Is the usage of the word "trial" essentially the same in Mrs. Eddy's familiar statement "Trials are proofs of God's care" (S&H 66: 10-11) and in the equally familiar trial in "Christian Science Practice" (p. 430 ff.)? It seems likely and if so would indicate the, or at least a, Scientific method of meeting the trials that beset us. Even if mortal mind isn't setting upon us like a raging Mike Tyson, it can still be afflicting silently and unseen in unconscious thought, like satanic termites. There is always plenty that needs doing, and not just faute de mieux. Many of us could probably forgo profitably another dismal episode of "Desperate Housewives" [No, I've never seen it.] or the evening's football game and do some good metaphysical work instead on whatever comes to us.
Trying to get around the trial is like trying to circumnavigate Oprah. There is always more there than you think. [just kidding] I noticed recently that the patient first felt ill, then ruminated. Off the cuff, I would probably have said the rumination produced the illness or at least validated it. I also noticed that the poor patient is not the defendant in the trial, but Mortal Man. As Arte Johnson used to say on "Laugh In" "Very interesting". To wade in further would be more temerity and half-baked surmise on my part than certainty, but it may be worth giving some thought to.
Finally, there is, or was in days of yore, an accepted offensive tactic in hockey of "headman the puck", get it to the player who is furthest advanced. I know I need to introduce to thought truths which advance me beyond my present position. If I fail to do so and lazily default to a familiar chestnut, however helpful it may have proved to be in the past, I may find myself instead "ragging the puck", killing time. Maybe a lot of mental activity, but no advance in thought and the chance for a shot on goal. This isn't a rule or certainty, of course, but to mindlessly rely on a kind of Hobson's choice may not serve us best or as well as some vigorous stretching, even if we rip an old seam or two in the process.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
18 comments:
There you are! Was wondering if you'd gone off on vacation. Another thought-provoking entry, one I must read again at least once.
Thanks.
I do believe you have the most original titles around. Would read your blog for this alone.
Another good one!
I don't know what faux de mieux means, but I do know you are one sincere student of Christian Science.
This is very well done, blogger.
Hi there,
Not only do you offer your readers solid metaphysics to think about; you educate many of them, I suspect.
Good job you are doing.
You are so good at blogging CS topics. So fresh and unlike other writing I see. Do keep turning them out for us!
Dear Whoever You Are:
I always get a lot of pleasure from reading something so well written.
This one is no exception.
I admit I had to read this over a couple of times to get at your meaning, and I think I finally have it. You do cause a person to think. With your titles alone.
Given the treasure Christian Science is, I appreciate what you are doing to help us realize more its potential. Continue your good work.
Goodmorning blogger,
Love the way you start this one off. How else will we wake up from this dream of materiality unless we're compelled out of it? Not pleasant having trials but I have found in my life, essential if I'm to get closer to God.
Thanks much,
Picking up on what a previous commenter said, I've often thought if all those holy people in the Bible we read about didn't have a bed of roses to lie on, and we know from reading about the life of the Discoverer and Founder of our religion that Mary Baker Eddy certainly didn't have an easy path at times, then who are we to grumble because as she says, through great tribulation we enter the kingdom. Not just "tribulation", but "great"!
Appreciate your blog.
I really, really like your website because it gives me a lot to think about. And I do want to understand Christian Science better than I do, and you are helping me in this.
God bless you,
Dear Sir or Madam:
If I knew which state (or country) you are listed under in the Journal, I would contact you for some help. I like the way you think about Christian Science topics.
Sincerely,
A friend told me I should visit your site, as it was quite well done. I concur.
Will be back from time to time, I assure you.
Good writing here.
Dear Blogger,
I don't think you have to worry about letting down on your praying. You seem very dedicated to rooting out mortal mind.
All success to you in this endeavor.
Your blog reminds me of something I read in "Rolling Away the Stone", a biography of Mrs. Eddy by Stephen Gottschalk. "According to Frye"s diary for April 24, 1909, after Eddy called six of her household workers to her room, she said this to them; "God is taking me at my word. I have said 'there is no life,substance or intelligence in matter.' He is now making me prove it" She had written in Science and Health, "Trials are proofs of God's care." Her own trials, she said, 'are God's discipline for taking me higher. They are not sickness and discomfort unless I call them so."
Well said, as always, author of this blog. Yes, whatever inclines us heavenward is a blessing, though doesn't seem so at the time. At least, not to me. But I am learning to value such times.
Thanks a lot.
It's fortunate for your readers that God inspired you to start this blog is what I think.
Get a lot from what you share with us.
Thank you!
Have been thinking about this blog posting since I read it yesterday, and the excellent points you make as well as the fine comments. Has made me think of a statement from the writings of Eddy which has helped me a lot. Have been studying CS for awhile now, and this assurance is one I love. "Every trial of our faith in God makes us stronger" she says. Now sure where this is exactly, but your readers will probably know.
Our religion is such a blessing to me, and so is your website.
Post a Comment