oh yes Christ can do this!
Appreciate your obvious devotion to Christian Science.
I think I know why your blog is so successful. Mary Baker Eddy writes in "First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany": "A deep sincerity is sure of success, for God takes care of it."
You obviously have a sincere desire to present Christian Science to the world, and I applaud you for it!
Dear Blogger:
Yours is not my favorite blog for nothing. You are one gifted writer, and I have, of course, been recommending your site to my friends.
(And got a lot from the one on being fishers of men; very helpful in these economic times.)
This is so good! Not only is the title engaging and the imagery fresh; there is solid substance in what you say.
So glad I've discovered this site. Sure is blessing me, and I just know, many others out there. Perhaps even those unacquainted with Christian Science will be led to investigate Mary Baker Eddy's wonderful book, "Science and Health."
What an uplifting post to read to start my day. If only our Sentinel would can the graphics, and give us meaty articles like these are! Or to play off your title, put some meat on those bones.
Thanks, thanks...
Speaking of the Sentinel, I've just printed off all you've written, and you want to talk about a project! I have myself several Sentinels, in a way. Or a small book.
I'm in your debt for the deep thinking and wonderful writing you are doing!
You know what? You've inspired me to re-read the trial with fresh eyes, as though I am seeing these inspired healing truths for the very first time.
Thanks for all you are doing to uplift us students of Christian Science!
Have been thinking about this blog since I read it, and want to share a healing I had some years ago that pointed out the need to have love for our fellowman, not be filled with "me". I often pondered why Mrs. Eddy stressed brotherly love in a treatise on healing. Couldn't see where it fit. Well, an experience I had began to shed light on this for me: I was about to go off to a social event, noticed one eye was greatly inflamed. Panicky, called a Christian Science practitioner who had helped me many times before. Instantly she said, "Too much self!" I was startled, but it wasn't half an hour when my eye was completely clear. While not understanding this at the time, it dawned on me later this was akin to our Master--the sublime example of divine Love in our midst-- saying, "I charge thee, dumb and deaf spirit, come out of him!" I think these are his words. Anyway, the practitioner was rebuking the error, not me, of course. But isn't it interesting that love for others, not self, is what our Leader brings out in the trial.
Thanks for recommending a review of this important part of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures."
Greetings and Happy Holidays from Australia:
Many, many thanks for all you have been giving these past few months through this blog. Look forward to reading many more in the New Year.
Love, love...
This being a season for gift giving, I must mention all the spiritual gifts your blog has bestowed on me. Topping the list is your mention at the beginning of your blogging, of "Prose Works" by Mary Baker Eddy as containing so much worth reading. Although a student of Christian Science, I had let my study of these inspired, essential writings lapse. But I took up my reading where I had left off, and just yesterday finished. I've thanked you once before in a comment for your reminder, but must do so again: the blessings that have come into my life from sticking with our Leader's inspired writings in this wonderful book are more than I can enumerate. I just hope others will get into "Prose Works", which I intend to start anew in the New Year.
Heartfelt gratitude, and the holiest Christmas to you!
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