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Discover “Atomic action is Mind, not matter.”MBE
CedarS Metaphysical Application Ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson Sermon on
“Is The Universe, Including Man, Evolved By Atomic Force?” for June 13-19, 2011
by Rick Stewart, CS, Dresden, Germany (+49 351 312 4736/ rickstewartcs@aol.com)
CedarS Metaphysical Application Ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson Sermon on
“Is The Universe, Including Man, Evolved By Atomic Force?” for June 13-19, 2011
by Rick Stewart, CS, Dresden, Germany (+49 351 312 4736/ rickstewartcs@aol.com)
[with bracketed italics by Warren Huff, CedarS Director, who is offering (and also seeking) Campership help as needed for Sunday School students to fill our 1 and 2 wk. sessions. Most camper programs still have a few places, as do our adult and family programs with their FUN Bible Classes:; Aug. 14-18 Family Camp; & Sep. 15-18 Bible Conference]
[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 or in Spanish thanks to a team of Ana, Erick, Claudia and Patricio. YOU CAN SIGN UP at www.cedarscamps.org/newsletters]
I am just so happy that you are reading this. It tells me something very special about you. You love and care so much about Christian Science, that you are studying this Bible Lesson. You are seeking ways to understand it better. And this is so, so important to the prosperity of Christian Science. (See the Manual of the Mother Church, page 31.)
I am writing only to, you might say, “fire you up,” in your study of this Lesson. The Christian Science Bible Lesson stands on its own. It is complete. It is powerful. It is a blessing to all of humanity. And as you begin your digging into this particular lesson, you will find great blessings for yourself and your whole world. Or as we begin to discover with our Golden Text, the world and universe is God's.
Perhaps you heard the wonderful discussion during this year's Annual Meeting of the Mother Church, June 6, 2011. The First and Second Readers of the Mother Church were discussing our responsibility regarding the Bible Lessons. Karl “Sandy” Sandberg, the First Reader, shared a quote from Mary Baker Eddy that he and Marian English, the Second Reader, had been working with. Mrs. Eddy shared with a student the following, “She longed for the day to come, when no one could enter a Christian Science church, no matter how sick or sorrowing that one might be, without being healed. And that this day can come only when every member of the church demonstrates the truth contained in the Lesson-Sermon and takes with him to the service the consciousness thus prepared.” This was shared between minutes 30:30 and 32:00 of the Annual Meeting. You can access this meeting online at the following web address: http://christianscience.com/church/the-mother-church/annual-meeting/
This week's Bible Lesson begins by asking us a question: “Is the universe, including man, evolved by atomic force?” No, it isn't. Not if you think “atomic force” is a force of matter. But if you have begun to realize that “atomic force” is spiritual, well then, yes, Mind, Atomic Force, does evolve the universe. And this Bible Lesson in its completeness and powerful spiritual message offers you a way to bless your life and all humanity in unlimited ways, as we translate the atomic force of matter, into the reality of Spirit.
So simply enjoy this week's wonderful Bible Lesson and unlock its incredible power in helping you develop this “consciousness” that brings such wonderful healing.
Golden Text:
“Thine, O Lord…greatness, power, glory, victory…… majesty. All that is in heaven and earth is thine.” I Chronicles 29:11
“Thine, O Lord…greatness, power, glory, victory…… majesty. All that is in heaven and earth is thine.” I Chronicles 29:11
Key word, “thine” or we would say today, “yours.” God, it is yours. All is yours. This beautiful verse from First Chronicles was one of my first Sunday School assignments for memorization. It still remains a friend in consciousness. Remember that what we make “our own”, committing to memory, we can always have access to–with or without “wifi” connections!
Responsive Reading:
The writings from the book of Isaiah are pretty much believed by scholars to be from three different times. But its messages remain great inspirations in all periods. The chapters in our Responsive Reading are from the section, Chapters 40 – 55 that are often referred to as written by Isaiah 2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Isaiah
The writings from the book of Isaiah are pretty much believed by scholars to be from three different times. But its messages remain great inspirations in all periods. The chapters in our Responsive Reading are from the section, Chapters 40 – 55 that are often referred to as written by Isaiah 2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Isaiah
We might think about the Book of Isaiah like a series of Indiana Jones sequels! We're celebrating thirty years since the first Indiana Jones movie premiered; and we have had lots of fun with its sequels. So, don't let it put you off if the adventures of Isaiah's prophecies come to us in several installments.
And the Responsive Reading this week clearly communicates the awe we must have for God's creation and a clear acknowledgement that God is the creator: “there is none else,” that the “word of our God shall stand forever,” and “that he is strong in power; not one faileth.”
Section 1: Universe evolved from God, Spirit.
I love the idea of simply looking to God to help us understand the nature of creation and its evolution. If God is the creator of the universe then it makes great sense to give the Creator or Maker due respect.
I love the idea of simply looking to God to help us understand the nature of creation and its evolution. If God is the creator of the universe then it makes great sense to give the Creator or Maker due respect.
Years ago some friends and I discovered a tiny stream tucked away in the woods bordering the St. Johns River in Florida. We loved to dig and sift through the gravel in this stream to discover artifacts. We would discover petrified organic material, shark's teeth millions of years old, and also pieces of pottery. These pottery shards were often in a pattern known as “St. Johns Check Stamped.”
It seemed that most of the pattern came from use of corn (maize) cobs rolled over the surface. This pottery and other types survived hundreds and sometimes even thousands of years. Every time I read about the “turning of things upside down” (B3) I remember this pottery. The maker of each piece of pottery formed it in his own way. The Potter of the Universe, the Mind, the Spirit that is God, unfolded or evolved a creation that must partake of His, the divine Nature.
As citation S2 states “the universe is filled with spiritual ideas, which He evolves.”
Citation S5 continues”The true theory of the universe, including man, is not in material history but in spiritual development.” And citation S6 wraps it up: “Let us rid ourselves of the belief that man is separated from God, and obey only the divine Principle, Life and Love.”
As citation S2 states “the universe is filled with spiritual ideas, which He evolves.”
Citation S5 continues”The true theory of the universe, including man, is not in material history but in spiritual development.” And citation S6 wraps it up: “Let us rid ourselves of the belief that man is separated from God, and obey only the divine Principle, Life and Love.”
Although the artifacts of bygone eras, the researches into where and when something was written, or understanding the material surroundings can be helpful in giving perspective to history, what ultimately teaches us, are the spiritual insights that remain unaffected by the passage of time and civilization. [The spiritual sense or significance of scriptural places, characters and their examples of healing are what is emphasized daily in CedarS Bible Lands Park and Time Travelers Trail.] These spiritual facts can come to our lives in the form of spiritual revelation that is practical and powerful today. We can see the spiritual facts that Isaiah saw, and live them in our daily lives.
Section 2: Demonstrable spiritual power (the floating axe.)
Why is it important that you develop spiritual understanding, or a demonstrable knowledge of this Science of Christianity? Isn't that what you could say Elisha possessed. Elisha was a prophet of the Northern Kingdom of Israel who was active during the reign of Joram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Jehoash (Joash). Over 800 years before Christ Elisha demonstrated a very practical, daily understanding of spiritual power. When one of his students dropped a borrowed axe head in the river, Elisha was able to help him recover it. That is a “miracle” that still gets our attention. But what if it was something else, an understanding of spiritual law and power, not supernatural, but natural and practical?
Why is it important that you develop spiritual understanding, or a demonstrable knowledge of this Science of Christianity? Isn't that what you could say Elisha possessed. Elisha was a prophet of the Northern Kingdom of Israel who was active during the reign of Joram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Jehoash (Joash). Over 800 years before Christ Elisha demonstrated a very practical, daily understanding of spiritual power. When one of his students dropped a borrowed axe head in the river, Elisha was able to help him recover it. That is a “miracle” that still gets our attention. But what if it was something else, an understanding of spiritual law and power, not supernatural, but natural and practical?
I thought of this at the breakfast table this morning. We have had weekend guests, a father and teenage daughter (a CedarS alum). The father, Kevin, is an airline pilot. He knows that my son, Noah, loves flying and everything about airplanes. So at the breakfast table he was giving Noah a brief lesson in some of the basic principles of aerodynamics, perhaps simply “how things fly.” Anyway it was fascinating to hear this lesson in Aerodynamics 101. Kevin demonstrates these principles every work day. And he also used these principles to build his own model planes as a boy when he lived in Peru.
These principles of flight have always existed as ideas. As they were discovered and applied, and materials developed that could make use of the understanding, man began to fly. Now Kevin is flying every day, soaring into the air in an object so heavy that it would take lots of heavy equipment to lift off the ground. But the application of aerodynamic laws makes it a routine demonstration in airports and around the world.
Developing this kind of understandings is practical and possible, not just with flying, but in solving everyday problems. Recently when my kids were wading in a nearby pond, Noah lost a shoe in the mud. He and Johann searched for it in vain. The owner of the pond just told me and the boys to leave the area alone for a few minutes. As we did as he advised, the water cleared, the shoe could be seen, and it was recovered simply. And guess what? Noah had borrowed the shoe from his mother. (B6) “Alas, master! For it was borrowed.”
What do our lessons from the Bible and Science and Health teach us about this practical possibility? Citation S10 teaches us that “A miracle fulfils God's law, but does not violate that law. This fact seems more mysterious than the miracle itself…..The miracle introduces no disorder, but unfolds the primal order, establishing the Science of God's unchangeable law.” If the mud of matter has been stirred up, quietly let it settle and in the clear water of spiritual understanding, “the Science of God's unchangeable law,” we see what we thought we had lost.
Section 3: God's glory reflected in the universe
Do you think there is something wrong, unchristian or against spiritual growth in observing the wonders in nature? Well, just read the Psalms and Isaiah and you might change your opinion. Citations in this section (B8 – B11) make clear, as The Living Bible tells us, “The heavens are telling the glory of God; they are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship.” Ps. 19:1
Do you think there is something wrong, unchristian or against spiritual growth in observing the wonders in nature? Well, just read the Psalms and Isaiah and you might change your opinion. Citations in this section (B8 – B11) make clear, as The Living Bible tells us, “The heavens are telling the glory of God; they are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship.” Ps. 19:1
Mary Baker Eddy beautifully writes, “Nature voices natural, spiritual law and divine Love, but human belief misinterprets nature. Arctic regions, sunny tropics, giant hills, winged winds, mighty billows, verdant vales, festive flowers, and glorious heavens, — all point to Mind, the spiritual intelligence they reflect.” (S13)
In a study reported in 1972 in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion,
Arthur Nudelman wrote [Slide 7]:”It was hypothesized that Christian Science college students would be less likely than other college students to major in one of the sciences…Data gathered from a large, Midwestern, state-supported university showed, however, that while Christian Science students were indeed less likely than other students to major in the behavioral and life sciences, they were no less likely than others to major in the physical sciences, and they were more likely than others to major in engineering.” (Nudelman, 1972)
This was an interesting observation quoted by Mary Bothwell in a 2007 talk she gave to The Willows [Residential villas for Christian Scientists in Laguna Hills, CA]. This is how she describes how she came to her topic, “Physics or Metaphysics.” “When I was asked to give a talk about my project at JPL (Jet Propulsion Lab], I agreed. Then, a few months later, I decided to retire early and enter the full-time public practice of Christian Science, so it would have been inappropriate for me to give that talk. Today, even if I were still working at JPL, I couldn't give that talk, because shortly after I announced my retirement, the project was delayed and may eventually be canceled, due to new budgetary constraints. So, I needed a new topic. Even in elementary school I was interested in math and science, and especially space exploration. When I went to college and majored in physics, the question I seemed to hear most from Christian Scientists was, “How can you major in a physical science? Isn't physics inconsistent with Christian Science?”
In fact, in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy wrote: “There is no physical science, inasmuch as all truth proceeds from the divine Mind. Therefore truth is not human, and is not a law of matter, for matter is not a lawgiver. Science is an emanation of divine Mind, and is alone able to interpret God aright.”(127:23-27)
Pursuing an understanding and appreciation of our surroundings, the glories of earth and heaven, does not necessarily lead one down paths of materiality, or limited thought, but often opens our eyes to the wonders of God's universe. And from that very appreciation of nature and science you can find yourself led to even higher views of God's glorious universe. As citation S15 states “God expresses in man the infinite idea forever developing itself, broadening and rising higher and higher from a boundless basis.” (S&H 258:13)
Mrs. Bothwell referred to the following interview with our Leader by the New York Herald in 1901,
“Interviewer: “What is your attitude to science in general? Do you oppose it?”
Mrs. Eddy: “Not,” with a smile, “if it is really science.”
Interviewer: “Well, electricity, engineering, the telephone, the steam engine – are these too material for Christian Science?”
Mrs. Eddy: “No; only false science – healing by drugs…”
Interviewer: “But the pursuit of modern material inventions?”
Mrs. Eddy: “Oh, we cannot oppose them. They all tend to newer, finer, more etherealized ways of living. They seek the finer essences. They light the way to the Church of Christ. We use them; we make them our figures of speech. They are preparing the way for us.” (My 345:7-12, 25-30,)
Mrs. Eddy: “Not,” with a smile, “if it is really science.”
Interviewer: “Well, electricity, engineering, the telephone, the steam engine – are these too material for Christian Science?”
Mrs. Eddy: “No; only false science – healing by drugs…”
Interviewer: “But the pursuit of modern material inventions?”
Mrs. Eddy: “Oh, we cannot oppose them. They all tend to newer, finer, more etherealized ways of living. They seek the finer essences. They light the way to the Church of Christ. We use them; we make them our figures of speech. They are preparing the way for us.” (My 345:7-12, 25-30,)
Section 4: Death swallowed up in victory!
[Citation B15 describes one of three examples of Jesus' raising the dead, before he raised himself after being crucified]: “Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow:” (Luke 7:11-16)
Can you think of any situation that would require the Comforter more than this? Not only had this mother lost her only son, but in the culture of that day it was even more heart-breaking because a son or husband was the only provider. And the Master saw her and compassionately said, “Weep not.” And he raised the young man. [An entertaining play by Martha Bolton from a unique perspective will be shared as part of CedarS 6-15-11 (Wednesday) Practitioner (Prac) talk at CedarS. Click here for a link to each day's “Prac Talk” in a 10-year series of audio Metaphysical Talks for CedarS campers, staff and friends. Click here to download this play and buy the rights to put it on for your Sunday School or church as was done after church on Palm Sunday in Minneapolis.]
[Citation B15 describes one of three examples of Jesus' raising the dead, before he raised himself after being crucified]: “Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow:” (Luke 7:11-16)
Can you think of any situation that would require the Comforter more than this? Not only had this mother lost her only son, but in the culture of that day it was even more heart-breaking because a son or husband was the only provider. And the Master saw her and compassionately said, “Weep not.” And he raised the young man. [An entertaining play by Martha Bolton from a unique perspective will be shared as part of CedarS 6-15-11 (Wednesday) Practitioner (Prac) talk at CedarS. Click here for a link to each day's “Prac Talk” in a 10-year series of audio Metaphysical Talks for CedarS campers, staff and friends. Click here to download this play and buy the rights to put it on for your Sunday School or church as was done after church on Palm Sunday in Minneapolis.]
Mrs. Eddy writes, “Mind's control of the universe, including man, is no longer an open question, but is demonstrable Science. Jesus illustrated the divine Principle and the power of immortal Mind by healing sickness and sin and destroying the foundations of death.” (S-16) S&H171
This account from the Christian Science Journal, April 2002 is most interesting. Virginia Harris was speaking to a Harvard Symposium.
“I'd like to share with you an example of a pediatrician in Southern California who found the essence of the writings of Mary Baker Eddy a help in an emergency. … He e-mailed me the following account: “As you know, I am a very scientific Jewish physician. I have great respect for Mary Baker Eddy's teachings. The teachings that you personally helped me to understand recently saved my life. I have reread many times the written testimonial you presented to a previous Harvard conference, detailing your almost fatal accident. It helped me understand that God is love, God is everywhere, and that we are as connected to God as the rays of the sun are to the sun.
“The ideas in Science and Health have helped me make my belief in God more scientific. And just in time, too, because last summer, a motor boat started suddenly while I was standing on its bow, entangled in a rope that was attached to some sharp rocks. As I was jerked into the water to those rocks, my head came down on the jagged edges. I experienced intense pain while blacking out. But before I lost consciousness, I felt radical reliance on God. Some of the principles from Science and Health provided me the science I needed to create an instant treatment plan for myself. As I lay there, I heard a wonderful, assuring message say to me, ‘Be very still.'
“It took an hour to reach land. At the emergency room, to everyone's surprise, they found very little wrong with me. And all during this time, I never lost sight of my complete, radical reliance upon God. And here I am, three months later, healthy, whole, and for the first time in my life, without fear.
“I know healing miracles occur all the time because patients have been telling me for 35 years, ever since I began practicing medicine. However, this is the first time, at least that I know of, that it has happened to me.” http://www.tfccs.com/spirandhea_vsh_1.jhtml
On March 18, 2011 — shortly after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan–Julia Wade shared the following on her website.
“This song, “Love Is the Reason for Living” was written about a month ago by my composer/husband, Peter Link. This week it has become my prayer in thinking about and praying for our Japanese sisters and brothers.”
Love Is The Reason For Living
Music and Lyrics by Peter Link [Composer and Founder of Watch Fire Music, a website collection of inspirational songs and digital sheet music]
Music and Lyrics by Peter Link [Composer and Founder of Watch Fire Music, a website collection of inspirational songs and digital sheet music]
We dwell in the arena
Of immense conflicting forces
Our lives are swayed by counsel
From a million diff'rent sources
As we near each troubled crossroad
With a rising tide of fear
And wonder what becomes of us
When the tidal waves appear
Of immense conflicting forces
Our lives are swayed by counsel
From a million diff'rent sources
As we near each troubled crossroad
With a rising tide of fear
And wonder what becomes of us
When the tidal waves appear
We cannot help but turn to God
To summon His defense
To stir instead the floodtides of love
His sustenance
His deliverance
To summon His defense
To stir instead the floodtides of love
His sustenance
His deliverance
And so we strip away the falsehood
From the truth of who we are
And commit our lives
To innocence once again
From the truth of who we are
And commit our lives
To innocence once again
Love is the answer
Love is every answer
Love is God forgiving
Love is the reason for living
Yes love is the reason
For living
Love is every answer
Love is God forgiving
Love is the reason for living
Yes love is the reason
For living
We long to stand the summit
In the pinnacles of Spirit
Where death no longer finds us
No and we no longer fear it
And the light of life surrounds us
With its infinite embrace
And Love pervades our consciousness
And evokes its change of base
In the pinnacles of Spirit
Where death no longer finds us
No and we no longer fear it
And the light of life surrounds us
With its infinite embrace
And Love pervades our consciousness
And evokes its change of base
Love is the answer
Love is every answer
Love is God life-giving
Love is the reason for living
Yes love is the reason
For living
Love is every answer
Love is God life-giving
Love is the reason for living
Yes love is the reason
For living
Regardless of whether our patient is ourselves, a loved one, a heartbroken family member, or individuals in a far corner of the world, isn't it the greatest comfort to know that the Comforter continues to speak to human thought and inspire us with healing truths like Peter's song above or the inspiration of the Comforter that saves from a life-threatening accident. This inspiring voice of the Comforter is always a voice of victory.
Citation S22 states “The victory will be on the patient's side only as immortal Mind through Christ, Truth, subdues the human belief in disease.” Citation S23 summarizes: “Truth is always the victor.”
Section 5: Paul outlines a God worth knowing!
Oh, how I love the way Paul speaks of a God that is so close to our daily existence, “For in him we live, and move and have our being;” (B20) Acts. 17
Oh, how I love the way Paul speaks of a God that is so close to our daily existence, “For in him we live, and move and have our being;” (B20) Acts. 17
[It's comforting to know that] “As mortals gain more correct views of God and man, multitudinous objects of creation, which before were invisible, will become visible. When we realize that Life is Spirit, never in nor of matter, this understanding will expand into self-completeness, finding all in God, good, and needing no other consciousness.” (S25) S&H 264
How important is our view of God in relation to our view of the universe.
I remember a night of camping out with a friend from Junior High School. We had decided to sleep on the trampoline bed at a friend's house. As we were looking at the night sky, he told about how scared he was of what might be out there, monsters, aliens, etc. I remember in my youthful certainty answering his questions quite boldly. My argument was quite simple. I was certain that God is and that God is Love. I was certain that God created the universe and all included. And I reasoned that anyone expressing the intelligence to fly all the way to us would also be creations of this “Good” God. So I was not afraid.
- Years later I put some of these ideas into healing practice. After giving a lecture in Colombia I was approached by a young man who was terrified to live. It seemed in every moment of his day he was terribly afraid. As we talked further he described an experience where he felt that he along with others in his village believed that they had been visited and examined by creatures from another planet. I have to tell you I was really praying as to how I could best help. Did I have to believe every word he said? What did I have to know? And then suddenly it became clear. I only needed to talk about the nature of God as I understood it. Like Paul I tried to speak of the God that I knew is the very source of all existence. A God that is Good and only good, and that is Love. A God that is the Father-Mother of the universe. As our Leader writes in S&H, page 519: “Thus the ideas of God in universal being are complete and forever expressed, for Science reveals infinity and the fatherhood and motherhood of Love.” (S24) Not just my Father-Mother God, but the understanding of God as the only Father-Mother of the universe. As it was stated in Section 3 (S14) “The universe of Spirit is peopled with spiritual beings, and its government is divine Science.” And isn't the divine Science we know the Science of Christ, the Science of Love!
Section 6: Let the universe praise God in all glory.
It is clear that we are surrounded with infinite diversity, big and small. But in its right view it must be good because it is of God, the all Good.
It is clear that we are surrounded with infinite diversity, big and small. But in its right view it must be good because it is of God, the all Good.
Many years ago when our oldest, Noah, was a baby there was a tiny little fly being a real pest. It was tormenting Noah to no end. As Noah lay in his bed, the fly kept buzzing him. At first I grabbed for a fly swatter. And then a simple thought occurred, “All of God's creatures moving in the harmony of Science …” (S&H 514:28) This was not harmony! This was conflict. So I just said, “Little fellow come with me.” And then I shepherded him with my hand, opened the window, and to my complete, and profound amazement he flew out like an obedient little pet. I know, very little thing, but I cannot tell you how many times I have since demonstrated the very same presence of the “law of harmony” regarding God's creatures.
The whole paragraph follows:
S&H 514:26
“Understanding the control which Love held over all, Daniel felt safe in the lions' den, and Paul proved the viper to be harmless. All of God's creatures, moving in the harmony of Science, are harmless, useful, indestructible. A realization of this grand verity was a source of strength to the ancient worthies. It supports Christian healing, and enables its possessor to emulate the example of Jesus. “And God saw that it was good.”
“Understanding the control which Love held over all, Daniel felt safe in the lions' den, and Paul proved the viper to be harmless. All of God's creatures, moving in the harmony of Science, are harmless, useful, indestructible. A realization of this grand verity was a source of strength to the ancient worthies. It supports Christian healing, and enables its possessor to emulate the example of Jesus. “And God saw that it was good.”
MISC .190
“Atomic action is Mind, not matter. It is neither the
energy of matter, the result of organization, nor the outcome
of life infused into matter: it is infinite Spirit, Truth,
Life, defiant of error or matter. Divine Science demonstrates
Mind as dispelling a false sense and giving the
true sense of itself, God, and the universe; wherein the
mortal evolves not the immortal, nor does the material
ultimate in the spiritual; wherein man is coexistent with
Mind, and is the recognized reflection of infinite Life and
Love.”
“Atomic action is Mind, not matter. It is neither the
energy of matter, the result of organization, nor the outcome
of life infused into matter: it is infinite Spirit, Truth,
Life, defiant of error or matter. Divine Science demonstrates
Mind as dispelling a false sense and giving the
true sense of itself, God, and the universe; wherein the
mortal evolves not the immortal, nor does the material
ultimate in the spiritual; wherein man is coexistent with
Mind, and is the recognized reflection of infinite Life and
Love.”
[CEDARS weekly “Mets” or Metaphysical Newsletters, Possible Sunday School Topics (PSSTs) and Possible Younger Class Lessons (PYCLs) are all provided at no charge to the 1,200 campers and staff blessed each summer at CEDARS–as well as to thousands of CEDARS alumni, families, Sunday School teachers and friends who find these “Mets”, PSSTs and PYCLs weekly on our website or through CS Directory. We need generous contributions ASAP to complete our new Bible Time Travelers Trail and other fun additions to Bible Lands Park before Opening Day. Other CedarS needs are spelled out at http://www.cedarscamps.org/giving/ . Just click here to use a credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card) or a virtual check to make monthly and one-time donations to CedarS' funds that support spiritual growth. International supporters can give to CedarS via PayPal using built-in currency exchange rates by filling in an amount under International Donors and clicking on the “Donate Online” button.
Please help fulfill our mission by telling every “un-camped” family you know about CedarS! We'll gladly send them–and you–a DVD and more to help get them to camp – including info on: CedarS programs for all ages; session dates & rates; online enrollment info; transportation; financial aid forms; & more.]
Please help fulfill our mission by telling every “un-camped” family you know about CedarS! We'll gladly send them–and you–a DVD and more to help get them to camp – including info on: CedarS programs for all ages; session dates & rates; online enrollment info; transportation; financial aid forms; & more.]
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[Camp Director's Note: This sharing is the latest in an ongoing, 11-year series of CedarS Bible Lesson “Mets” (Metaphysical application ideas) contributed weekly by a rotation of CedarS Resident Practitioners and occasionally by other metaphysicians. (Ask and look for “Possible Sunday School Topics “and “Possible Younger Class Lessons” in subsequent emails.) These weekly offerings are intended to encourage further study and application of ideas in the lesson and to invigorate Sunday School participation by students and by the budding teachers on our staff. Originally sent JUST to my Sunday School students and to campers, staff and CedarS families who wanted to continue at home and in their home Sunday Schools the same type of focused Lesson study, application and inspiration they had felt at camp, CedarS lesson “mets”and Sunday School ideas are in no way meant to be definitive or conclusive or in any way a substitute for daily study of the lesson. The thoughts presented are the inspiration of the moment and are offered to give a bit more dimension and background as well as new angles (and angels) on the daily applicability of some of the ideas and passages being studied. The weekly Bible Lessons are copyrighted by the Christian Science Publishing Society and are printed in the Christian Science Quarterly as available at Christian Science Reading Rooms or online at eBibleLesson.com or myBibleLesson.com. The citations referenced (i.e.B-1 and S-28) from this week's Bible Lesson in the “Met” (Metaphysical application ideas) are taken from the Bible (B-1 thru B-24) and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy (S-1 thru S-30). The Bible and Science and Health are the ordained pastor of the Churches of Christ, Scientist. The Bible Lesson is the sermon read in Christian Science church services throughout the world. The Lesson-Sermon speaks individually through the Christ to everyone, providing unique insights and tailor-made applications for each one. We are glad you requested this metaphysical sharing and hope that you find some of the ideas helpful in your daily spiritual journey, in your deeper digging in the books and in closer bonding with your Comforter and Pastor.]
Enjoy! Warren Huff, Executive Director director@cedarscamps.org
[PSST: Find sing-able solutions … answers in hymns.]
Possible Sunday School Topics for the Christian Science Bible Lesson, June 19, 2011
“Is the Universe, Including Man, Evolved by Atomic Force?”
by Merrill Boudreaux, St. Louis, Missouri, Merrill.Boudreaux@prin.edu
For this week's lesson you might want to try a different approach with me. [Other possible approaches will follow.] Below is a listing of hymns from The Christian Science Hymnal. It may be best to share with your students from the words-only version to seek inspiration from the words first. Of course, you may choose to sing a few of them, but that is not the priority.
Ask students to read each hymn looking for answers to the question posed as this week's lesson [“Is the Universe, Including Man, Evolved by Atomic Force?”] and affirmed in the Golden Text.
Feel free to arrange the hymns in any order [and to copy more words] from your own inspiration. I have provided the order from my own inspiration. Enjoy.
Hymn 45: “… the wondrous heavens, Thy handiwork, the moon and stars hast Thou ordained.”
Hymn 124: “…that hand which bears creation up shall guard His children well. …
I drop my burden at His feet and bear a song away.”
Hymn 130: “…Thou holdest all things in Thy sight … The whole creation owns Thy power.”
Hymn 204: “…
Hymn 282: “…
Hymn 384: “…
Hymn 30: “…
Hymn 51: “…
Hymn 53: “…
Hymn 66: “…
Hymn 72: “…
Hymn 213: “…
Hymn 1: “…
[PYCLS: Circle Singing (C.S.); bouncy balls, “nuts-&-bolts” illustrations! Lots of examples!]
Possible Younger Class Lessons for the Christian Science Bible Lesson for June 19, 2011 “Is the Universe, Including Man, Evolved by Atomic Force?”
by Kerry Jenkins, CS, House Springs, MO kerry.helen.jenkins@gmail.com (314) 406-0041 [with Warren Huff titles, italics]
[PCYL: Discuss the essence of the lesson-that nothing can separate us from God.]
The essence of the lesson this week, as I see it of course, is that there is nothing like God-no force claiming to be all-powerful -be it atomic, evolutionary, gravitational, or mortal (deadly), that can separate us from God. Once we grasp even some of this truth, we find ourselves being able to act in opposition to the so-called “laws” of matter which include the atom and all its actions.
[PCYL: Begin a look at the nature of God as the all and only power!]
So from here, where do we go with younger children that don't know or care about atoms or even atomic force? With the littler ones, under about third grade at least, I'd say that you'd probably lose their interest immediately if you discussed much about atomic force or the history behind Mrs. Eddy's choice of this topic. But you have the door wide open to begin a look at the nature of God as the all and only power! It may look as if there are opposing powers such as those named above–and we have those examples in the lesson and thousands more in both the Bible and Science and Health that were overcome, but really it is only God that wields power and not matter at all. We prove this through healing in opposition to material law. Elisha proved it by causing an ax head to float. Jesus proved it by raising the woman's son to life. Mrs. Eddy proved it by healing and by articulating these laws of God so that others could more effectively heal like the Master Christ Jesus, in opposition to material law.
[PCYL: SING! And discuss the meaning of being “In God’s circle of Love!”]
With the very youngest classes it could be fun to do some singing. You may have your favorite children's songs for illustrating God's all-power. But some that my kids have loved over the years are: “We're in God's Circle of Love”. In this song you can stand up, join hands and circle around (as you might in “ring around the rosies” but more slowly. And you sing “We're in God's circle of love, we're in God's circle of love. God's arms are around us, no error confounds us, we're in God's circle of love!” If you don't know the tune, make it up or ask the kids if they know the tune. These tunes were all made up by someone, so why not you? You can talk about how a circle represents infinity and that God's circle encompasses all and everyone, so His goodness necessarily does as well. Can we get outside that circle at night? By falling down? When we aren't feeling well? How do you feel when you are snuggled in mom's or dad's arms? This is the kind of safety and care that God has for us, only even more powerful! There are of course other favorites right from the hymnal, “Shepherd Show Me…” [304] “O Gentle Presence” [207] (the kids know them by their first lines not their real titles!) [This poem/prayer/hymn by Mrs. Eddy entitled] “Mother's Evening Prayer” [Hymn 207] has some really great examples of the allness of God and His power. Maybe you could work together to learn some of the verses. If they need to get up and move around, try circling some more while you sing. Would they enjoy learning a couple of songs and then singing them near the end of Sunday School for an older class? There are a number of recordings in the Reading Room for kids, and you could choose a fun song or two that illustrate these ideas, play them for the kids and learn them together with the idea perhaps of sharing them sometime, either with the Sunday School or maybe in the future with parents briefly after church if they think that sounds like fun. It's not important to perform them or anything, it's just that it may help them to have a goal that they look forward to. [Many younger classes will be familiar with Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” in which the “Whos down in Whoville” illustrated spiritual sense and C.S. (Circle Singing). They refuse to cry about the Grinch stealing their Christmas presents and instead stand hand to hand singing about all they have to be grateful for-for each other and the true meaning of giving and of Christmas. As a Sunday School class and as a family of Christian Scientists, we have much to circle up and sing about with spiritual sense despite any appearances of loss, lack or imperfection.]
[PCYL: Talk about evolution! And the ultimate goal of overcoming limitation!]
In a way, I jest about this, since these younger classes probably won't know what evolution is. But you could take the opportunity to describe it briefly and see what Mrs. Eddy has to say about it. I see it as a fairly interesting explanation for material development, what are the weaknesses of accepting this as our heritage though? What does this lesson say about spiritual evolution? Citation S27 and 28 are great sources for this discussion. And citation S10 sums it up very well… “Spiritual evolution alone is worthy of the exercise of divine power.” The reason I suggest discussing briefly Darwin's version of evolution, is that it is helpful to contrast it with spiritual evolution. This is an evolution that is causing the creative process to continually appear to man and not separately from divine Mind, but because of divine Mind. It means that we don't have to wait thousands, millions or billions of years to see God's creation and its perfection or to experience real change in our lives; we can open our thought to and experience divine evolution right now. Spiritual evolution doesn't start with “atoms” as building blocks, or “cells”, and wait for division and gradual maturity or evolution influenced by material circumstances. Man's existence doesn't grow gradually from matter and “separate” from our mother by birth and then fend for ourselves ultimately. Rather, we are a constant emanation from the Divine. We are continuously tapped into the infinite creative source, Mind! Then you can talk about what this means practically. Of course we can “perform” our human tasks better, with less limitation-sports, school, artistic endeavors, etc. But what is our ultimate goal in overcoming limitation? Don't we want to really feel the power of infinite Mind in our experience on a regular basis–feel a confidence that comes from knowing that we have a spiritual, real, safe being that is maintained by our Father-Mother, and be able to lose any fear that our lives are fragile or endangered by powers other than God? Maybe this is too lofty for this age, but I'm sure that ideas will come from the kids to help bring it to their experience in a significant way. As always, a healing example will help.
[PCYL: Floating metal? … plus bouncy balls & “nuts-and-bolts” illustrations!]
Certainly read together the floating ax head story. What other stories in the Bible illustrate this variance from the laws of gravity? The obvious one would be Jesus walking on water; are there any others? When we have healings of injuries from falls, or impact, these are illustrations of overcoming matter laws of gravity, so maybe the story of Eutychus falling from the third loft? (This is a “two for one” as the story also illustrates the power of God over the belief in mortality or death!) I'm sure you can think of your own examples from the Bible and from your own experience. [Warren: I had a quick healing from a major fall thanks to a Christian Science practitioner sharing that gravity could only work with two material objects-the lighter mass being attracted to the heavier one (earth). This so-called attraction has no effect when you see that you and the earth are not material objects but are actually spiritual ideas! Here’s a related illustration with a metaphysical point: You could share in class that the harder a ball is thrown down the higher it bounces. (A ping-pong ball should not damage anyone or anything.) In the crucifixion Jesus experienced the hardest “throw-down” and in the resurrection and ascension the highest “bounce-back”!] [Back to this week’s lesson:] Why was it important to get that ax head back and why this way? These are the sorts of questions I ask myself too! What were Elisha's motives in accompanying these “sons of prophets” to a new dwelling, and why did they ask him to come? It's wonderful to think about some of the underlying reasons behind these stories. I often turn to the thought that when we are doing something that is good, that is, “of God”, then we can always expect that these laws are constantly in operation for us that we have divine authority to expect healing! (Actually, these laws are always in operation, but we usually have a hard time experiencing their benefits when we are [thinking and therefore] working in opposition to them!) You could also share this story with younger classes and drop a piece of metal (a nut or bolt would work), into a bowl of water to illustrate what usually happens. They may not assume that the metal wouldn't float after all! Then talk about how God's laws are above the so-called human laws and that we have divine authority, that is, God's power, to see His laws in operation whenever we have need to! [Warren: An expansion of Kerry’s hands-on, “nuts-and-bolts” illustration is possible if you have access to a good hardware store. Ask for a plastic nut and bolt (like for a toilet seat) of about the same size as a metal nut and bolt and show how the plastic pieces float while the metal ones sink (without the intervention of divine law). You could also bring in a magnet to show how the metal pieces (that are mined from the earth) are attracted while plastic, wood, feathers… and we as ideas are not attracted magnetically. You might think of this as an example of handling animal (and ax-ial) magnetism early-and often-“promptly and persistently”. S&H 273:29]
[PCYL: Young man in Nain healed, mother saved. Give examples, examples examples!!!]
This story is not only about the power of God to overcome the supposed force of death, but also about God's power to save and maintain the mother. In our current climate in this country and most others, we don't think of widows and childless (or “sonless”) as necessarily without means, but this was not really the case back then. You can touch on this history to set the stage for this healing. Are there other examples of this demonstrated power in the Bible? How about the widow with the two sons that were being taken from her because of her husband's debt? [I Kings 4] Talk about a healing that violated the laws of matter! Elisha had her and her sons borrow a bunch of empty vessels and fill them all with oil from one vessel of the same size as the others, then sell the oil to pay her debt! Another widow with a son fed Elijah when he asked even though she had only a “handful of meal” and a little oil. They ended up eating that meal for many, many days until the drought was ended and she was able to prosper in the usual ways. The story of Ruth is a wonderful one to illustrate this idea, remember she had to go after the harvesters and pick up whatever was left behind so that she and Naomi didn't starve to death. I could go on, but you get the picture and all these stories are wonderful. Do these kinds of things happen today? Examples, examples examples!!! Draw on the periodicals too if you wish!
[PCYL: The heavens declare His glory! As do students appreciating God’s wonders & beauty]
There are many references to the glories of God's creation as we see it in nature around us. There is nothing wrong with enjoying and appreciating natural beauty around us! Talk about how God is glorified in our appreciation of beauty. Aren't we opening our thought up to Good by being appreciative, seeing beauty, relishing the sights, sounds, architecture, weather, etc? How should we go about “praising” God? What does that mean to us? If you are in a camp setting maybe this is an ideal time to have a “walking” Sunday School class and talk about what the beauty you see signifies spiritually. You can even talk about reflection when looking into a body of water, about growth when looking at leaves on trees-how they convert sunlight into food-what does that symbolize spiritually? What about the beautiful flowers, how do they “know” what color to be, what shape to make their petals, do they care if anyone sees them? As we practice seeing this kind of beauty we can get better at seeing our fellow man more accurately too! What kind of power does this point to? After all we are talking about spiritual power in this lesson, isn't it amazing that spiritual power cares about the beauty surrounding us? Give the students “jobs”, so that they take the initiative if you are out walking. Maybe one wants to talk about the sun, one wants to talk about the lake/creek/body of water, and one wants to talk about flowers. Give them time to come up with ideas and don't “rescue” them too soon; they will learn more and appreciate the opportunity more!
Have a great time contemplating divine evolution and power!
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