Holmes uses many different words for God in The Science of Mind. I kind of like this. In this post-post-modern age where the mention of God can send thousands running, it is quite helpful to have a range of words and concepts in one's repertoire that are far less scary. The Universe is one such word. Who could take exception to that?
Also, this multitude of words can explain a number of very subtle and different ideas that are otherwise lumped together under the word "God." I think Holmes is engaged in this kind of careful distinction between different notions of God, kind of like the Eskimos and their myriad words for snow (and don't write in - I know the word is "Inuit" - I'm deliberately employing a cliche, people!).
Holmes' use of the word "Universe" (note the capital U) comes closest to teh standard ideas of a creator God. The force of the Universe is powerful in The Science of Mind, and flows constatly through us. But Holmes points out that this powerful force is thoroughly objective, that its shape can only be formed by us. And so the same Universal Energy that makes us ill can also be used to heal us and to make us rich and successful. The exercise of spirituality represents an effort to more cleverly channel the forces of this Universe.
I think this represents a departure from Christian Science, which refuses to believe that God can create anything that is bad, even if it is through our own delusion and misunderstanding. Holmes seems more ready to acknowledge that the Universe sometimes expresses itself in uncomfortable ways through our bodies. But in Holmes' conception, any such discomfort is our own fault. The Universe itself is simply power, neither good nor ill. There is only One Law - we need to learn to comply with it.
No comments:
Post a Comment