The Special Terminology of Christian Science
Mary Baker Eddy Selected Her Words Very Carefully
Aug 6, 2009
When Mary Baker Eddy was preparing to write the Christian Science textbook Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, she made a prayerful study of common English words, carefully selecting the ones that would help her students understand her revelation and the practical form of Christianity it introduced to the world.
What Eddy Said About Her Choice of Terms
In Retrospection and Introspection, Eddy explains “God I called Immortal Mind. That which sins, suffers and dies, I named mortal mind. The physical senses, or sensuous nature, I called error and shadow. Soul I denominated substance, because Soul alone is truly substantial … Spirit I called the reality; and matter, the unreality.” This explanation ensured that Christian Scientists all over the world would be on common ground as they studied the scientific principles of this new religion, much as engineers or medical professionals have their own specific technical languages. It also lessened the danger that materially-minded readers might limit her words to their lower meaning and lose the metaphysical message she had intended to convey.
Studying the Spiritual Meaning of Eddy’s Words
Since she had the difficult task of using existing finite, material terms to express infinite ideas, Eddy suggested that a study of her unique language might start with a dictionary. She herself used several and would sometimes quote them. For example, to define her concept of “idea,” she quoted Webster: “An image in mind; the immediate object of understanding.”
In addition to a dictionary, the serious student of Christian Science will find a concordance of Eddy’s writings very useful. With this tool, all the passages that contain a certain term can be compared, thus helping the student gain a deeper insight into the spiritual meaning Eddy had in mind.
The Benefits of Studying the Special Terminology of Christian Science
Mary Baker Eddy defined Christian Science itself as “the law of God, the law of good, interpreting and demonstrating the divine Principle and rule of universal harmony.” The main benefit of careful study and clear comprehension of Eddy’s teachings is the ability to apply the truths she teaches.
These applications are called “demonstrations of Truth”, and many testimonies of healing can be found in Christian Science periodicals. A discussion of Christian Science healing can be found here.
Jesus Christ also used well-known words in a way that gave them special meaning. He spoke of angels, the devil, and the cross and referred to Himself as the shepherd, the door and the bridegroom. The Gospels also have many “special” words, including the Rock and the Savior and the Comforter.
All these words have merely human meaning for the non-believer, but for Christians they have a much deeper, spiritual significance. Mary Baker Eddy was following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ when she took ordinary words and gave them a spiritual meaning, thereby expressing an ageless message to new generations of students.
References:
Eddy, Mary Baker, Retrospection and Introspection, Christian Science Publishing Society, 1891
Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam Company, 1976
Eddy, Mary Baker, Rudimental Divine Science, Christian Science Publishing Society, 1908
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