The allure of comic-book action heroes--Superman, Spiderman, Batman, Iron Man, et al.--largely eludes me. Perhaps their heroics (if that's the right word) add a necessary splash of color to otherwise nebbishy lives. The dreamy fantasizing of a Walter Mitty at least requires an active imagination, but no matter how charming it, too, leaves nothing meaningful in its wake. The only action hero that is going to get the real job of being a Christian in the highest sense done is Christian Science Soldier Man, allegiant solely to God, wholly dedicated to following Christ, and singlemindedly undeviating in purpose.
His marching orders are laid out clearly in the Bible, Science and Health, The Church Manual, and the other writings of Mary Baker Eddy, and he knows that a soldier who disobeys his orders is subject to discipline. The writings of Mrs. Eddy are not only replete with duties and "musts", but action verbs and phrases as well. Here are some of those actions from one chapter of S&H, "Atonement and Eucharist": demonstrate, strive, reform, believe, sacrifice, go and do likewise, understand, take up arms, grapple with, keep the faith, work out, obey, drink his cup, take his cross, heal the sick, cast out evils, preach Christ, emulate, abide in him, lay ones earthly all on the altar of divine Science.
No Christian Scientist should allow himself to be addled by muzzy sophistries which result in his tacit acceptance that a little light mental vacuuming, dusting, and superficial rearrangement of the furniture is evidence of a valid effort to practice genuine discipleship any more than the rakish spurring on of a hobby horse is a demonstration of real horsemanship. Every sincere Christian Scientist's duty, must, and action requires an unflagging commitment to following Christ. Unfair as it might seem, anything less is, at bottom, apostasy, and while apostates may seem to be galloping confidently on to a glittering somewhere, when they get there the hitching post won't be in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
23 comments:
Well, in my humble opinion, you hit this one out of the park. Simply marvelous, very powerful blog post.
Thanks!
Dear Whoever You Are:
Can't say enough about this I just happened upon. Like it much better than the previous one. This one has wide appeal I should think, and I thank you for using your talent for Christ.
Inspiring! Uncompromising! Needed to be said.
God bless you for doing this.
A very fine blog post. Your Master would be please with you!
A really wonderful essay you've got here, blogger. I got a lot out of reading it, and I know it will help so many of your fans.
I don't always comment on your blog posts even though I'm a regular visitor. But this one has to have a well done.
Bravo!
So very uplifting to me. Several things jumped right out as I read this, but the main thought I got was we have to go all-out for our Lord and Saviour. Anything less than this just will not get the job done.
Thanks for stating it the way it is.
I wouldn't have missed this one for the world. Really well written. I'm going to print it and send it to a patient who needs to hear the very things you've stated.
Much love to you,
One of your very best. And this is saying a lot, since you consistently post high level material.
With my deep thanks,
Your website was recommended to me by someone whose metaphysics I trust, and I am not disappointed in what I found. Intend to go back and read much of what you've posted.
Well done!
Hi there,
Usually I compliment you on your fine writing and originality. This latest, however, is in a different class. It's beyond good writing, very up there.
Thanks much,
A wonderful website you have here, whoever you may be. You are certainly one dedicated Christian Scientist, it's clear.
All the best to you,
You've captured the essence of what our Leader points out in "Science and Health" where she asks: "Are you willing to leave all for Christ, for Truth, and so be counted among sinners? No! Do you really desire to attain this point? No! Then why make long prayers about it and ask to be Christians, since you do not care to tread in the footsetps of our dear Master?"
Aye, there's the rub for most of us.
Thanks for another excellent blog post.
Another terrific entry. You really are turning them out, and all worth my time to read and think about, I might add.
The list of demands you gave from "Atonement and Eucharist" lay out for us just what is required. But if we love God and are aware of all His infinite blessings upon us, I think we're willing to be obedient--no matter how the carnal mind resists this at times.
Inspiring entry.
Just love the titles you come up with! So fresh, have not seen anything like it in the periodicals for sure. This latest very uplifting for me.
Quite strongly put, and I applaud you for laying it out. If there's one thing the study of Christian Science is not -- not to mention trying to live a Christlike life! -- that is superficial, frothy, easy for the materially minded to do. But it is worth every effort we make. The rewards are immense!
Why the "Broken Net"? In reality,God has filled it, and every one of your blogs speaks to Truth, as taught and demonstrated by Christ Jesus and our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy.
Perhaps your reference is to Mrs. Eddy's words on page 111:13 of Mis.Wr.
"Nothing is lost that God gives: had He filled the net it would not have broken". In the absolute, where all is demonstrated,the Comforter and CS can never be lost.
Thank you for your work. Please keep it up. There is an uprising...
So thankful you kept at your blogging all the past year when from the comments I read at times, there were those who wanted you shut down. But such seems your devotion to God, to Christ Jesus, and to Christian Science that you keep going, from strength to strength.
Keep it up!
Dear Talented Writer:
One of your best, as someone has already noted--though I would be hard-pressed to say exactly why I think this. Perhaps it's due to your spelling out the demands upon all true CS's to walk the narrow path Christ enjoins us to walk.
At any rate, thanks much.
I think what makes this particular blog post so effective is that it tells it like it is, so to speak, doesn't sugarcoat (hypenated?) Christ's demands or water down CS so as to make it palatable to the Oprah crowd.
Can't actually be done, and should never have been tried.
Christ Jesus didn't do it, nor did our Leader pull her punches.
So glad I came across your website. Very beneficial to me in my study of CS, and I thank you, blogger. You cause me to think!
A most timely post. In light of the national discussion on health care, not to mention all the other government supported "we'll-take- care-of-you" programs flowing from the present Administration, it's time for Christian Scientists to be reminded of Christ's demands on the individual and to stop giving adulation to the present White House occupants. Our Leader is very clear on the subject of individual responsibility: "In Science all being is individual; for individuality is endless in the calculus of forms and numbers. Herein sin is miraculous and supernatural; for it is not in the
nature of God, and good is forever good" (Mis. 104:9). What a rousing call she makes to us all: "Citizens of the world, accept the 'glorious liberty of the children of God,' and be free! This is your divine right" (S&H 227:24). Our sole dependency is on Christ, and only thus can we demonstrate our true selfhood here and now.
Thanks for your thoughtful, well articulated blog.
Presently..., Anonymous
Post a Comment