Omnipotence ALBERT F. GILMORE, CSB          Mrs. Eddy was the most cogent writer of all time; her statements invariably arrest the attention of her readers. Above all others, she was able to present a compelling truth in fewest words: as an epigrammatist, she has no equal. On page 412 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" we find a characteristic statement which is nothing less than startling in its import. "The power of Christian Science and divine Love is omnipotent," she declares. Manifestly, omnipotent power, the All-power, can have no opposition — no antagonist, no contender; and this alone power — divine Love — is available through Christian Science. How important are her words!          As workers in Christian Science, we are confronted with many claims to power which in their potency and threatening aspects are, to material sense, little less than terrifying. But our Leader, finding in the Love which is divine, power which transcends all the seeming power of mortal belief, assures us that through our understanding of divine Science we may utilize this Omnipotence in destroying all contrary claims which present themselves. The questions confronting us, then, are: What use are we making of Omnipotence? Are we utilizing our understanding of the divine All-power to destroy the claims of evil? The answers to these questions in some degree determine our spiritual status and our alertness to our duty as Christian metaphysicians. All will agree that an important phase of our obligation as Christian Scientists is, both for ourselves and for those who seek our aid, to correct and destroy the false beliefs with which we are confronted. But does this, however well accomplished, fulfill our obligation? Are we thus doing our whole duty as disciples of the Master and meeting the expectations of our beloved Leader?          There are constantly occurring in the world manifestations of forces which work evil, sometimes in the form of so-called material forces, such as earthquakes, tornadoes, devastating fires, and divers other forms of disaster which may be attributed to objectified material belief; sometimes operating through the channels of human consciousness, when mortals band themselves together for the promotion of selfish gains and what they believe to be their common welfare. Is it not clear that Christian Scientists have a definite duty to perform in respect of both situations? Paul was clear as to the character of the seeming forces with which we struggle — "rulers of the darkness of this world." Should we not undertake to demonstrate the presence and availability of Omnipotence to meet the malevolent claims calling themselves general disaster, as readily as to heal the individual cases of discord which present themselves to us as practitioners for relief? Moreover, not infrequently these disasters are foretold. Physical scientists, physicists and astronomers, may and do assume to foretell the approach of a cataclysm of a given order. Christian Scientists, awake to their responsibility, immediately apply their understanding of Omnipotence; and through that understanding the claims of evil are met and destroyed — claims which seem to human sense to manifest irresistible force.          Let us not be awed by the seeming magnitude of threatened danger. Remember David! From a purely material standpoint he had little prospect of overcoming so ponderous a giant as Goliath. Yet how complete was his victory! Causation is no less mental in respect to natural phenomena than in the experience of mortals, calling itself sickness and sin. All effect is the result of a mental cause. Consequently, nullification of the seeming power of evil is effected by correcting the false beliefs which are the procuring cause of one set of phenomena, just as surely as of another. Let us then utilize the divine power through our spiritual understanding, thus protecting mankind from something of the danger which threatens.          No more does the Christian Scientist, alert to his duty and privilege, sit supinely by, witnessing the forces of evil in their endeavor to overthrow society and destroy the social order. He recognizes in their efforts the attempt of evil to nullify the good which has found expression in the advancing modes of civilization, and he invokes the divine aid in the effort to prove the power of good over evil, thereby, in some degree, establishing the reign of peace which constitutes the kingdom of heaven.          Perhaps one may ask, Am I not exceeding my prerogative in going so far afield in my demonstration? Our Leader has admonished us to destroy the claims of evil whenever confronted by them, and she does not limit our obligation to cases of personal healing. Her words on page 69 of "Miscellaneous Writings" clarify the situation. "Christian Science," she writes, "is the unfolding of true metaphysics; that is, of Mind, or God, and His attributes. Science rests on Principle and demonstration. The Principle of Christian Science is divine. Its rule is, that man shall utilize the divine power."          Note the language, not may, but shall utilize the divine power. As Christian Scientists come more fully to comprehend the meaning of Omnipotence, and as they learn to invoke divine aid in destroying the claims of evil, they not only will aid in proving the words of the Revelator, but will join in the great chorus of rejoicing, which will eventually acclaim the destruction of all evil. "And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." Omnipotence is the only power. Let us learn to utilize this All-power in meeting every claim of evil. Christ Jesus has set the example. Our Leader has shown us the way. Our success will be in proportion to our fidelity.   "Omnipotence" by Albert F. Gilmore, CSB The Christian Science Journal, September, 1926

 

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