It is generally accepted that humans acquire information through their physical senses. They see, hear, feel, taste, and smell with the organs mortal mind has defined for them. If one looks, however, at the definitions of ears and eyes in the Glossary of "Science and Health" it is clear that man's real, spiritual senses are active expressions of right thinking and reflection, not more or less passive receptors of whatever false belief throws his way. In addition to hearing and seeing, the other three senses are also spiritually employed in the Bible or writings of Mary Baker Eddy. Her "Communion Hymn" speaks of feeling the power of the Word. Psalm 34: 8 says: "O taste and see that the Lord is good". II Corinthians 2: 14 says: "Now thanks be to God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour [smell, odor] of his knowledge by us in every place." Those who wait with anticipatory material senses to experience God's presence and power have a very long and fruitless vigil awaiting them.
We have all doubtlessly learned by now that it is not enough to limply accept and then foolishly declare that we are God's perfect spiritual reflections. This reflection must be understood and demonstrated, and understanding and demonstration require the use of our spiritual senses--in addition to a lot of study, thought, and prayer. "The senses of Spirit abide in Love, and they demonstrate Truth and Life." (S&H 274: 12-13)
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23 comments:
Well done,Christian. A very helpful blog post. Thanks!
I found this quite inspiring and I appreciate what you are giving out on such a consistent basis.
Arresting title -- good blog post today.
I always enjoy seeing how you handle a particular metaphysical concept. This one is very good, in my estimation.
Interesting offering, this. Not sure what material conniptions so guess I'll have to look up the last word.
You do write well, though.
Love that quotation from the New Testament. Very uplifting to me!
Good job, blogger. You turn out some very worthwhile essays, I must say.
You're such a blessing to us out here who have been fortunate enough to find your website. Always get something worthwhile from it.
Thanks!
Something Mary Baker Eddy points out in "Science and Health" has helped me do what your excellent essay is saying. She says that the material senses shut us out from God's dear presence. I've given the essence here, and one can see how this would be so since God knows nothing of mortal mind or its material realm. And when we're mired in it, or fascinated by it, we've taken ourselves out of all that is eternal and pure and life-giving.
I found your use of the word "conniptions" interesting. Doesn't it mean throwing a fit, becoming angy? Not sure how this fits in with your essay. Have to think about it more. Know you think and write clearly so I'll give it another try.
Enjoy what you write!
Really like your blog, Christian. You write on religious subjects in a fresh way/
Takes work to keep our thoughts on the right, that is to say, Godlike things. But as Jesus says, not a jot or tittle of the law shall pass away till all be fulfilled.
I'm happy to see that you are focusing on higher issues than what's going on in Boston. God can bring home lessons to us all in ways we can't imagine. He knows how to get our attention, I have found, and cause a return to the right path.
God bless your giving, Christian. And may He continue prospering your website!
How right you are that just declaring the wonderful truths we learn from the Bible and the teachings of divine Science doesn't get the job done. It takes so much more. But when I think of all the blessings our religion has brought into my life, then this makes me willing to do whatever it takes to prove God's allness more.
A very helpful blog post you've given us. Thanks for the good you are doing out here. Heaven knows, we need strong, clear, well-written material on Christian Science.
All I can say to this is Amen. Keep up your inspired blogging, Christian.
Inspiring essay. Short, but well worth the read.
Thanks much!
Your way of blogging about CS topics really speaks to me, and I almost always get a lot out of your blog posts.
And I wouldn't mind seeing a poem or two one of these days!
A nice blog post, blogger. Like the way you think and write. Not the same old, same old we've seen far too often, in my opinion.
Dear Christian,
Just want to say how grateful I am to be reading material from such a devoted student of the Bible and the writings of our Leader!
I don't see any difference between holding on to the Word and doing things. Indeed, hanging on to the Word for dear life is in itself a great act. "Jesus prayers were deep and conscientious protests of truth." Christ Jesus was in a state of exalted communion with God 24/7. That's what made him the Messiah. I will be happy when I can hang on to the Word for 5 consecutive minutes without interruption.
Thank you, commenter previous to mine. Since I don't read your language, so nice to have your feedback in English!
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