Öffne den Vorhang, um die geistige Wirklichkeit, hier und jetzt, zu sehen!
Rick Stewart, C.S., Dresden, Germany
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Öffne den Vorhang, um die geistige Wirklichkeit, hier und jetzt, zu sehen!
Rick Stewart, C.S. Dresden, Deutschland
CedarS MET, metaphysische Ideen zu Anwendung zum Thema: Wirklichkeit
der Bibellektion der Christlichen Wissenschaft für die Woche vom 19. bis 25. September 2011
von Rick Stewart, C.S., Dresden, Deutschland
RickStewartCS@aol.com + 49-351-312-4736
[Anmerkungen in eckigen Klammern von Warren Huff, CedarS Direktor und Herausgeber des Newsletters]
Der Goldene Text und das Wechselseitige Lesen: Psalm 48: 1, 2, 8, 9-14
Diese Wochenlektion wird mit dem 48. Psalm eröffnet - sowohl im Goldenen Text als auch im Wechselseitigen Lesen. Ich habe mich selbst gefragt: „Warum der 48. Psalm?" Wovon handelt dieser Psalm, und was hat er mit dem Thema „Wirklichkeit" zu tun?
Man betrachtet die Psalmen 46-48 meist im Zusammenhang. Man weiß nicht genau, von wem und wann diese Psalmen geschrieben wurden. Aber das Thema dieser Psalmen ist klar. Es hat etwas mit der Rettung der Stadt Jerusalem zu tun. Einige Bibelwissenschaftler glauben, dass sich diese Psalmen auf die Zeit des Assyrischen Königs Sanherib beziehen, als dieser Jerusalem angegriffen hatte (s.a. 2. Kön 19). Das war 701 vor Christus, zur gleichen Zeit als der Prophet Jesaja seine Bücher schrieb. Und weil es gewisse sprachliche Parallelen gibt, halten viele Jesaja für den Verfasser dieser Psalmen. Zu dieser Frage gibt es im Internet einen interessanten Artikel (www.easyenglish.info/psalms/psalm046-048-taw.rtf - englisch)
Die meisten Kommentare, die ich zu Rate zog, stimmen darin überein, dass das Thema des 48. Psalms Jerusalem ist („die Stadt Gottes") und dass der Berg Zion keine andere Örtlichkeit ist, sondern sich auf das ganze Jerusalem bezieht. Dieser Psalmist (und möglicherweise ja der Prophet Jesaja) bezieht sich nicht nur auf die geographische Lage sondern auch auf die symbolische Bedeutung dieses Ortes. Das alte Jerusalem war wohl eine sehr schöne Stadt und das besonders, wenn man sich ihr vom Norden her näherte. Und aus dieser Richtung kamen auch die Angriffe der Armeen und Könige, hauptsächlich, weil auf der anderen Seite tiefe Täler waren, und aus strategischen Gründen greift man selten aus einer niedrigeren Lage aus an. Also wurden Angriffe immer vom Norden aus geplant. Und was diese Angreifer von dort aus sahen, hat einige von ihnen direkt zur Umkehr veranlasst. Die Nordseite vom Berg Zion war sehr beeindruckend - eine mächtige Zitadelle mit Befestigungen und Bollwerken. Wer mehr darüber wissen will, benutze diesen Link: http://bible.cc/psalms/48-2.htm (englisch!)
Auf dem Berg Zion gab es aber auch noch eine andere Verteidigung, die Gegen wart eines rettenden Gottes. Hier war etwas untergebracht, was die alten Juden als das Herz ihrer Beziehung zu Gott betrachteten, die Bundeslade. Hier war das, was die Juden an den Gott erinnert, der sie in Ägypten erhalten und verteidigt hatte und der sie aus der Sklaverei dort befreit hatte, sie durch die Wüste auf ihrem Weg in das gelobte Land geführt hatte. Diese Verteidigungslinien lagen in der Anerkennung und Erinnerung an die rettende Macht der Gegenwart Gottes [und an Seine liebevolle Aufmerksamkeit].
Doch statt lediglich eine historische Lektion über das alte Jerusalem zu sein, bringt uns diese Lektion eine andere, noch viel eindrucksvollere Ansicht. Eine Ansicht der ewigen, universalen Stadt Gottes, auf die die göttliche Wirklichkeit der Schöpfung Gottes. Durch diese Wochenlektion zieht sich die Ansicht oder Vision, die Johannes hatte, als er sich auf der Insel Patmos befand. Diese Ansicht ist eine Offenbarung, eine „Öffnung des Vorhangs" vor der Wirklichkeit. Statt der Betrachtung eines jüngsten Gerichts, einer „Apokalypse", wie sie in Hollywoodfilmen dargestellt wird, finden wir in dieser Wochenlektion eine klarere Darstellung der ewigen Wirklichkeit. Wir werden in die Betrachtung der „Stadt Gottes" eingeführt, die über die sterbliche Betrachtungsweise hinausgeht. Wie Johannes von Patmos können wir durch die Öffnung des Vorhangs der Materie die geistige Wirklichkeit erkennen - hier und jetzt.
Und wie dankbar können wir für Mrs. Eddys wunderbares Kapitel über die „Apokalypse" sein (Griechisch: apokálypsis; „den Vorhang heben" oder „Offenbarung"). Es ist das Offenlegen von etwas, das der Mehrheit der Menschen verborgen ist - auf einem Gebiet, das von Falschheit und Missverständnis beherrscht wird, das ist der Vorhang (oder Schleier), der gelüftet wird. http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apokalypse
1. Abschnitt: Johannes auf Patmos, die Offenbarung der Wirklichkeit
In Offenbarung 1: 9 heißt es: „Ich, Johannes, euer Bruder und Mitgenösse an der Bedrängnis und am Reich und an der Geduld in Jesus, war auf der Insel, die Patmos heißt, um des Wortes Gottes willen und des Zeugnisses von Jesus."
Diese Reihe von Visionen der Offenbarung Jesu Christi wurde Johannes gegeben, als er in der Verbannung auf der Insel Patmos war. Die kleine Insel liegt etwa 50 km vor der Küste Kleinasiens im Ägäischen Meer. Sie ist nur zehn mal sechzehn km groß - ein von Schlangen, Eidechsen und Skorpionen verseuchter Felsen. Da sie keinerlei wirtschaftlichen Wert hat, haben die Römer dort eine Strafkolonie für hoffnungslose Verbrecher, politische Gefangene und dgl. eingerichtet. Und hier befindet sich jetzt Johannes.
In dieser menschenfeindlichen, unfreundlichen und öden Gegend erhielt Johannes also einen Schimmer der Wirklichkeit. Wie wir im Zitat S1 in Wissenschaft und Gesundheit lesen, ist hier
„Alle Wirklichkeit ... in GOTT und Seiner Schöpfung, harmonisch und ewig."
Wie Johannes, so haben viele andere Menschen in der Gefangenschaft [oder im Alleinsein, (im Eins-sein) - einer Solo-Erfahrung] die tiefe, geistige Wirklichkeit gefunden. Ein Bekannter von mir aus Brasilien fand die Christliche Wissenschaft, als er im Staatsgefängnis in den Vereinigten Staaten war. Er hatte als junger Mann sehr erfolgreich damit begonnen, mit Waren zwischen den Vereinigten Staaten und Brasilien zu handeln. Dann brachte ihn jemand dazu, verbotene Drogen einzuführen. Seine Kunden waren erfolgreiche Geschäftsleute und Gewerbetreibende. Aber er wurde dabei ertappt und eingesperrt. Während dieser Zeit fiel ihm ein Christian Sciene Sentinel in die Hände. Der Artikel eines zwölfjährigen Mädchens handelte von der „wirklichen" Identität. So bekam er eine ganz neue Vision seiner selbst, die ihm sehr gefiel. Auch im Gefängnis sah er jetzt eine geistige Wirklichkeit.
Als er weiter las und diese neue „Offenbarung" studierte, fingen andere Gefängnisinsassen an, ihn um Gebetshilfe zu bitten. So fanden viele, viele Heilungen statt. Er begann, Gottesdienste zu halten - manchmal mit 200 Teilnehmern. Als er entlassen wurde, erhielt er die Auflage, direkt nach Brasilien zurückzukehren und die Vereinigten Staaten nie wieder zu betreten. Das schmerzte ihm im Herzen, denn er kam gerne in die USA. Etwas später bekam er eine Arbeit als Reiseleiter angeboten. Dafür brauchte er aber ein Visum für die USA. Zuerst wollte er sich nicht bewerben, aber weil der neue Arbeitgeber darauf bestand, beantragte er das Visum und bekam es. Als er dann in den USA war, ging er zum Büro der Bundesbehörde, um seine Akte einzusehen. Was er da feststellte, war, dass sein Akte vollkommen gelöscht worden war. [„Die menschliche Geschichte bedarf einer Überprüfung, und der materielle Bericht muß daraus gestrichen werden." Rückblick und Einblick S.22:1] Es gab weder eine Akteneintragung noch eine Komputerdatei über irgendeine Straftat seinerseits. Seine neue „Vision der Wirklichkeit" hatte seine wahre geistige Identität begründet, seine vollständige Unschuld in den Augen Gottes.
Als ich in Brasilien Vorträge hielt, sprach ich auch für die Kirche, die er zu gründen geholfen hatte. Eine geistige Vision der Wirklichkeit manifestierte sich in einer gegenwärtigen Realität, die für viele ein Segen war.
2. Abschnitt: Unseren Weg finden „aus der großen Trübsal" in die Wirklichkeit
Vor vielen Jahren hatte ich in meiner Heimatstadt ein Zeugnis gehört, das ich niemals vergessen habe. Die Zeugnisgeberin, Mary Beth, berichtete von einem Autounfall. Der Wagen war ein Totalschaden, ein richtiges Wrack. Sie war körperlich unverletzt aber tief im Herzen getroffen. Sie wandte sich an einen Ausüber, dass er für sie betete. Der Ausüber sagte zu und sagte nur, „schau auf den Segen!" Mary Beth in ihrer „großen Trübsal" (B4) fand diese Aufgabe nicht sehr verheißungsvoll. Aber gehorsam begann sie zu beten, um den Segen zu erkennen. Zunächst war sie dankbar, dass sie und auch der andere Fahrer unverletzt waren. Dann fand sie noch andere Gründe für ihre Dankbarkeit und bald änderte sich, was man für Trübsal halten konnte. Schließlich bekam sie ein viel besseres Auto und die Gewissheit, dass man auch „in Trübsal" den Segen sehen „kann" [und so in ungetrübter Freude „mit weißen Kleidern" (Unschuld) stehen kann. B4 und Lied Nr. 19]
Im Zitat B6 sehen wir, wie Jesus einen Menschen aus der Blindheit erlöste, indem er jedes Gefühl der Schuld, der Verdammung und der Beschuldigung abwusch. [Als er von seinen Jüngern im Multiple Choice (Unsinn-)Verfahren getestet wurde, („Wer hat gesündigt, (A) dieser Mensch, (B) seine Eltern, dass er blind geboren wurde? da verweigerte sich Jesus dieser Wirklichkeit der Unvollkommenheit und schuf die Antwort (C) beides falsch oder Trifft Nicht Zu.{englisch: Does Not Apply entspr. DNA} Macht diese DNA-Übersetzung (trifft nicht zu) immer dann, wenn von einer Vergötterung der Genetik die Rede ist, die von DNA bestimmt wird! Mit diesen Heilverfahren zeigte uns Jesus, „der wissenschaftlichste Mensch, der jemals auf Erden wandelte", wie man hinein taucht in das geistige Heilen, statt nur die Symptome zu behandeln. „Er tauchte unter die materielle Oberfläche der Dinge und fand die geistige Ursache." (W&G 313: 27) Jesus zeigte uns die geistige Ursache als er in den Staub spuckte, wie der Bibelwissenschaftler Cobbey Crisler sagte. Cobbey sagte, dass er durch das Spucken auf die Erde seine Verachtung zeigte für den angenommenen Staub (oder die Erde) als Ursprung des Menschen nach dem 2. Schöpfungsbericht (ein Brauch, der sich im nahen Osten noch heute findet). Indem er damit die Augen des Blinden ‚salbte‘, - weit entfernt davon, die medizinischen Eigenschaften von Spucke anzuwenden -, zeigte uns Jesus den wahren physischen Zusammenhang mit der wirklichen Ursache der Blindheit, die mit ein wenig der D.I.A.L. des Menschen abgewaschen wurde, (DIAL ist eine Seife und hier die Abkürzung für Divine Image And Likeness = göttliches Bild und Gleichnis) dem Ursprung nach dem ersten Kapitel der Genesis (1. Mose 1:26)]
Im Zitat S6 erklärt Mrs. Eddy, wie Christus Jesus die Menschen zu einer höheren Selbstvorstellung erhob, wo sie einen Schimmer von ihrer wahren Identität als Bild und Gleichnis Gottes bekommen konnten.
3. Abschnitt: „Josua bei der Schlacht um Jericho"
Die großen Mauern der Materie können manchmal ziemlich hoch über uns stehen. Wer von uns hat nicht schon erlebt, wie scheinbar unüberwindliche Hindernisse unserem geistigen Fortschritt im Weg stehen? Das kann eine Krankheit, eine Diagnose, eine finanzielle Last, ein Familienproblem oder eine nationale Katastrophe sein. Wenn wir dem einfachsten Gebot oder der kleinsten Führung Gottes gehorsam folgen, dann kann uns das aus dem Problem herausführen, und dann stürzen die Mauern der Materie ein.
Im Zitat B8 beschreibt Johannes sieben Engel, die sieben Posaunen blasen. Mit B9 ermahnt uns Jeremia, auf den Ton der Posaunen zu achten. Und im Zitat B11 lesen wir die inspirierende Geschichte über den Fall der Mauern von Jericho, und wir erfahren, wie der Gehorsam Josuas Gott gegenüber die Stadtmauern von Jericho zum Einsturz brachte. Gleich wie wirklich uns der materielle Widerstand erscheinen mag, Tatsache ist, dass der Gehorsam gegen Gott uns geradewegs hindurch bringen wird. Indem wir den Ruf der Wissenschaft beachten, den Klang der Posaune, erheben wir uns über die Materie in die geistige Wirklichkeit. In Grundzüge der göttlichen Wissenschaft schreibt Mrs, Eddy: „Stellt das Heilen der Kranken alles dar, was die Wissenschaft in sich schließt? Das Heilen von körperlicher Krankheit ist der kleinste Teil der Christlichen Wissenschaft. Es ist nur der Weckruf zum Denken und Handeln im höheren Bereich der unendlichen Güte." (Grundzüge der göttlichen Wissenschaft 2: 30-35)
Auch wenn Mrs. Eddy sagt, dass das Heilen der Kranken nur der Weckruf ist, dann müssen wir doch sichergehen, dass wir den Wert dieses Weckrufes erkennen.
Hier ist ein interessantes Beispiel aus der Geschichte, das aus dem Spanisch-Amerikanischen Krieg stammt: Die 10. US Reiterdivision war in Lakeland in Florida ausgebildet worden. Sie wurde in Tampa eingeschifft und kamen am 22. Juni 1898 vor der Küste Kubas an. Die Überfahrt war für Pferde und Maultiere schwierig gewesen. Die einzige Möglichkeit, sie an Land zu bringen, war, sie über Bord zu werfen. In der Verwirrung begannen viele Pferde, auf das offen Wasser hinaus zu schwimmen. Ein schnell reagierender Bläser blies das Signal: „nach rechts". Die Pferde drehten nach rechts und erreichten den Strand. (http://www.spanamwar.com/10thcavhist.htm)
Das Heilen mag „nur der Weckruf zum Denken und Handeln" sein, aber oft bringt es uns in die richtige Richtung. Und wenn der Ruf im Gehorsam gegen Gott gemacht wird, dann bringt er die Mauern des materiellen Widerstandes einfach zum Einsturz. Vielleicht gefällt Euch dieser Link zu dem Gospel Song von Mahelia Jackson:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPZuWzZvoYQ
4. Abschnitt: Johannes sieht und hört das „stille, sanfte Sausen"
(In der englischen Bibel: die „stille sanfte Stimme")
Die Offenbarung Jesu Christi entfaltet sich weiter für Johannes. Seine Isolierung auf der Insel Patmos hat sein Hören auf keine Weise beeinträchtigt. Genau so beginnen wir zu lernen, dass uns kein körperlicher Umstand, keine Bedingugen der Materie, keine geographische Lage darin begrenzen kann, die Stimme Gottes zu hören, die Stimme der Wahrheit.
Als mein Sohn Noah zwischen zwei und vier Jahren alt war, verbrachten wir den ganzen Tag zusammen. Ich bekam meine Anrufe von Menschen, die um Gebetshilfe baten, und dabei war Noah oft an meiner Seite. Viele Male, wenn ich mit Patienten sprach und geistige Ideen mit ihnen austauschte, sagte Noah ziemlich direkt zu mir: „Papa, sag ihnen doch, sie sollen auf die stille sanfte Stimme hören"! Und das tat er sehr deutlich. Wenn ich einfach weiter redete, ohne seine Botschaft weiterzugeben, drängelte er mich, das zu tun. Da lernte ich, auf ihn zu hören, und wenn ich schließlich gehorchte, dann war die Reaktion der Patienten gewöhnlich: „O, das ist genau richtig, danke!" Und oft waren dann auch die Heilungen sehr schnell. Ich lernte, die Botschaft selbst aus einer kleinen unerwarteten Quelle zu akzeptieren.
Über die Jahre habe ich viele Berichte von denen gehört, die die Botschaften der Wahrheit „gehört" hatten, die in Wissenschaft und Gesundheit enthalten sind. Manchmal, wenn die Menschen dieses „kleine Büchlein" erst einmal zurückgewiesen haben, wurden sie später zu dieser Botschaft zurückgerufen. Eine Bekannte hatte Wissenschaft und Gesundheit als Geschenk bekommen. Sie stellte das Buch gleich in das Bücherregal, wo es erst einmal ungeöffnet eine Weile stand. Sie hatte viel durchzumachen, aber das Buch blieb dort stehen. Und dann, als sie in eine besonders schwierige Lage kam, scheinbar ohne Hoffnung für eine Lösung, ging sie am Bücherregal vorbei, und das Buch fiel ihr buchstäblich in die Arme. Jetzt las sie im Buch und fand die Hilfe, die sie brauchte. Und sie hat bis heute nicht aufgehört, in dem Buch zu lesen.
Ein besonders anrührender Bericht findet sich in der Familie von Doris Henty, einer langjährigen Ausüberin der Christlichen Wissenschaft. Diese Familie war in großer Not, sie brauchte dringend Heilung: Ihre Mutter konnte nicht arbeiten und verbrachte die meiste Zeit liegend auf dem Sofa. Ihr Bruder hatte Tuberkulose und keine große Lebenserwartung. Doris selber hatte ein verwachsenes Gesicht und war jederzeit von Tod bedroht. Jemand hatte ihrem Vater Wissenschaft und Gesundheit geborgt, und der hatte es ungelesen zurückgegeben. Später hatte er irgendwie ein schlechtes Gewissen und kaufte sich das Buch in einem chrislich-wissenchaftlichen Leseraum in Manchester in England. Kurz darauf griff sich seine Frau das Buch, las darin und fing sofort an, das Gelesene in die Praxis umzusetzen. Als Ergebnis wurden alle in dieser Familie geheilt. Und viele Jahre öffentlicher Praxis folgten für Doris Henty. Ihr könnt den wunderbaren Bericht über diese Familie in meinem Blog lesen: http://rickstewartcs.blogspot.com/2011/09/doris-dufour-henty-cs.html
5. Abschnitt: Der Vorhang im Tempel geöffnet.
Das Buch der Offenbarung wird oft als ein Brief des Johannes an die Kirchen seiner Tage betrachtet, ganz besonders an die sieben Kirchen in Kleinasien. Wahrscheinlich wurde es im zweiten Teil des ersten Jahrhunderts geschrieben. Über den genauen Zeitraum gibt es verschiedene Meinungen. In dem Stil, wie das Buch mit Symbolen geschrieben ist, sieht man eine Möglichkeit, die Botschaft für die christlichen Kirchen verständlich und für die Behörden verborgen zu machen. Eine Art des Schutzes in Zeiten der Verfolgung. Schließlich befand sich Johannes in der Verbannung auf der Insel Patmos, einer römischen Strafkolonie.
Interessant, sich vorzustellen, dass das Buch, das etwas enthüllt oder offenbart, auf eine Weise geschrieben wird, die beabsichtigt, die Botschaft zu verbergen. Und die besondere Botschaft dieses Abschnitts befasst sich damit, den Vorhang in einer Zeit der Verfolgung, zu öffnen.
Ist das wohl paradox? Eine Offenbarung oder Enthüllung, die gleichzeitig schützt und verbirgt? Bedenkt, das ich in einem Teil Deutschlands lebe, der früher zur Deutschen Demokratischen Republik, zur DDR gehörte, wo die Christliche Wissenschaft 40 Jahre lang verboten war. Doch kann eine Regierung, die andere verfolgt, die Ausübung einer Religion wirklich unterbinden? Man kann Versammlungen verbieten, aber gibt es nicht noch andere Wege, um mit einem Glauben weiterzumachen?
Vor gerade zwei Wochen haben wir von vielen Beispielen gehört, wie man inmitten von Verfolgungen an der Bibel festhalten und die Christliche Wissenschaft praktizieren kann. Christliche Wissenschafter aus der alten DDR waren zu einem Treffen mit der [neuen] Präsidentin Der Mutterkirche, Marta Greenwood, CSB, geladen. Bei zwei Treffen in Magdeburg und in Dresden berichteten Christliche Wissenschafter Marta ihre Geschichten, die sie inmitten von Verfolgungen gelebt hatten. Es war spannend zu erfahren, wie die Kirche tatsächlich in einer verbotenen Zeit „lebte". Aber auch, wie sie im Leben der Christlichen Wissenschafter heute weiterlebt. Doch jetzt in Offenheit und in freiem Austausch!! Ihr könnt einige davon in Martas Blogspot lesen: https://community.christianscience.com/community/church-alive/presidentsblog
[Zur Bestätigung davon] steht im Zitat S19: „Gerade den Umstand, den dein leidender Sinn für bedrohlich und schmerzlich hält, kann Liebe zu einem Engel machen, den du ohne dein Wissen beherbergst." W&G 574:29-31
6. Abschnitt: [Beachte die höchste Autorität Gottes und Seines Christus]
In diesem Abschnitt wird gezeigt, wie das Evangelium, die Botschaft Christi, die Kirche inmitten der Verfolgung lebt. Nicht alle „Herrschenden" sind blind für die Kraft und Gegenwart des Christus.
Zitat B18 im Matthäus 8 berichtet von einem Römer von der Besatzungsmacht, einem Centurion, der Heilung für einen geliebten Diener suchte. Ein Mann der herrschenden Autorität wendet sich an die höchste Autorität des Christus, und das Ergebnis - eine Heilung. Auf diese Weise kann Heilen zur Einheit führern, ohne Debatte und ohne Bürokratie. So kommt inmitten eines Konflikts ganz einfach Trost und Harmonie zustande.
Bei unserer Zusammenkunft mit Marta hörten wir auch von einem solchen Beispiel der Heilung beim Kontakt mit Behörden. Das war für mich ein besonderes Beispiel dafür, wie man die Christliche Wissenschaft selbst in Zeiten der Verfolgung leben und mitteilen kann. Elisabet berichtete uns von einer Erfahrung, die sie und ihr Mann mit der Stasi gemacht hatten. Ein Stasi-Agent hatte sie schon mehrmals aufgesucht. Sie bekamen diese Besuche, weil sie als Christliche Wissenschafter geführt wurden. An einem Punkt klagte der Stasi-Agent über starke Magenschmerzen. Er fragte Elisabet und ihren Mann, wie sie auf „ihre" Weise mit einer solchen Sache umgehen würden. Was könnte er in diesem Falle lesen? Weise antworteten sie ihm, er habe doch nun alle ihre Bücher. „Wenn Sie das wissen wollen, dann lesen Sie doch darin!" Sie waren sich sicher, dass der Mann die Bücher noch hatte, die er ihnen weggenommen hatte. Als derselbe Agent bei einem anderen Besuch wieder über Magenschmerzen klagte, sagte Elisabets Mann nur: „Ob Ihr Ihr Magen wohl Ihren Beruf nicht mag?" Einige Wochen später wurden sie im normalen Verkehr von einem Polizisten angehalten, den sie als ihren Stasi Besucher erkannten. Es ergab sich, dass er in den Polizeidienst gewechselt war und durch die Christlichen Wissenschaft geheilt worden war. Heilung? Das ist unsere Geheimwaffe gegen jede Verfolgung durch die Materialität. Und sie wird durch die wirkliche Autorität, den Christus, vollbracht.
7. Abschnitt: [Siehe hier und jetzt das Geistige]
In diesem Abschnitt wird dargestellt, wie wir hier und jetzt die Öffnung des Vorhangs, die Offenbarung des neuen Jerusalems erleben können. Eine Vision einer Stadt, die von Gott regiert wird, wo das Licht niemals ausgeht. Diese Vision, diese Offenbarung, kann nicht durch geographische Gegebenheiten begrenzt sein, durch soziale Umstände, durch die Gesellschaft, durch Furcht, falsche Annahmen oder Böses irgendwelcher Art. Liebe ist ihr Licht. Liegt nicht im Gebet für unsere Städte und Gesellschaften eine machtvolle Botschaft? In einem früheren Blog teilt Marta ihre Gedanken zu den Unruhen in englischen Städten mit: https://community.christianscience.com/community/church-alive/presidentsblog/blog/2011/08
Zitat S26 erinnert uns daran: „Der Offenbarer befand sich auf unserer Daseinsebene, während er doch schon erblickte, was kein Auge sehen kann - was für den uninspirierten Gedanken unsichtbar ist. Dieses Zeugnis der Heiligen Schrift stützt die Tatsache in der Wissenschaft, dass Himmel und Erde für das eine menschliche Bewusstsein, für das Bewusstsein, das Gott verleiht, geistig sind, während für das andere, das unerleuchtete menschliche Gemüt, die Vision materiell ist. Das zeigt unmissverständlich, dass das, was das menschliche Gemüt Materie und Geist nennt, auf Zustände und Stufen des Bewusstseins hinweist. Dieses wissenschaftliche Bewusstsein ging mit einer anderen Offenbarung einher, nämlich der Verkündigung vom Himmel, der über allem erhabenen Harmonie, dass Gott, das göttliche Prinzip der Harmonie, immer bei den Menschen ist und dass sie Sein Volk sind. Dadurch galt der Mensch nicht länger als elender Sünder, sondern als das gesegnete Kind Gottes. Warum? Weil Johannes' körperliche Auffassung von Himmel und Erde vergangen und an die Stelle dieser falschen Auffassung die geistige Auffassung getreten war, der subjektive Zustand, durch den er den neuen Himmel und die neue Erde sehen konnte, die die geistige Idee und das Bewusstsein der Wirklichkeit einschließen." Wissenschaft und Gesundheit S. 573
Manchmal spielen wir in unserer Familie das Spielchen: „Ich sehe was, was Du nicht siehst und das sieht ... aus." Könnten wir nicht zu dem Verfasser der Offenbarung sagen: „Ich sehe, was Du siehst, und es ist geistig? Die geistige Wirklichkeit von Himmel und Erde wie Gott sie offenbart, offen, hier und jetzt und immer!!"
Met Posted : 9/19/2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Lift the "veil"of matter to see spiritual reality
Lift the veil to see spiritual reality, here, now.
Rick Stewart, C.S., Dresden, Germany
Printable Version | PDF
Lift the veil to see spiritual reality, here, now.
CedarS MET, Metaphysical Application Ideas, for: Reality
The Christian Science Bible Lesson for September 19 - 25, 2011
by Rick Stewart, C.S., Dresden, Germany
RickStewartCS@aol.com +49-351-312-4736
[bracketed italics by Warren Huff, CedarS Director and Newsletter Editor]
[Editor's Note: The following application ideas for this week, and the Possible Sunday School Topics that will follow, are offered primarily to help CEDARS campers and staff (as well as friends) see and demonstrate the great value of daily study and application of the Christian Science Bible lessons year-round, not just at camp! You can sign up to have them emailed to you free -- in English by Monday each week, or by each Wednesday you can get a FREE TRANSLATION in French thanks to Pascal, in German thanks to Helga and Manfred or in Spanish thanks to a team of Ana, Erick, Claudia and Patricio. YOU CAN SIGN UP at www.cedarscamps.org/newsletters]
Golden Text and Responsive Reading: Psalm 48:1, 2, 3, 8, 9-14
In this week's Bible Lesson on Reality we are introduced to the lesson by Psalm 48 in both the Golden Text and the Responsive Reading. I found myself asking continually, "Why Psalm 48?" What is the subject of that Psalm and what does it have to do with our lesson on Reality?
Psalms 46 - 48 are often associated together. It is not known exactly who wrote these Psalms or when they were written. But the subject of these Psalms is clear; it has to do with the saving of the city of Jerusalem. Some Bible scholars think these Psalms may refer to the time the Assyrians under King Sennacherib attacked Jerusalem (2 Kings 19). This was 701 BC and was the same time the Prophet Isaiah was writing. And since some of the same language is used, there are some who say Isaiah was the Psalms' author. Here you can access an interesting article on this topic.
www.easyenglish.info/psalms/psalm046-048-taw.rtf
Most commentaries I looked at agreed that the subject of Psalm 48 was Jerusalem ("the city of God), and that the Mount Zion referred to was not a separate location, but also referred to the whole of Jerusalem. This Psalmist (possibly even the prophet Isaiah) refers to the actual physical locations and also the symbolic nature of these locations. Ancient Jerusalem was evidently beautiful and especially when approached from the north side. And this is the direction that attacking armies or kings would come from, mainly because deep valleys were found on the other sides of Jerusalem. Strategically armies seldom attack from a lower position. So they would plan their attacks from the north. And what these attackers saw made some of them just turn around and go home. The north side of Mount Zion was awe-inspiring, a mighty citadel, fortifications, bulwarks. For more information see the following link:
http://bible.cc/psalms/48-2.htm
There was also another defense residing in Mount Zion, the presence of a saving God. Here resided what the ancient Jews saw as the heart of their relationship to God, the Ark of the Covenant. Here was where the Jews remembered the God that had sustained and defended them in Egypt and that brought them out of slavery there, in the desert, and in their trek to the Promised Land. These defenses were to be found in acknowledging and remembering [giving loving attention to] the saving power of the presence of God.
But this week's lesson rather than just a history lesson about ancient Jerusalem, actually introduces us to an even more impressive view. A view of the eternal, universal City of God, the divine reality of God's creating. Woven through the lesson this week is the view or vision that John had while on the Island of Patmos. A view that is a "revelation," a "lifting of the veil" regarding reality. Rather than the end-time doom and gloom view of the "Apocalypse" often portrayed in Hollywood movies, we find in this week's lesson a clearer view of eternal reality. We are introduced to a view of the "City of God" that transcends mortal vision. Like John of Patmos we can learn from the "lifting of the veil" of matter to see the spiritual reality, here and now.
And how grateful we can be for Mrs. Eddy's wonderful chapter on
The "Apocalypse (Greek: ἀποκάλυψις apokálypsis; "lifting of the veil" or "revelation"). It is a disclosure of something hidden from the majority of mankind in an era dominated by falsehood and misconception, i.e. the veil to be lifted.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocalypse "
Section 1: John on Patmos, the revelation of reality.
Revelation 1:9 says: "I, John, who also am your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the Word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."
This series of visions of the Revelation of Jesus Christ was given to John while he was banished to the Isle of Patmos. This small island is thirty miles off the coast of Asia Minor in the Aegean Sea. It is only about six miles by ten miles. It is rocky, infested with snakes, lizards, and scorpions. Since it had little commercial value; it was used by the Roman Empire for a penal colony where were housed the more desperate criminals, political prisoners, etc. And in this case, John.
Here in this hostile, unfriendly, barren environment John got a glimpse of reality. As Science and Health tells us, in citation S-1, this reality "is in God and His creation, harmonious and eternal." [Click here for a glimpse of CedarS new Mediterranean (Ski) Sea. The spiritual-insight Isle of Patmos is the closest island in the upper body of water (Mediterranean) that wraps around the camp and features Cable Skiing, kayaking, island hopping, and other watersports.]
Just like John, there are many individuals who have discovered a deep, spiritual reality while imprisoned [or being alone (or all-one) with God in a solo experience.] A Brazilian friend of mine found Christian Science while he was in Federal Prison in the United States. He had begun as a young man bringing different products back and forth between the US and Brazil. He was quite successful. And then someone suggested that he bring in some illegal drugs. His clients were successful business people and professionals. But he was the one caught and arrested. During this time he happened upon a Christian Science Sentinel. An article by a twelve year old girl talked about our "real" identity. He loved the new vision he was gaining of himself. He was seeing a spiritual reality right there in prison.
As he continued to read and study this new "revelation," other inmates began to ask him to pray for them. Many, many healings took place. He began to hold church services. Sometimes there would be 200 in attendance. When he was released he was told to return to Brazil and never come back to the United States. This was heart-breaking for him; he loved visiting in America. A little while later he received a job offer as a tour guide. He needed a Visa to visit the States. At first he refused to apply and then at the insistence of his employer he applied for a Visa and it was granted. While in the States, he visited the Federal Building to check on his record. What he discovered was that his record had been completely expunged. ["The human history needs to be revised, and the material record expunged." Retrospection and Introspection 22:1] There was no paper or computer record of any criminal offense. His new "view of reality" had established his true spiritual identity, his complete innocence in the eyes of God.
When I lectured in Brazil I lectured for the Christian Science branch church that he had helped establish. A spiritual vision of reality was manifest in a present reality that has blessed many.
Section 2: Seeing our way from the tribulation in matter to reality.
I have never forgotten a testimony I heard in my hometown church years ago. The testifier, Mary Beth, told of an auto accident. Her car was totaled, a complete wreck. She was unhurt, but heartbroken. She called a Christian Science practitioner to pray for her. The practitioner agreed and simply said, "Look for the blessing." Mary Beth in her "great tribulation" (B-4), did not find that assignment promising. But obediently she began to pray to see the blessing. She first was grateful that she and the other driver were unharmed. She found other things to be grateful for and soon what looked like tribulation changed. Eventually she ended up with a much better car, and a certainty that even "in tribulation" we can "see" the blessing [and so with never-waning joy, "stand in robes of white" (innocence) B-4 and Hymn 19.]
In citation B-6 we see how Jesus was able to lift a man out of blindness as he washed away all sense of guilt, condemnation, and blame. [When tested by his disciples' Multiple Choice Nonsense question, ("Who did sin (A.) this man (or B.) his parents that he was born blind? --John 9:2) Jesus refused to buy into the false premise of the reality of imperfection and instead created and chose "C. None of the above, or Does Not Apply." Make this mental DNA translation (that it Does Not Apply) everytime you hear the deification of genetics as supposedly determined by DNA! By his healing method Christ Jesus, "the most scientific man that ever trod the globe" shows us how to "take the plunge" into spiritual healing instead of just alleviation of symptoms. "He plunged beneath the material surface of things, and found the spiritual cause." (S&H 313:23) Jesus was showing us the spiritual cause for disease when he spat on the dust according to Bible scholar, B. Cobbey Crisler. Cobbey said that by spitting on the dust he was showing contempt (as one still shows it today in the Middle East) for a supposed dust (or material) origin of man as described in Genesis 2. By anointing it on the eyes of the blind man, far from advocating the medicinal properties of spit, Jesus was showing us a physical connection to the real cause of the blindness that needed to be washed away with a bit of man's D.I.A.L (Divine Image And Likeness) origin from the 1st chapter of Genesis. (Gen. 1:26)]
In citation S-6 Mrs. Eddy explains how Christ Jesus lifted people to a higher self-image, where they could catch a glimpse of their true identity as the image of God.
Section 3: "Joshua fit (or at) the battle of Jericho!"
The great walls of matter can sometime loom very large. How many of us have faced what seemed as an insurmountable obstacle to our spiritual progress? It might be an illness, a diagnosis, a financial burden, a family problem, or a national emergency. Obedience to the simplest command or guidance from God can bring us right out of that problem and the walls of matter can just tumble down.
In citation B-8 John writes of the seven angels sounding seven trumpets. In citation B-9 Jeremiah cautions us to listen to the sound of the trumpets. And in citation B-11 the inspiring story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho tells us it was in Joshua's obedience to God that caused the walls of the city to come tumbling down.
The fact is no matter how real the material resistance appears before us, obedience to God brings us right through. In heeding the call of Science, the sound of the trumpet, we rise above matter to spiritual reality. In Rudimental Divine Science, Mrs. Eddy writes:"Is healing the sick the whole of Science? Healing physical sickness is the smallest part of Christian Science. It is only the bugle-call to thought and action, in the higher range of infinite goodness." [Rud. 2:22]
Even though Mrs. Eddy does state that healing the sick is not the whole of Science, but just the bugle-call, we need to make sure that we see the value of bugle calls.
Here is an interesting historical example: During the Spanish-American war, the 10th US Calvary had been training in Lakeland, Florida. They were dispatched on ships from Tampa arriving off the coast of Cuba on June 22, 1898. The ship voyage had been difficult on the horses and mules. The only way to off-load the horses was to shove them over board. Confused, many of the horses began to swim out to open sea. A quick thinking bugler sounded the Bugle command, "Right Wheel." The horses then turned right and began to swim toward shore. http://www.spanamwar.com/10thcavhist.htm
Healing might only be the "bugle-call to thought and action," but it often is what gets us going in the right direction. And when the call is made in obedience to God, walls of material resistance just come tumbling down. You might enjoy this link to a historic rendition of "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho", from Mahalia Jackson:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPZuWzZvoYQ
Section 4: John sees and hears the "still, small voice."
The Revelation of Jesus Christ continues to unfold to John. His isolation on the Isle of Patmos in no way limited his ability to hear. Just so we begin to learn in Science that no physical condition, no condition of matter, no geographic location, can limit us from hearing God's voice, the voice of Truth.
When my son Noah was between the ages of two and four, he and I were together all day long. I would receive telephone calls for prayerful help and often Noah was right by my side. Many times I would be talking with patients and sharing spiritual ideas with them and Noah would tell me directly, "Papa, tell them to listen to the still, small voice." And he was quite insistent. If I continued to talk to the patient and had not passed along Noah's message he would once again insist. I learned to listen to him on this because when I did finally listen, usually the patient would say, "oh, that's just right, thanks." And often healings were very quick also. I did learn to accept the message even from a small, unexpected source.
Over the years I have heard many stories of those who have "heard" the message of Truth contained in Science and Health. Sometimes even when first rejecting this "little book," the individuals have been called back to its message. One friend had been given a copy of Science and Health as a gift. She immediately put it on a shelf in her library. It stayed on the shelf unopened for some time. She passed through many trials and the book stayed there. And then, in one particularly challenging situation, with no seeming hope for solution, she walked past the bookcase and the book literally flew from the shelf into her hands. This time she read the book and found the help she needed. And she has never stopped reading the book to this day.
A particularly moving account is found in the family of long-time Christian Science practitioner, Doris Henty. The family was in great need of healing: her mother could do no work and spent most of her time on a couch, her brother was not expected to live because of tuberculosis, and Doris herself had a facial affliction and growth that threatened her death at any time. Her father was loaned a copy of Science and Health and returned the gift unopened. Later feeling somewhat guilty he purchased his own copy at a Reading Room in Manchester, England. Some time later his wife picked up the book, began to read and put the truths into practice. The result, healing for all. And years of public healing practice in the life of Doris Henty. You can read the wonderful account of this family on my blog: http://rickstewartcs.blogspot.com/2011/09/doris-dufour-henty-cs.html
Section 5: The temple veil opened.
The Book of Revelation is often seen as a letter written by John to the Christian church of his day, especially the seven churches of Asia. It was probably written in the latter part of the first century although there is some discussion about dates. And the style of writing in symbols is recognized as a way of making the message understandable by those in the Church and hidden from the authorities. A form of protection in a time of persecution. After all, John was in exile on the Isle of Patmos, a Roman penal colony.
It is interesting to think of this Book as an unveiling, a revealing when it is actually written in a way to hide its intended message. And the specific message in this section actually deals with doing away with the veil in a time of persecution.
Is there a paradox here? A revelation or unveiling while at the same time protecting and hiding? Perhaps not such a mystery after all. Remember I live in what was formerly a part of the German Democratic Republic, known here as the DDR, and in the west as East Germany. Christian Science was outlawed and churches and church meetings were outlawed during this forty year period, 1949 - 1989. But can a persecuting government actually stop the practice of a faith? Public meetings perhaps can be stopped, but aren't there ways to continue a faith?
Just two weeks ago we heard lots of examples of how it is possible to hold on to the Gospel, or to the practice of Christian Science even in the midst of persecution. Christian Scientists from the former DDR were invited to meet with the [new] President of the Mother Church, Marta Greenwood, C.S.B.
Two meetings were held, one in Magdeburg and one in Dresden. Many of those gathered had lived Christian Science in the midst of persecution and they shared their stories with Marta. It was thrilling to hear how Church had actually "lived" in the forbidden times. And also to see how it continues to live in the lives of Christian Scientists today. But now with openness and free sharing!! You can read some of Marta's thoughts regarding these meetings at her blog spot: https://community.christianscience.com/community/church-alive/presidentsblog
[In reinforcement of this, citation] S-19 states: "The very circumstance which your suffering sense deems wrathful and afflictive, Love can make an angel entertained unawares." S&H page 574.
Section 6: [Honor the Ultimate Authority of God and His Christ]
This section shows how the Gospel, the message of the Christ, Church lives in the midst of persecution. Not all "in authority" are blind to the power and presence of the Christ.
Citation B-18 in Matthew 8 tells of a Roman authority, a Centurion and his search for healing for a beloved servant. A man in authority recognized the ultimate authority of the Christ. And the result, healing. In this way healing can actually serve as a unifier, avoiding debate and red tape, it simply brings comfort and harmony in the midst of conflict.
We heard of an example of the power of healing and contact with the authorities in our meeting with Marta. It was an example that stood out to me of how one can live and share Christian Science even in a time of persecution. Elisabet told us the experience of she and her husband regarding Stasi visits. (Stasi were the secret police, the state security police.) A Stasi agent had paid them several visits. These visits were only because they were listed as Christian Scientists. At one point the Stasi agent complained of a very painful stomach situation. He asked Elisabet and her husband how they would deal with this in "their" way. What could he read? Elisabet and her husband wisely replied, "You already have all of our books. If you want to find out, read them." They were certain this man had kept the books he had confiscated. The same agent paid them another visit and complained further about his painful stomach. Elisabet's husband simply said, "Perhaps you do not have the stomach for the job you are doing?" Several weeks later Elisabet and her husband were stopped by a normal traffic policeman and they recognized him as their Stasi visitor. It turned out that he had changed his police service and that he had been healed in Christian Science. Healing? Our secret weapon against the persecution of materiality? And accomplished through the recognition of the real authority, Christ.
Section 7: [See the spiritual here and now!]
This section clearly illustrates how we can see this lifting of the veil, this revelation of the "New Jerusalem," here and now. A vision of a city governed by God, in a Light that never fails. This vision, this revelation is not and cannot be limited by geography, by social situations, by society, by fear, false belief, or evil of any kind. Love is the light thereof. Isn't this a powerful message in praying for and rebuilding our cities, our societies? In one of her earlier blogs, Marta Greenwood shared her thoughts as regards the rioting in some of Britain's cities: https://community.christianscience.com/community/church-alive/presidentsblog/blog/2011/08
Citation S-26 reminds us: "The Revelator was on our plane of existence, while yet beholding what the eye cannot see, -- that which is invisible to the uninspired thought. This testimony of Holy Writ sustains the fact in Science, that the heavens and earth to one human consciousness, that human consciousness which God bestows, are spiritual, while to another, the unillumined human mind, the vision is material. This shows unmistakably that what the human mind terms matter and spirit indicates states and stages of consciousness. Accompanying this scientific consciousness was another revelation, even the declaration from heaven, supreme harmony, that God, the divine Principle of harmony is ever with men, and they are His people. Thus man was no longer regarded as a miserable sinner, but as the blessed child of God. Why? Because St. John's corporeal sense of the heavens and earth had vanished, and in place of this false sense was the spiritual sense, the subjective state by which he could see the new heaven and new earth, which involve the spiritual idea and consciousness of reality." Science and Health, page 573
We sometimes play a game in our family, "I see what you don't see, and it is....." Couldn't we say to the beloved author of Revelation, "I see what you see and it is spiritual? The spiritual reality of heaven and earth as God reveals it, openly, for all to see, here and now and always!!"
Rick Stewart, C.S., Dresden, Germany
Printable Version | PDF
Lift the veil to see spiritual reality, here, now.
CedarS MET, Metaphysical Application Ideas, for: Reality
The Christian Science Bible Lesson for September 19 - 25, 2011
by Rick Stewart, C.S., Dresden, Germany
RickStewartCS@aol.com +49-351-312-4736
[bracketed italics by Warren Huff, CedarS Director and Newsletter Editor]
[Editor's Note: The following application ideas for this week, and the Possible Sunday School Topics that will follow, are offered primarily to help CEDARS campers and staff (as well as friends) see and demonstrate the great value of daily study and application of the Christian Science Bible lessons year-round, not just at camp! You can sign up to have them emailed to you free -- in English by Monday each week, or by each Wednesday you can get a FREE TRANSLATION in French thanks to Pascal, in German thanks to Helga and Manfred or in Spanish thanks to a team of Ana, Erick, Claudia and Patricio. YOU CAN SIGN UP at www.cedarscamps.org/newsletters]
Golden Text and Responsive Reading: Psalm 48:1, 2, 3, 8, 9-14
In this week's Bible Lesson on Reality we are introduced to the lesson by Psalm 48 in both the Golden Text and the Responsive Reading. I found myself asking continually, "Why Psalm 48?" What is the subject of that Psalm and what does it have to do with our lesson on Reality?
Psalms 46 - 48 are often associated together. It is not known exactly who wrote these Psalms or when they were written. But the subject of these Psalms is clear; it has to do with the saving of the city of Jerusalem. Some Bible scholars think these Psalms may refer to the time the Assyrians under King Sennacherib attacked Jerusalem (2 Kings 19). This was 701 BC and was the same time the Prophet Isaiah was writing. And since some of the same language is used, there are some who say Isaiah was the Psalms' author. Here you can access an interesting article on this topic.
www.easyenglish.info/psalms/psalm046-048-taw.rtf
Most commentaries I looked at agreed that the subject of Psalm 48 was Jerusalem ("the city of God), and that the Mount Zion referred to was not a separate location, but also referred to the whole of Jerusalem. This Psalmist (possibly even the prophet Isaiah) refers to the actual physical locations and also the symbolic nature of these locations. Ancient Jerusalem was evidently beautiful and especially when approached from the north side. And this is the direction that attacking armies or kings would come from, mainly because deep valleys were found on the other sides of Jerusalem. Strategically armies seldom attack from a lower position. So they would plan their attacks from the north. And what these attackers saw made some of them just turn around and go home. The north side of Mount Zion was awe-inspiring, a mighty citadel, fortifications, bulwarks. For more information see the following link:
http://bible.cc/psalms/48-2.htm
There was also another defense residing in Mount Zion, the presence of a saving God. Here resided what the ancient Jews saw as the heart of their relationship to God, the Ark of the Covenant. Here was where the Jews remembered the God that had sustained and defended them in Egypt and that brought them out of slavery there, in the desert, and in their trek to the Promised Land. These defenses were to be found in acknowledging and remembering [giving loving attention to] the saving power of the presence of God.
But this week's lesson rather than just a history lesson about ancient Jerusalem, actually introduces us to an even more impressive view. A view of the eternal, universal City of God, the divine reality of God's creating. Woven through the lesson this week is the view or vision that John had while on the Island of Patmos. A view that is a "revelation," a "lifting of the veil" regarding reality. Rather than the end-time doom and gloom view of the "Apocalypse" often portrayed in Hollywood movies, we find in this week's lesson a clearer view of eternal reality. We are introduced to a view of the "City of God" that transcends mortal vision. Like John of Patmos we can learn from the "lifting of the veil" of matter to see the spiritual reality, here and now.
And how grateful we can be for Mrs. Eddy's wonderful chapter on
The "Apocalypse (Greek: ἀποκάλυψις apokálypsis; "lifting of the veil" or "revelation"). It is a disclosure of something hidden from the majority of mankind in an era dominated by falsehood and misconception, i.e. the veil to be lifted.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocalypse "
Section 1: John on Patmos, the revelation of reality.
Revelation 1:9 says: "I, John, who also am your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the Word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."
This series of visions of the Revelation of Jesus Christ was given to John while he was banished to the Isle of Patmos. This small island is thirty miles off the coast of Asia Minor in the Aegean Sea. It is only about six miles by ten miles. It is rocky, infested with snakes, lizards, and scorpions. Since it had little commercial value; it was used by the Roman Empire for a penal colony where were housed the more desperate criminals, political prisoners, etc. And in this case, John.
Here in this hostile, unfriendly, barren environment John got a glimpse of reality. As Science and Health tells us, in citation S-1, this reality "is in God and His creation, harmonious and eternal." [Click here for a glimpse of CedarS new Mediterranean (Ski) Sea. The spiritual-insight Isle of Patmos is the closest island in the upper body of water (Mediterranean) that wraps around the camp and features Cable Skiing, kayaking, island hopping, and other watersports.]
Just like John, there are many individuals who have discovered a deep, spiritual reality while imprisoned [or being alone (or all-one) with God in a solo experience.] A Brazilian friend of mine found Christian Science while he was in Federal Prison in the United States. He had begun as a young man bringing different products back and forth between the US and Brazil. He was quite successful. And then someone suggested that he bring in some illegal drugs. His clients were successful business people and professionals. But he was the one caught and arrested. During this time he happened upon a Christian Science Sentinel. An article by a twelve year old girl talked about our "real" identity. He loved the new vision he was gaining of himself. He was seeing a spiritual reality right there in prison.
As he continued to read and study this new "revelation," other inmates began to ask him to pray for them. Many, many healings took place. He began to hold church services. Sometimes there would be 200 in attendance. When he was released he was told to return to Brazil and never come back to the United States. This was heart-breaking for him; he loved visiting in America. A little while later he received a job offer as a tour guide. He needed a Visa to visit the States. At first he refused to apply and then at the insistence of his employer he applied for a Visa and it was granted. While in the States, he visited the Federal Building to check on his record. What he discovered was that his record had been completely expunged. ["The human history needs to be revised, and the material record expunged." Retrospection and Introspection 22:1] There was no paper or computer record of any criminal offense. His new "view of reality" had established his true spiritual identity, his complete innocence in the eyes of God.
When I lectured in Brazil I lectured for the Christian Science branch church that he had helped establish. A spiritual vision of reality was manifest in a present reality that has blessed many.
Section 2: Seeing our way from the tribulation in matter to reality.
I have never forgotten a testimony I heard in my hometown church years ago. The testifier, Mary Beth, told of an auto accident. Her car was totaled, a complete wreck. She was unhurt, but heartbroken. She called a Christian Science practitioner to pray for her. The practitioner agreed and simply said, "Look for the blessing." Mary Beth in her "great tribulation" (B-4), did not find that assignment promising. But obediently she began to pray to see the blessing. She first was grateful that she and the other driver were unharmed. She found other things to be grateful for and soon what looked like tribulation changed. Eventually she ended up with a much better car, and a certainty that even "in tribulation" we can "see" the blessing [and so with never-waning joy, "stand in robes of white" (innocence) B-4 and Hymn 19.]
In citation B-6 we see how Jesus was able to lift a man out of blindness as he washed away all sense of guilt, condemnation, and blame. [When tested by his disciples' Multiple Choice Nonsense question, ("Who did sin (A.) this man (or B.) his parents that he was born blind? --John 9:2) Jesus refused to buy into the false premise of the reality of imperfection and instead created and chose "C. None of the above, or Does Not Apply." Make this mental DNA translation (that it Does Not Apply) everytime you hear the deification of genetics as supposedly determined by DNA! By his healing method Christ Jesus, "the most scientific man that ever trod the globe" shows us how to "take the plunge" into spiritual healing instead of just alleviation of symptoms. "He plunged beneath the material surface of things, and found the spiritual cause." (S&H 313:23) Jesus was showing us the spiritual cause for disease when he spat on the dust according to Bible scholar, B. Cobbey Crisler. Cobbey said that by spitting on the dust he was showing contempt (as one still shows it today in the Middle East) for a supposed dust (or material) origin of man as described in Genesis 2. By anointing it on the eyes of the blind man, far from advocating the medicinal properties of spit, Jesus was showing us a physical connection to the real cause of the blindness that needed to be washed away with a bit of man's D.I.A.L (Divine Image And Likeness) origin from the 1st chapter of Genesis. (Gen. 1:26)]
In citation S-6 Mrs. Eddy explains how Christ Jesus lifted people to a higher self-image, where they could catch a glimpse of their true identity as the image of God.
Section 3: "Joshua fit (or at) the battle of Jericho!"
The great walls of matter can sometime loom very large. How many of us have faced what seemed as an insurmountable obstacle to our spiritual progress? It might be an illness, a diagnosis, a financial burden, a family problem, or a national emergency. Obedience to the simplest command or guidance from God can bring us right out of that problem and the walls of matter can just tumble down.
In citation B-8 John writes of the seven angels sounding seven trumpets. In citation B-9 Jeremiah cautions us to listen to the sound of the trumpets. And in citation B-11 the inspiring story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho tells us it was in Joshua's obedience to God that caused the walls of the city to come tumbling down.
The fact is no matter how real the material resistance appears before us, obedience to God brings us right through. In heeding the call of Science, the sound of the trumpet, we rise above matter to spiritual reality. In Rudimental Divine Science, Mrs. Eddy writes:"Is healing the sick the whole of Science? Healing physical sickness is the smallest part of Christian Science. It is only the bugle-call to thought and action, in the higher range of infinite goodness." [Rud. 2:22]
Even though Mrs. Eddy does state that healing the sick is not the whole of Science, but just the bugle-call, we need to make sure that we see the value of bugle calls.
Here is an interesting historical example: During the Spanish-American war, the 10th US Calvary had been training in Lakeland, Florida. They were dispatched on ships from Tampa arriving off the coast of Cuba on June 22, 1898. The ship voyage had been difficult on the horses and mules. The only way to off-load the horses was to shove them over board. Confused, many of the horses began to swim out to open sea. A quick thinking bugler sounded the Bugle command, "Right Wheel." The horses then turned right and began to swim toward shore. http://www.spanamwar.com/10thcavhist.htm
Healing might only be the "bugle-call to thought and action," but it often is what gets us going in the right direction. And when the call is made in obedience to God, walls of material resistance just come tumbling down. You might enjoy this link to a historic rendition of "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho", from Mahalia Jackson:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPZuWzZvoYQ
Section 4: John sees and hears the "still, small voice."
The Revelation of Jesus Christ continues to unfold to John. His isolation on the Isle of Patmos in no way limited his ability to hear. Just so we begin to learn in Science that no physical condition, no condition of matter, no geographic location, can limit us from hearing God's voice, the voice of Truth.
When my son Noah was between the ages of two and four, he and I were together all day long. I would receive telephone calls for prayerful help and often Noah was right by my side. Many times I would be talking with patients and sharing spiritual ideas with them and Noah would tell me directly, "Papa, tell them to listen to the still, small voice." And he was quite insistent. If I continued to talk to the patient and had not passed along Noah's message he would once again insist. I learned to listen to him on this because when I did finally listen, usually the patient would say, "oh, that's just right, thanks." And often healings were very quick also. I did learn to accept the message even from a small, unexpected source.
Over the years I have heard many stories of those who have "heard" the message of Truth contained in Science and Health. Sometimes even when first rejecting this "little book," the individuals have been called back to its message. One friend had been given a copy of Science and Health as a gift. She immediately put it on a shelf in her library. It stayed on the shelf unopened for some time. She passed through many trials and the book stayed there. And then, in one particularly challenging situation, with no seeming hope for solution, she walked past the bookcase and the book literally flew from the shelf into her hands. This time she read the book and found the help she needed. And she has never stopped reading the book to this day.
A particularly moving account is found in the family of long-time Christian Science practitioner, Doris Henty. The family was in great need of healing: her mother could do no work and spent most of her time on a couch, her brother was not expected to live because of tuberculosis, and Doris herself had a facial affliction and growth that threatened her death at any time. Her father was loaned a copy of Science and Health and returned the gift unopened. Later feeling somewhat guilty he purchased his own copy at a Reading Room in Manchester, England. Some time later his wife picked up the book, began to read and put the truths into practice. The result, healing for all. And years of public healing practice in the life of Doris Henty. You can read the wonderful account of this family on my blog: http://rickstewartcs.blogspot.com/2011/09/doris-dufour-henty-cs.html
Section 5: The temple veil opened.
The Book of Revelation is often seen as a letter written by John to the Christian church of his day, especially the seven churches of Asia. It was probably written in the latter part of the first century although there is some discussion about dates. And the style of writing in symbols is recognized as a way of making the message understandable by those in the Church and hidden from the authorities. A form of protection in a time of persecution. After all, John was in exile on the Isle of Patmos, a Roman penal colony.
It is interesting to think of this Book as an unveiling, a revealing when it is actually written in a way to hide its intended message. And the specific message in this section actually deals with doing away with the veil in a time of persecution.
Is there a paradox here? A revelation or unveiling while at the same time protecting and hiding? Perhaps not such a mystery after all. Remember I live in what was formerly a part of the German Democratic Republic, known here as the DDR, and in the west as East Germany. Christian Science was outlawed and churches and church meetings were outlawed during this forty year period, 1949 - 1989. But can a persecuting government actually stop the practice of a faith? Public meetings perhaps can be stopped, but aren't there ways to continue a faith?
Just two weeks ago we heard lots of examples of how it is possible to hold on to the Gospel, or to the practice of Christian Science even in the midst of persecution. Christian Scientists from the former DDR were invited to meet with the [new] President of the Mother Church, Marta Greenwood, C.S.B.
Two meetings were held, one in Magdeburg and one in Dresden. Many of those gathered had lived Christian Science in the midst of persecution and they shared their stories with Marta. It was thrilling to hear how Church had actually "lived" in the forbidden times. And also to see how it continues to live in the lives of Christian Scientists today. But now with openness and free sharing!! You can read some of Marta's thoughts regarding these meetings at her blog spot: https://community.christianscience.com/community/church-alive/presidentsblog
[In reinforcement of this, citation] S-19 states: "The very circumstance which your suffering sense deems wrathful and afflictive, Love can make an angel entertained unawares." S&H page 574.
Section 6: [Honor the Ultimate Authority of God and His Christ]
This section shows how the Gospel, the message of the Christ, Church lives in the midst of persecution. Not all "in authority" are blind to the power and presence of the Christ.
Citation B-18 in Matthew 8 tells of a Roman authority, a Centurion and his search for healing for a beloved servant. A man in authority recognized the ultimate authority of the Christ. And the result, healing. In this way healing can actually serve as a unifier, avoiding debate and red tape, it simply brings comfort and harmony in the midst of conflict.
We heard of an example of the power of healing and contact with the authorities in our meeting with Marta. It was an example that stood out to me of how one can live and share Christian Science even in a time of persecution. Elisabet told us the experience of she and her husband regarding Stasi visits. (Stasi were the secret police, the state security police.) A Stasi agent had paid them several visits. These visits were only because they were listed as Christian Scientists. At one point the Stasi agent complained of a very painful stomach situation. He asked Elisabet and her husband how they would deal with this in "their" way. What could he read? Elisabet and her husband wisely replied, "You already have all of our books. If you want to find out, read them." They were certain this man had kept the books he had confiscated. The same agent paid them another visit and complained further about his painful stomach. Elisabet's husband simply said, "Perhaps you do not have the stomach for the job you are doing?" Several weeks later Elisabet and her husband were stopped by a normal traffic policeman and they recognized him as their Stasi visitor. It turned out that he had changed his police service and that he had been healed in Christian Science. Healing? Our secret weapon against the persecution of materiality? And accomplished through the recognition of the real authority, Christ.
Section 7: [See the spiritual here and now!]
This section clearly illustrates how we can see this lifting of the veil, this revelation of the "New Jerusalem," here and now. A vision of a city governed by God, in a Light that never fails. This vision, this revelation is not and cannot be limited by geography, by social situations, by society, by fear, false belief, or evil of any kind. Love is the light thereof. Isn't this a powerful message in praying for and rebuilding our cities, our societies? In one of her earlier blogs, Marta Greenwood shared her thoughts as regards the rioting in some of Britain's cities: https://community.christianscience.com/community/church-alive/presidentsblog/blog/2011/08
Citation S-26 reminds us: "The Revelator was on our plane of existence, while yet beholding what the eye cannot see, -- that which is invisible to the uninspired thought. This testimony of Holy Writ sustains the fact in Science, that the heavens and earth to one human consciousness, that human consciousness which God bestows, are spiritual, while to another, the unillumined human mind, the vision is material. This shows unmistakably that what the human mind terms matter and spirit indicates states and stages of consciousness. Accompanying this scientific consciousness was another revelation, even the declaration from heaven, supreme harmony, that God, the divine Principle of harmony is ever with men, and they are His people. Thus man was no longer regarded as a miserable sinner, but as the blessed child of God. Why? Because St. John's corporeal sense of the heavens and earth had vanished, and in place of this false sense was the spiritual sense, the subjective state by which he could see the new heaven and new earth, which involve the spiritual idea and consciousness of reality." Science and Health, page 573
We sometimes play a game in our family, "I see what you don't see, and it is....." Couldn't we say to the beloved author of Revelation, "I see what you see and it is spiritual? The spiritual reality of heaven and earth as God reveals it, openly, for all to see, here and now and always!!"
Marta Greenwood, CSB Visit to Dresden
What an absolute joy to have the President of the Mother Church, Marta Greenwood, C.S.B. visit with us in Dresden. We had a great group of eager seekers share the time with Martha. Christian Scientists from Chemnitz and Zwickau joined us in our Saturday afternoon conversation. Martha fascinated to hear stories of how Christian Science was practiced in East German times. She was touched by the courage and steadfastness of Christian Scientists who lived through that period. And she shared generously from her own experience and inspiration.
Marta then joined us in the Sunday School as a guest teacher. My boys Noah and Johann had a delightful time discussing the concept of following the light, just like a sunflower. And she loved our rousing hymns accompanied by Paul Ashley on guitar and Noah Stewart on violin.
For more detail in Marta's own words be sure to visit the Blog of the President of the Mother Church. https://community.christianscience.com/community/church-alive/presidentsblog
Marta then joined us in the Sunday School as a guest teacher. My boys Noah and Johann had a delightful time discussing the concept of following the light, just like a sunflower. And she loved our rousing hymns accompanied by Paul Ashley on guitar and Noah Stewart on violin.
For more detail in Marta's own words be sure to visit the Blog of the President of the Mother Church. https://community.christianscience.com/community/church-alive/presidentsblog
Doris Dufour Henty, C.S.
Doris Dufour Henty CS was a Christian Science Practitioner in England. When her family was first introduced to Christian Science many of them were extremely sick and Doris was not expected to live very long. When the book,Science and Health, found her family it changed their lives forever. After this transformationi, Doris dedicated herself to the healing ministry of Christian Science. I here share an excerpt from the Foreword of the book that has compiled many of Doris’ talks and articles. Mrs. Henty's book is published by Mulberry Press, Carmel California.
From Addresses and Other Writings on Christian Science of Doris Dufour Henty C.S:
Foreword to the book, written by Doris Henty’s sister.
"It must have been about the year 1910 that Christian Science was first introduced to our family; I know Mother was disappointed that she had just missed seeing Mrs. Eddy. Certainly no family could have been more in need of the truth. Our home was a "hospital ship." We had never known what it was to see Mother well. She had no strength; her days were spent lying on a couch and no medicines had helped. My brother Ronald had consumption--it was hereditary-- and it was thought a miracle that he had reached the age of fourteen, even though he had not been able to attend school. My father suffered from liver complaint and periodic attacks of migraine. And my sister Doris-- Doll, as we called her-- was a shocking sight. She had had multiple operations on her face and head for carious bones. Her face was constantly bandaged, and a nurse was in attendance to do this. One side of her face was paralysed; her mouth was at an angle and one eye was shut. The surgeons said they could do no more for her as the facial nerve was severed, but they offered the scant comfort that, before long, she would know no more as the disease would reach her brain.
One day a friend came to see my father at the mill which he ran. To the question "How are you?" my father replied as usual, "Just fair." On hearing this, the friend asked if he could tell my father about his "faith," which had changed his life. My father agreed with some reluctance, as he held office in the Wesleyan church, and he learned that his friend's faith was Christian Science. The friend lent my father a copy of Mrs. Eddy's book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, setting a time limit of two weeks for its return. However, when my father got home with it, Mother said, "We don't want any of those newfangled ideas," and the book was put on the piano, where it remained unopened until it was returned a fortnight later. I can see it there to this day!
A little later my father visited Manchester; and, feeling he had perhaps been a little discourteous about the book, he went to a Christian Science Reading Room and purchased a copy of Science and Health. One day shortly after that, Mother was feeling particularly weak. She had been reading the Bible and then turned to Science and Health, and her eyes fell on the words (page 135), "There is today danger of repeating the offence of the Jews by limiting the Holy One of Israel and asking: `Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?´ What cannot God do?" She jumped up, went into the kitchen, and started giving orders. My father returned home for lunch, saw Mother was up and about, and asked what had happened. Mother answered, using a Yorshire expression, "I've been reading the book: I feel made over again." Father said, "Do be careful." But Mother replied, "I know what I am doing. I'm all right."
Shortly after that, Mother went into the schoolroom and said to Ronald and Doll, "There's no need to be ill any more. I have found a book that tells us that Life is spelt with a capital L, and what we thought was life was just a mistake. I wish I had known about this before." Ronald began to improve at once and soon attended school. He had a long and active life before he passed on at the age of ninety years. My mother said to Doll, "Now we have heard of Christian Science, we shall not take you to Manchester (where the specialist was) anymore." Nor were there any more bandages.
My parents began to attend church services some miles away. One day, my father had a severe attack of migraine and retired to bed. My mother read Science and Health for a short time and then went to him and said, "Get up: you are healed!" He was. Doris also began to improve, even though there was at that time no practitioner locally. She soon started to attend school, which was a great step, and one day, not long after, she suddenly said to the schoolmistress, "I can feel my face!" Feeling had indeed come to her face for the first time. Father took Doll to the specialist in Manchester, who looked at her and said, "The age of miracles is not over. The nerve has joined."
It was about this time that, as Doll recalled, two things happened. She made contact with James Neal in Boston. He had been in Mrs. Eddy's last Class and was the one whom Mrs. Eddy had referred to as the "perfect practitioner." She asked him what time he worked for her each day so that she could be working too! Then one day, she read in a local paper that a cousin had won a beauty competition. Rather sadly she said, "I could never do that," but then she added, "But I have the beauty of holiness." She went to her schoolroom and all morning she thought about the beauty of holiness. At lunchtime, when she came down, Mother exclaimed, "Doll, have you seen your face?" Doris replied, "God cannot see a mortal face: He can only see the beauty of holiness." By the evening, her whole face had moved round to a normal angle.
Doris could not have enough Science, and soon she decided to go to Boston, where she was determined to meet those who had known our Leader. She met with James Neal and expressed her desire to practice. He said that she should just wait as there was evidently something to do with her mouth that still needed healing. "In that case," said Doll, "you heal me!" He gave her one treatment and she was healed. During her visit to Boston, as well in subsequent visits, she spent long times with members of Mrs. Eddy's household, and in particular with Laura Sargent and Daisette McKenzie, learning many things that our Leader had told them. When she returned to England, she started her practice, and for over sixty years I never knew her without a full practice. Services were started in our home and Mother began to worry that Doll was doing too much!"
The numbers attending services increased. For a time they were held in the local Sobriety Hall, but this was inappropriate and a search was made for a site on which to build a church in the local Yorkshire town of Todmorden. A businessman heard of the search. He was a flamboyant character, and when he was seen to attend a local Christian Science lecture -- given by Bliss Knapp -- it was something of a seven-day wonder! However, his daughter had been healed of hip disease by Doris and was able to walk again, and one day Doris took a telephone call from him in which he expressed his gratitude for all she had done for him and his family. He then said, "I hear you are looking for a building for your church. If you can make something of my residence in town, you can have it. I'm giving it to you." This became the local church, and it would be true to say that its membership was drawn in large part from those whom Doris had healed. One of those early members writes of this time: "Our son was returning from an international car rally and his car went over a precipice. Doris was contacted and her statement was, "This accident has no more touched Olivier than the crucifixion touched the Christ." In spite of several severe injuries, within six weeks he was driving again, completely healed." Another healing of those early days is recorded in A Century of Christian Science Healing, on pages 84-86.
.It was not long after this that Doris moved to London, and her work from then on is known to many. So, too, are her Association addresses, which have been of such help to those who have had them. I was very happy to learn that some of her friends had decided to collect these papers from many sources so that the pure Science they express might be preserved in book form and circulated to those who knew her. I went with her to many of these Association meetings and know many of those whose lives have been touched by her work. She was a great giver. She was so sure of what her real substance was that she never ceased giving. Everyone was precious to her. Nothing was allowed to get in the way of her Science, even though she managed her home efficiently and with a constant sense of abundance. Few have succeeded in dropping the human concept and its demands more than she did, but she once said, "It was so easy for me: there was nothing worth keeping!" She was as I have always said, an amazing child."
To those who originated the idea of this book and cherished it until it took form, as well as for the work and time (so happily given) that it has involved, I wish to express my gratitude.
Flora Nelson Ogden
West Sussex, England
January 1989
From Addresses and Other Writings on Christian Science of Doris Dufour Henty C.S:
Foreword to the book, written by Doris Henty’s sister.
"It must have been about the year 1910 that Christian Science was first introduced to our family; I know Mother was disappointed that she had just missed seeing Mrs. Eddy. Certainly no family could have been more in need of the truth. Our home was a "hospital ship." We had never known what it was to see Mother well. She had no strength; her days were spent lying on a couch and no medicines had helped. My brother Ronald had consumption--it was hereditary-- and it was thought a miracle that he had reached the age of fourteen, even though he had not been able to attend school. My father suffered from liver complaint and periodic attacks of migraine. And my sister Doris-- Doll, as we called her-- was a shocking sight. She had had multiple operations on her face and head for carious bones. Her face was constantly bandaged, and a nurse was in attendance to do this. One side of her face was paralysed; her mouth was at an angle and one eye was shut. The surgeons said they could do no more for her as the facial nerve was severed, but they offered the scant comfort that, before long, she would know no more as the disease would reach her brain.
One day a friend came to see my father at the mill which he ran. To the question "How are you?" my father replied as usual, "Just fair." On hearing this, the friend asked if he could tell my father about his "faith," which had changed his life. My father agreed with some reluctance, as he held office in the Wesleyan church, and he learned that his friend's faith was Christian Science. The friend lent my father a copy of Mrs. Eddy's book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, setting a time limit of two weeks for its return. However, when my father got home with it, Mother said, "We don't want any of those newfangled ideas," and the book was put on the piano, where it remained unopened until it was returned a fortnight later. I can see it there to this day!
A little later my father visited Manchester; and, feeling he had perhaps been a little discourteous about the book, he went to a Christian Science Reading Room and purchased a copy of Science and Health. One day shortly after that, Mother was feeling particularly weak. She had been reading the Bible and then turned to Science and Health, and her eyes fell on the words (page 135), "There is today danger of repeating the offence of the Jews by limiting the Holy One of Israel and asking: `Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?´ What cannot God do?" She jumped up, went into the kitchen, and started giving orders. My father returned home for lunch, saw Mother was up and about, and asked what had happened. Mother answered, using a Yorshire expression, "I've been reading the book: I feel made over again." Father said, "Do be careful." But Mother replied, "I know what I am doing. I'm all right."
Shortly after that, Mother went into the schoolroom and said to Ronald and Doll, "There's no need to be ill any more. I have found a book that tells us that Life is spelt with a capital L, and what we thought was life was just a mistake. I wish I had known about this before." Ronald began to improve at once and soon attended school. He had a long and active life before he passed on at the age of ninety years. My mother said to Doll, "Now we have heard of Christian Science, we shall not take you to Manchester (where the specialist was) anymore." Nor were there any more bandages.
My parents began to attend church services some miles away. One day, my father had a severe attack of migraine and retired to bed. My mother read Science and Health for a short time and then went to him and said, "Get up: you are healed!" He was. Doris also began to improve, even though there was at that time no practitioner locally. She soon started to attend school, which was a great step, and one day, not long after, she suddenly said to the schoolmistress, "I can feel my face!" Feeling had indeed come to her face for the first time. Father took Doll to the specialist in Manchester, who looked at her and said, "The age of miracles is not over. The nerve has joined."
It was about this time that, as Doll recalled, two things happened. She made contact with James Neal in Boston. He had been in Mrs. Eddy's last Class and was the one whom Mrs. Eddy had referred to as the "perfect practitioner." She asked him what time he worked for her each day so that she could be working too! Then one day, she read in a local paper that a cousin had won a beauty competition. Rather sadly she said, "I could never do that," but then she added, "But I have the beauty of holiness." She went to her schoolroom and all morning she thought about the beauty of holiness. At lunchtime, when she came down, Mother exclaimed, "Doll, have you seen your face?" Doris replied, "God cannot see a mortal face: He can only see the beauty of holiness." By the evening, her whole face had moved round to a normal angle.
Doris could not have enough Science, and soon she decided to go to Boston, where she was determined to meet those who had known our Leader. She met with James Neal and expressed her desire to practice. He said that she should just wait as there was evidently something to do with her mouth that still needed healing. "In that case," said Doll, "you heal me!" He gave her one treatment and she was healed. During her visit to Boston, as well in subsequent visits, she spent long times with members of Mrs. Eddy's household, and in particular with Laura Sargent and Daisette McKenzie, learning many things that our Leader had told them. When she returned to England, she started her practice, and for over sixty years I never knew her without a full practice. Services were started in our home and Mother began to worry that Doll was doing too much!"
The numbers attending services increased. For a time they were held in the local Sobriety Hall, but this was inappropriate and a search was made for a site on which to build a church in the local Yorkshire town of Todmorden. A businessman heard of the search. He was a flamboyant character, and when he was seen to attend a local Christian Science lecture -- given by Bliss Knapp -- it was something of a seven-day wonder! However, his daughter had been healed of hip disease by Doris and was able to walk again, and one day Doris took a telephone call from him in which he expressed his gratitude for all she had done for him and his family. He then said, "I hear you are looking for a building for your church. If you can make something of my residence in town, you can have it. I'm giving it to you." This became the local church, and it would be true to say that its membership was drawn in large part from those whom Doris had healed. One of those early members writes of this time: "Our son was returning from an international car rally and his car went over a precipice. Doris was contacted and her statement was, "This accident has no more touched Olivier than the crucifixion touched the Christ." In spite of several severe injuries, within six weeks he was driving again, completely healed." Another healing of those early days is recorded in A Century of Christian Science Healing, on pages 84-86.
.It was not long after this that Doris moved to London, and her work from then on is known to many. So, too, are her Association addresses, which have been of such help to those who have had them. I was very happy to learn that some of her friends had decided to collect these papers from many sources so that the pure Science they express might be preserved in book form and circulated to those who knew her. I went with her to many of these Association meetings and know many of those whose lives have been touched by her work. She was a great giver. She was so sure of what her real substance was that she never ceased giving. Everyone was precious to her. Nothing was allowed to get in the way of her Science, even though she managed her home efficiently and with a constant sense of abundance. Few have succeeded in dropping the human concept and its demands more than she did, but she once said, "It was so easy for me: there was nothing worth keeping!" She was as I have always said, an amazing child."
To those who originated the idea of this book and cherished it until it took form, as well as for the work and time (so happily given) that it has involved, I wish to express my gratitude.
Flora Nelson Ogden
West Sussex, England
January 1989
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