“I’m so grateful to be a part of this Association, full of bright lights in the world.”

 (1) What do you feel the word creation implies?

The beginning of things. What already exists. Looking at the origin to figure out how and why things work the way they do.

“Creation" implies a Creator, and a Creation—cause and effect. It implies that real things do actually exist, which aren’t the made-up creations of mortal mind.  


(2) In your own words describe your impressions of the chapter “Creation” in Science and Health.

This feels like a chapter that Mrs. Eddy wrote with a strong understanding of actual divine theology. From one paragraph to the next, she destroys common beliefs about man’s origin and the nature of all things. My favorite right now is, “Mind is within and without all things...” p. 257

The effect this chapter has on me reminds me of the Army term, “troubleshooting.” When something electronic isn’t working the way it’s expected, a troubleshooting approach is commonly used to start back at the beginning and look for anything that isn’t right. Starting with scientific Truth certainly has the effect of correcting thought and action.


(3) How can the increased understanding of true creation make a difference in your life?  Better yet, share with us how the truth of creation has been, or is being, demonstrated in your life.

I’m finishing a master’s degree and my capstone involves creating a computer model of a large building. It took several years to approve this project, and I have seen advice from the Bible guide me along the way. Things like temperance and patience were key. Now that I’m finally involved in the creation process and 3d modeling, I often remember that God made all things, that all things are spiritual, that everything is already made. One obstacle after another has been overcome. Recently, a technical glitch seemed to threaten the entire project, making it unusable. A willingness to give up my initial approach and take a different one turned out to have even better results. The challenge of time is also being met. In thinking about the effect persistent working and Truth have had on my studies and life, I remember when Mrs. Eddy encouraged one of her household workers after a struggle by pointing out what they had accomplished and rejoicing in the progress. She said, “Mr. Dickey, I want you to see what we have done. We have routed the enemy and broken the belief…. Now take this lesson to yourself, and whenever anything happens to you of an unfortunate nature, do not admit anything on the wrong side, but instantly declare that the experience does you good” (We Knew Mary Baker Eddy, Expanded Edition, Volume II, p. 424). It’s interesting that as my son works through a bullying situation at school, the counselor advised us to focus on the good that happened in the day, and how he made it through.

I’m so grateful to be a part of this Association, full of bright lights in the world.