Thursday, August 16, 2012

~SECRET-GARDEN MUSINGS




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"To those leaning on the sustaining infinite,
 to-day is big with blessings."
~Mary Baker Eddy~

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I first heard of Mary Baker Eddy through an article about one of my favorite books: The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett, which is considered to be a classic of children's literature (though it's one of those books that people of any age can appreciate and enjoy ☺).  Supposedly, Burnett had an interest in Christian Science, and this served as inspiration for her book. 

In researching Christian Science a bit, I learned that Eddy fully believed in miraculous, faith-driven healing, and that is refreshing (and biblical--see my posts in the "healing" category on this blog).  But, I also read the following statement on the Christian Science website under the "Common Confusions" subheader: "Christian Science teaches that it’s never God's will for anyone to suffer, be sick, or die. Instead, it shows how God is entirely good, and therefore His will for each of us is only health and life."  This made me stop in my tracks, as I immediately thought of the thorn which God impressed upon His servant Paul (see 2 Corinthians 12:7-9).  Some think this thorn was a demon (see Saul's trial in 1 Samuel 16:14-23), while others think it was some sort of physical ailment; regardless, it was physical and/or emotional distress, i.e., lack of wellness.  If the thorn was indeed a demon, I suppose that doesn't necessarily mean that Paul was emotionally unwell, but he was suffering, and that suffering was not only allowed by God, it was instigated by Him.

I think many would say that, not only does God not object to illness, He sometimes uses it to bring about His purposes in the unwell person's life or even in others' lives.  It does bear noting that illness is not necessarily indicative of the presence of sin (see John 9:1-3).  Illness (along with other hardships) is a part of life and is a catalyst for countless superior qualities being built in believers (see Romans 5:1-5).  The Bible makes it clear that there will be a time of complete wellness, but that time will not take place on this earth (see Revelation 21:1-5).  Even if illness and other trials were never a necessity in spurring on someone's salvation or sanctification, I can't help but feel like God would have us all experience at least a bit of them, if only for the simple fact that rainbows seem all the more beautiful because they come after the rain.  Or, as Nichole Nordeman sings, "How would I know the morning, if I knew not midnight?"  

I must say that I've enjoyed reading about Eddy, and her connection to one of my favorite stories is oh-so-interesting.  I'm not sure exactly how the author's knowledge of Christian Science colors the work.  There is quite a mish-mash of different belief systems in it.  The character of Mary is a "great believer in Magic."  She (and later Colin as well) employ the word "Magic" (always capitalized) to describe the mystery of nature and the miracle of growing things and of healing/renewal.  You'll find the bulk of this towards the end of the book, starting in Chapter 21.  In fact, Chapter 23 is entitled "Magic."  The two children feel there is something wonderful in their secret garden, and they decide to call it "Magic."  Mary asserts, "It's Magic...but not black.  It's as white as snow."  Also, Colin speaks of Mary having worked a spell, which he feels contributed to his improving health.  Mary refers to Dickon being able to "charm" animals and people.  Mary lived in India (before moving to England at beginning of the book), and mention is made of fakirs; in an attempt to try and figure out how to cause this "Magic" to continue manifesting, Mary recounts, "I once heard an officer in India tell my mother that there were fakirs who said words over and over thousands of times."  

More tides start to converge when Dickon tries to compare and contrast this "Magic" he's so excited about with science.  The character of the elderly Ben Weatherstaff brings Christianity into the picture.  Mary and Colin decide to sit in a circle and try to conjure up the "Magic."  Mention is made of a temple, a charmer's signal, a High Priest, a Rajah, dervishes, chanting, and incantations.  Also, Colin is described as looking like "a strange spirit boy."  In the midst of all of this ceremony, old Ben "felt as if he had somehow been lead into appearing at a prayer meeting."  He goes on to say that he is very against prayer meetings.  It is revealed that at some point he was in a church choir.  He refers to the discourse at the children's "Magic" ceremony as a "sermon," and Colin tells him that he's not in church.  In Chapter 26, Ben suggests to Colin that he could express his joy over his renewed health by singing the Doxology, and Colin asks him what it is.  Ben explains, "They sing it i' church...Mother says she believes th' skylarks sings it when they gets up i' th' morning."  Colin says that he has never gone to church due to his confinement/ill health.  He then compares the Doxology to the "Magic," while Ben admits that he has never had much appreciation for it.  

The character of Dickon's mother then enters into the mix.  Colin asks her if she believes in "Magic," and she says she does.  She goes on to clarify, "I never knowed it by that name but what does th' name matter?...it's th' Good Thing."  She also refers to this "thing" they're discussing as  "th' Joy Maker."         

The Secret Garden is a touching story of childhood friendship, the descriptions of nature are exquisite, and the characterizations are rich.  I think the book is a beautiful work of art with much to appreciate.  At times the glut of "Magical" musings toward the end seem to weigh down the story and take away from the simplicity of it.  I suppose this mystical element actually serves as a valuable lesson and lends insight into children's search for meaning.  It is an impulse that can be very strong--to know and understand the truth of things--even at a very young age.

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Additional Resources:
~I found it interesting that on the Christian Science website, God is referred to as "Father-Mother" (see the "What is God?" subheader).  I feel that God's identity resides in the masculine and that terms and titles such as "Mother" would have been included in the Bible if He had desired to be depicted in that manner (though an analogy of mother-love is used to paint a picture of His love for us in Isaiah 49:15).

~The quotation at the beginning of this post is the first sentence of the preface to, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, which is the textbook of Christian Science. It's available online at Project Gutenberg.


*Image reblogged

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Thursday, August 2, 2012

~VERSE FOR THE DAY




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"God cares, cares right down to the last detail."
~James 5:11 (MSG)~

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