He crowns us with His lovingkindness

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?

The healing and saving activity of the Christ, the true Idea of God as manifested in Jesus’ words and works, show us God as Love. These lines from the chapter are a perfect summary: “Through the magnitude of his human life, he demonstrated the divine Life. Out of the amplitude of his pure affection, he defined Love. With the affluence of Truth, he vanquished error” (Science and Health, p. 54:1–5).

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

We need to demonstrate more of our at-one-ment with Love, as Jesus did. We must strive for an ever-clearer sense that Love, God, really is All and entirely good, and that His omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience have no opposite. We need to allow the Christ to reconcile us to God and let that “truer sense of Love” define how we think about ourselves and how we see our fellow man.

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

Primarily by demonstrating the healing power of Christian Science in our own lives. Mrs. Eddy says, “Jesus acted boldly, against the accredited evidence of the senses, against Pharisaical creeds and practices, and he refuted all opponents with his healing power” (Science and Health, p. 18:10). Healing validates the truth whereof we speak, not only for ourselves, but for others, too. As we experience first-hand the blessings that our trust in divine Love brings, we grow stronger and become more of a transparency for Love. The expression of God’s love through us can also reach the thought of those who might oppose Christian Science simply because they don’t understand it.

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

To build on the Rock is to build on a foundation of Truth, to align oneself with God and the way things actually are, as our teacher often pointed out. In Christian Science we learn that Life is God and is, therefore, permanent and harmonious, and that we are His image and likeness. As such, our lives are as pure, holy, secure, healthy, active, joyous, productive, and exempt from the ravages of material beliefs as the Life that is God. This foundational truth enters our human experience in a sense of God’s enduring love, guidance, and healing presence. As this paraphrase of Psalm 103 tells us, He forgives (destroys) all our iniquities; He heals all our diseases; He redeems our lives from destruction; He crowns us with His lovingkindness and tender mercies.

A fuller, richer, sense of Love

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?

In “Atonement and Eucharist,” Mary Baker Eddy expands on two truths taught in early Sunday School lessons: (1) God is Love; and (2) Love is one of the synonyms for God. She explains that Love is much greater than mere human emotion, “…all the emotional love we can bestow on him [Jesus] will never alone make us imitators of him” (Science and Health, p. 25:26–28). Then she asks us to consider the Love that Jesus expressed:

“The divinity of the Christ was made manifest in the humanity of Jesus” (p. 25:31–32). In other words, we need to look beyond the human Jesus to the Christ and see divine Love as the power to heal sickness, sin, and death.

“First in the list of Christian duties, he taught his followers the healing power of Truth and Love” (p. 31:12–13). Mrs. Eddy depicts the healing power of Love in her detailed description of Jesus overcoming material beliefs and hindrances while in the tomb after his crucifixion.

She also tells us how divine Love casts out sin: “Love is not hasty to deliver us from temptation, for Love means that we shall be tried and purified” (p. 22:20). She emphasizes Love’s destruction of sin, not punishment or suffering: “Whosoever believeth that that wrath is righteous or that divinity is appeased by human suffering, does not understand God” (p. 22:27).

The enormously tender quality of Love is spelled out throughout the chapter. Mrs. Eddy comments that Jesus’ presentation of “the divine law of Love which blesses even those that curse it” was far superior to the “Mosaic law, which said: ‘An eye for an eye’” (p. 30:14). She also refers to the power of Love in Jesus’ resurrection: “He proved Life to be deathless and Love to the master of hate” (p. 44:9–10).

All in all, the chapter presents a fuller, richer, sense of Love.

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

Mrs. Eddy quotes Jesus, “The hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth” (p. 31:26–28). Later she writes, “our great Teacher said: ‘Not my will, but Thine, be done!’—that is, Let not the flesh, but the Spirit, be represented in me. This is the new understanding of spiritual Love. It gives all for Christ, or Truth. It blesses its enemies, heals the sick, casts out error, raises the dead from trespasses and sins, and preaches the gospel to the poor, the meek in heart” (p. 33:19).

Next, Mrs. Eddy asks the tough question, “Christians, are you drinking his cup?” (p.33:27 only). She allows, “It is useless to suppose that…the hand of Love is satisfied with giving us only toil, sacrifice, cross-bearing, multiplied trials, and mockery of our motives in return for our efforts at well doing” (p. 36:24). A further quote from the Master, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect!” (p. 37:28–29), reminds us that we are not humanly trying to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, as Mr. Phinney often reminded us, but we are endeavoring to see what is true about ourselves as transparencies for Truth.

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

Mrs. Eddy tells us that it is our duty to follow Jesus’ path and work as he did: “Jesus was unselfish. His spirituality separated him from sensuousness and caused the selfish materialist to hate him; but it was this spirituality which enabled Jesus to heal the sick, cast out evil, and raise the dead” (p.51:28). We, as Christian Scientists, must keep our sights high and not get drawn into the fray or accept the claims that would keep us matter bound. In testimonies of healing, Christian Scientists often express their gratitude for spiritual growth and an enlarged closeness to God, above and beyond physical improvements and relief.

Mrs. Eddy said of Jesus, “His purpose in healing was not alone to restore health, but to demonstrate his divine Principle. He was inspired by God, by Truth and Love, in all that he said and did” (p. 51:21–24). We receive similar inspiration through the Bible and the many avenues set up by Mrs. Eddy, including the textbook, Church services, and the periodicals. These keep us on a forward path.

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

Mary Baker Eddy’s description of the healing Jesus experienced in the sepulchre before his resurrection illustrates the benefits of building one’s life on the Rock: “Could it be called supernatural for the God of nature to sustain Jesus in his proof of man’s truly derived power? It was a method of surgery beyond material art, but it was not a supernatural act. On the contrary, it was a divinely natural act, whereby divinity brought to humanity the understanding of the Christ-healing and revealed a method infinitely above that of human invention” (p. 44:20).

A further description of Jesus’ life, comparing it to that of the materialists, exemplifies a Christian Science way of life: “From early boyhood he was about his ‘Father’s business.’ His pursuits lay far apart from theirs. His master was Spirit; their master was matter. He served God; they served mammon. His affections were pure; theirs were carnal. His senses drank in the spiritual evidence of health, holiness, and life; their senses testified oppositely, and absorbed the material evidence of sin, sickness, and death” (p. 52:1).

Mrs. Eddy sums up Jesus’ life, indicating how ours should be lived as well: “The ‘man of sorrows’ best understood the nothingness of material life and intelligence and the mighty actuality of all-inclusive God, good” (p. 52:19–21).

Yielding to the Christ-presence, which is already here

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?

Love is God, Spirit – unselfish, unchanging, and triumphant. Love was the basis, the impetus, for everything that Jesus said and did.

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

Living as a transparency for Love requires losing a sense of self and of life in matter – leaving matter for Spirit, leaving all for the Christ-principle. Spiritual Love “gives all for Christ, or Truth. It blesses its enemies, heals the sick, casts out error, raises the dead from trespasses and sins, and preaches the gospel to the poor, the meek in heart” (Science and Health, p. 33:22).

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

Two popular beliefs that oppose the practice of Christian Science seem to be intertwined: (1) That God does not exist; and (2) That medical knowledge/treatment is all-powerful (sort of replacing God).

The belief that God does not exist makes people think that Christian Science treatment is the equivalent of doing nothing, or electing not to do the thing that people think is helpful (i.e., seeking medical care). This worship of medical “law” feels like today’s version of prohibiting healing on the Sabbath. As Christian Scientists, we can follow Jesus’ example and realize no reality in these beliefs, just as Jesus did not accept rabbinical error. We can be so filled with the understanding of God’s presence and all-power that we cannot be tempted to doubt or fear.

I found it interesting to read, “The advent of this understanding is what is meant by the descent of the Holy Ghost,––that influx of divine Science which so illuminated the Pentecostal Day and is now repeating its ancient history” (Science and Health, p. 43:7).

Sometimes I feel that I must study better, harder, and longer to truly understand God, which seems essential to healing, but this statement suggests more of a yielding to the Christ-presence, which is already here for all.

As I read Luke, I was struck by a parable that I don’t remember ever reading before:

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24–26).

I did not understand what Jesus meant with this parable, so looked at a Bible commentary on it, which said: “This suggests an attempt to organize or reform one’s life. However, without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, such order is temporary and vulnerable to spiritual attack. The phrase implies a semblance of control and discipline, yet it lacks the power and protection that comes from a genuine relationship with God.”

I found this really helpful – sometimes in the practice of Christian Science, my version of “sweeping and garnishing” my house (my consciousness) might be doing a lot of Christian Science reading, even praying, when what I most need is to let the Christ illumine my consciousness, to the extent that there is no room for anything else.

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

No fear! This doesn’t mean that no rain ever comes, but that one doesn’t have to fear the rain because one’s foundation is secure. We might want a completely tranquil life where nothing ever goes wrong, but the human experience does not seem to offer that. But building one’s life on the Rock means that we are safe, no matter what the human picture seems to be.

Newness of life is the greatest blessing of all

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?

The chapter defines Love as the divine law that redeems man from the law of matter, sin, and death. It explains that Jesus demonstrated his understanding of divine Love by healing the sick, casting out error and sin, and raising the dead, all while showing compassion for mankind. He did this through reliance on Mind, not matter, and thus taught us all how to rise above the material sense of being and into the light of Truth. Divine Love was expressed in Jesus’ obedience to the Father’s will during his greatest hour of struggle. As Mrs. Eddy says, “When the human element in him struggled with the divine, our great Teacher said: ‘Not my will, but Thine, be done!’—that is, let not the flesh, but the Spirit, be represented in me. This is the new understanding of spiritual Love” (Science and Health, p. 33:18-22).

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

The answer to this question was given by Jesus himself when he affirmed that the right way to live was to “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself” (Luke 10:25–27). When we seek God first in our lives, we are being obedient to His purpose for us, and with this obedience come the fruits of the Spirit, which are love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Through these fruits we are able to love our neighbor as ourselves and thus become a transparency for God’s Love.

We must be willing to obey Jesus’ instruction to his disciples, “if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). In order for others to see God’s Love through us, we must deny the material man, pick up the cross of Christian Science daily, and follow in the footsteps of Christ Jesus, demonstrating divine Love through healing sickness and disease, overcoming error and sin, and showing kindness and compassion to all of mankind. This is not a sprint up to the mountaintop, but the race we run with patience and endurance. “Atonement and Eucharist” says it well: “If Truth is overcoming error in your daily walk and conversation, you can finally say, ‘I have fought a good fight….I have kept the faith,’ because you are a better man. This is having our part in the at-one-ment with Truth and Love” (Science and Health, p. 21:1–5). Living as a transparency for Love is a daily walk with God, in obedience, humility, and understanding of His divine purpose, plan, and idea for us.

How does a Christian Scientist fearlessly face down popular beliefs that oppose the practice of Christian Science?

With the power of divine Love. As I John 4:18 tells us, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear.” With the conviction that there is no power greater than omnipotent Love to heal sickness, sin, disease, and death, the Christian Scientist is ready to stand in the light of Truth with steadfast resolve, despite any opposing viewpoint or influence. Jesus was our perfect example of this. As “Atonement and Eucharist” tells us, “He was to prove that the Christ is not subject to material conditions, but is above the reach of human wrath, and is able, through Truth, Life, and Love, to triumph over sin, sickness, death, and the grave” (Science and Health, p. 49:21).

As someone who was not raised in Christian Science and has a family that believes strongly in the medical practice, I’ve had to stand my ground in my practice of not getting annual physical exams, as I had prior to coming into Christian Science. When family members mention that I’m ignoring my health, I am able to respond with absolute certainty that I am taking care of my health, just not in the way they think I should. Through Christian Science prayer, I am understanding that I am under the care of the Great Physician. There is no need for medical checkups, for I am made in God’s image and likeness. When faced with physical challenges, I have been able to demonstrate healing through Christian Science prayer and the help of a practitioner. To avoid further opposition or the fearful thoughts of others, I have learned to use discernment in choosing with whom I discuss my practice of Christian Science and any physical ailments that I am experiencing.

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

This is the question I love the most because the answer to this is infinite. Those who are seeking God first and honoring the First Commandment have yet to experience all the benefits of living on the Rock.

The Bible tells us that when the storm rages against the house, it does not fall, for it is built on the rock; likewise, when we build our life upon the Rock of Christ, we have a firm foundation to stand upon as we face the storms of life. Personally, I have found amazing grace in times of turmoil, expanded capacity when facing seemingly impossible tasks, peace in times of distress and fear, comfort and joy in times of sadness and grief, happiness regardless of my outward circumstances, discernment in times of confusion, stillness in what appears to be chaos, courage and strength in times of intense adversity, and healing in times of sickness. And these are just a few of the benefits I have experienced.

Building one’s life on the Rock brings us a true sense of purpose; we no longer live for ourselves but for God and others, and through this, we experience healing from sickness, sin, disease, and death. Thus, we are redeemed through divine Love. We are able to “work out our own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to desire and to work for His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:12–13, New American Standard Bible). As we endeavor to build upon this solid foundation, we are able to “rise into newness of life with regeneration” (Science and Health, p. 24:12–13). And this newness of life is the greatest blessing of all.

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.)

Being strong and firm does not preclude love

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?

Love is a Science: It involves sacrifice and work, and blesses those that curse it (Science and Health, p. 30). Love heals (p. 31). It “demands that all men should follow the example of our Master and his apostles” (p. 40). Love is the conqueror and master of hate and the victor over error and death (pp. 43, 44). Divine Love has healing power (p.55).

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

After reading about Jesus’ temptations in Luke 4:1–13, I see that being strong and firm does not preclude love. Jesus demonstrated this, and I don’t know why our experience would be any different. 

Being a transparency doesn’t mean having an easy life. After experiencing the temptations, Jesus returned home to Nazareth and read in the synagogue, which ended with the people in the synagogue trying to throw him off a cliff! He then headed to another town where he rebuked a man with an unclean devil. That’s when his fame started to spread. 

Being a transparency is self-sacrificing and brings healing power. Jesus said to cast out first the beam in our own eye, so we can see clearly to pull the mote from another’s eye (Luke 6:42). Mrs. Eddy builds on this: “whosoever layeth his earthly all on the altar of divine Science….is endued with the spirit and power of Christian healing” (Science and Health, p. 55:23).

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

Our fearlessness comes from being acquainted with the truth. But it is natural to be fearful if you’re not on that foundation. Popular beliefs cause blindness and unwillingness to learn the truth. Jesus’ parable about the rich man and Lazarus, especially the part about warning the brothers, makes me think that even signs and wonders would not convince some people of the truth. This makes me want to choose my battles with the opposition.

One way of facing down popular beliefs is to use wisdom when sharing information about our experiences in Christian Science and not to overshare. Several times in Luke, Jesus told people not to spread the word: when Jairus’ daughter was healed (Luke 8:56) and when Peter said Jesus was the Christ (Luke 9:20, 21).

Jesus prophesied that his followers would be persecuted, but reassured them that the words to say would come at the right time and that not a hair of their heads would be hurt. “In your patience,” he said, “possess ye your souls” (Luke 21:19). He also prophesied that in later times, “men’s hearts [will fail] them for fear” (Luke 21:26).

Finally, Jesus said “heaven and earth shall pass away; but my words shall not pass away” (Luke 21:33). His words, which never die, and his guidance are the sure foundation that calms and instructs.

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

You don’t have to build it twice. You don’t get torn to the ground and then have to start over again correctly. You can find real peace, happiness, and harmony. 

As Jesus told Martha, “one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42). The good foundation lasts. Martha was hard-working and conscientious, but Mary was building on the Rock.

Finally, it’s never too late to build! One of the two malefactors hanged with Jesus condemned the other for disrespecting Jesus, and then asked Jesus to remember him in heaven. Then he received this blessing from Jesus: “To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

An expanded sense of freedom, joy, and power

How is Love defined in “Atonement and Eucharist”?

Love is the source of our true nature as children of God. Love redeems: “. . . Love means that we shall be tried and purified” (Science and Health, p. 22:21). Love is the Principle of the universe. Love impels sacrifice and the blessings that necessarily follow. Love sources harmony and healing according to “the Science of Love.” The demand of divine Love is that we follow our Master in departing from material sense into the spiritual sense of being. Love triumphs over hate; Love is power.  

From “The Dimension of Depth” by Robert Peel (Journal, March 1974): “Some have held, for instance, that the chapter ‘Atonement and Eucharist’ is at a ‘lower’ level than the rest of Science and Health because it speaks frankly of the human agony through which Jesus passed on his way to demonstrating the absolute unreality of all suffering, all death, all materiality. Yet Mrs. Eddy poured much of her own deepest experience into this profoundly stirring chapter, and she refers to it as one of the best possible means of understanding her demonstration of Christian Science. (See Miscellany, p. 136.) Without a grounding in its unshakable Christian wisdom, we are ill prepared to deal with the world’s opposition to truth.”

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

To live as a transparency through which God’s love shines, requires repentance and spiritual regeneration; it calls for purity of thought and an ever-growing devotion to knowing and obeying God. It also calls for hungering and thirsting after an ever-deepening experience of our actual oneness with our Father-Mother God. 

A steep and rugged path leads up to this place of transparency, but the blessings that follow are beyond human speech. To feel that light shining through us is both humbling and exalting. With a false sense of self out of the way, our view is significantly expanded and our hearts are naturally enriched and deeply blessed.

How does a Christian Scientist fearlessly face down popular beliefs that oppose the practice of Christian Science?

“Jesus acted boldly, against the accredited evidence of the senses, against Pharisaical creeds and practices, and he refuted all opponents with his healing power” (Science and Health, p. 18:10).

We face down popular opposition to Christian Science by following our Master – through Christly demonstration. It’s not about personal courage, wisdom, or strength. It is about laying deep claim to the meekness and authority of Christ: awakening and yielding. Meekness is the inner strength that comes from recognizing that external forces and factors are missing the boat in a reality that is created, sustained, and governed by God through His Christ. Christ’s authority is issuing from Truth’s supremacy as the omnipotent and omniactive One. 

As we patiently and persistently seek to live this Christ, Truth, we begin to see the flimsiness and irrelevance of popular opposition. We learn to love our neighbors and our enemies, knowing that everyone belongs to God and is therefore made in the image of Love. Fear gives way to renewed confidence. “Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken” (Prov. 3:25–26). When God’s truth is our confidence, popular beliefs are faced down fearlessly.

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

Building your life on the Rock involves living a life defined by God-bestowed purpose and filled with the blessings that naturally flow from such a divine gift. It means having the assurance that an unalterably stable foundation is constantly under foot. It opens up the profound implications of being a joint-heir with Christ – a loved child of God. To live in this way involves an ever-increasing fulfillment of our immortal cravings – our fundamental desire to fully experience at-one-ment with the very source of Life and Love. As we build in this way, we experience healing – spiritual demonstrations large and small – and an expanded sense of freedom, joy, and peace.

The healing power of the divine Love

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?

In the chapter “Atonement and Eucharist” in Science and Health, Love is defined as “our heavenly Father” (p. 40:25) and “divine Principle” (p. 35:20), and also as having healing power as its fruits: “We can unite with this church only as we are new-born of Spirit, as we reach the Life which is Truth and the Truth which is Life by bringing forth the fruits of Love, – casting out error and healing the sick” (p. 35:20–25).

On page 55 of Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy writes: “My weary hope tries to realize that happy day, when man shall recognize the Science of Christ and love his neighbor as himself, – when he shall realize God’s omnipotence and the healing power of the divine Love in what it has done and is doing for mankind” (p. 55:16–21). As a reader, the article the in front of divine Love caught my attention. To me, adding the word the makes divine Love more active – not just what “it has done,” but what it “is doing.” Divine Love is helping us, casting out error, even now.

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

In short, to live as a transparency for Love, God, we must give up all that is not spiritual. Jesus’ life shows us the way. Mrs. Eddy writes: “When the human element in him struggled with the divine, our great Teacher said: ‘Not my will, but Thine, be done!’ – that is, Let not the flesh, but the Spirit, be represented in me.” That petition has to be perpetual – to truly go to the Father as Jesus did and represent the Spirit. Mrs. Eddy writes of that prayer: “This is the new understanding of spiritual Love” (Science and Health, p. 33:18–22).

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

In Luke 19:45-48, Jesus cleanses the temple. Christian Scientists must follow Jesus in this regard by not allowing false beliefs to have sway in our bodies. A physical healing I had showed me that I did not have to accept error as having a place in my body. I could take up the work in Science, and the truth of God as revealed to Mrs. Eddy would be enough to eradicate the error.

The same is true for our churches – any lack of love experienced in our churches is not from God, who is Love. This Love unites, refreshes, and attracts. We can face down false beliefs of apathy and unproductivity, reducing them to their native nothingness. God, Mind, is rightly active. We are His expressions and show forth His light continuously. “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all” (I John 1:5). The darkness vanishes at the coming of the light of Christ.

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

Following Jesus’ sayings is like building one’s house on the Rock (Luke 6:48). The true building is unshakeable from the flood and streams of mortal existence. It is also more permanent. Hymn 216 says: “If ye God’s law can understand, / Ye have not builded on the sand.”

True building must be founded on unselfish love. As Mrs. Eddy tell us: “To build on selfishness is to build on sand” (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 298:15). Lastly, there is joy in spiritual building because a famous builder from the Old Testament tells us: “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh. 8:10).