We’re not doing it just for ourselves, but for all humanity

Love, as a synonym for God, occurs more times in “Atonement and Eucharist” than in any other chapter in Science and Health. How does this chapter define Love?

“Atonement and Eucharist” defines Love as “the divine Principle of Jesus’ teachings, and this truer sense of Love redeems man from the law of matter, sin, and death by the law of Spirit,—the law of divine Love” (Science and Health, p. 19:8). Throughout, the chapter emphasizes the responsibility of Christ Jesus’ followers to cast sin out of themselves, instead of merely professing to love Jesus or observing rites honoring him. This is the only way we can truly demonstrate our love for Christ Jesus and our Father.

The emphasis is on the absolute necessity of individual demonstration—grappling with error in ourselves and overcoming it. Only then do we gain some understanding of divine Love and the purpose of Jesus’ ministry. This is the path to atonement. “Those who cannot demonstrate, at least in part, the divine Principle of the teachings and practice of our Master have no part in God” (Science and Health, p. 19:24–26). The same law of divine Love that demands we work out our own salvation makes possible the fulfillment of that requirement. Christ Jesus showed us the way, and it’s up to us to follow him. “‘Work out your own salvation,’ is the demand of Life and Love, for to this end God worketh with you” (p. 22:11–12).

What is required to live as a transparency for Love, God?

To be a clear transparency for Love, God, we must demonstrate the same qualities Christ Jesus did throughout his healing ministry, such as humility and meekness—totally yielding to God in every respect and on every point. We must realize that of our own selves we can do nothing. “‘Not my will, but Thine, be done!’….This is the new understanding of spiritual Love. It gives all for Christ, or Truth” (Science and Health, p.33:17–22). Also, we must be living in accordance with God’s law if we are to be a clear transparency for Love. “If living in disobedience to Him, we ought to feel no security, although God is good” (p. 19:26).

Christ Jesus often rebukes rabbinical error. How does a Christian Scientist fearlessly face down popular beliefs that oppose the practice of Christian Science?

A Christian Scientist can fearlessly face down popular beliefs that oppose the practice of Christian Science by following Christ Jesus’ example. “Christian experience teaches faith in the right and disbelief in the wrong. It bids us work the more earnestly in times of persecution, because then our labor is more needed” (Science and Health, p. 29:7–10). We must lean on God every step of the way as we encounter resistance or opposition. We can be fearless only as we are obeying His commands, living and acting in accordance with them. Jesus’ healing of the soldier’s ear after Peter had cut it off when Jesus was about to be led away to the crucifixion is a particularly moving example of forbearance and love. “Atonement and Eucharist” makes clear that persecution for righteousness’ sake is not a thing of the past, but we are equipped to deal with it by following Christ Jesus. “Judas had the world’s weapons. Jesus had not one of them, and chose not the world’s means of defence” (p. 48:17–18).

What are the benefits of building one’s life on the Rock?

By building our life on the Rock, we are working out our own salvation, doing that which makes a Christian Scientist—demonstrating God’s power over claims of another power. Overcoming sin and self is central to the practice of Christian Science. “His consummate example was for the salvation of us all, but only through doing the works which he did and taught others to do” (Science and Health, p. 51:19–21). This is the only way to health, holiness, and true fulfillment. “Consciousness of right-doing brings its own reward” (p. 37:13). As Mrs. Eddy wrote and as Skip often reminded us, we’re not doing it just for ourselves, but for all humanity. (See Miscellaneous Writings, p. 294:6.)