|
Chapter 6 - Extended definitions for the rows.The definition of the rows in terms of cardinal points, and that of the columns in terms of sides, is merely a beginning. In the search for more references that add 'shape' to what has been fundamentally defined, we need to look beyond the biblical context of the city foursquare. Mary Baker Eddy used this context merely as a starting point. We need to look at other parts of Mary Baker Eddy's work, which by their nature are clearly connected to the fundamental architecture that the biblical context has now established. For this we need to look for definitions that come as structures made up of four segments, or groups made up of four parts, which by their definition are related to the nature of the rows or to the function of the columns. In search for more definitions, we come up with several groups of additional descriptors. These are found in the Glossary of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. They are uniquely related to the nature of the rows and the columns, which must therefore be seen as parts of the architectural portion of the outline. The additional descriptors, however, are all metaphorical in nature. Mary Baker Eddy wrote at one point that "spiritual teaching must always be by symbols, as Jesus illustrated the truths he taught with the story of the mustard-seed and the prodigal."*(Science and Health, p.575:13) These additional descriptors come in groups of four, according to the four rows and four columns of the matrix. They invite us to take a second look at the "cardinal points" that describe the various rows relating to levels or domains of thought. But once again, before we can profitably look at the Glossary to consider associative structures to the four cardinal points, a quick review may be in order to determine the defined nature of the horizontal domains or levels of thought that the rows of the matrix represent, which we must find additional references for. The four domains are: 01 .1. The Word of Life, Truth, and Love. .2. The Christ, the spiritual idea of God. .3. Christianity, which is the outcome of the divine Principle of the Christ-idea in Christian history. .4. Christian Science, which to-day and forever interprets the great example and the great Exemplar. 81 As we look to the Glossary, we are looking for associative descriptors that support these four main characteristics. The additional descriptors that we are looking for must necessarily be in accord with the underlying order that was architected for the matrix by Mary Baker Eddy's description of the biblical city foursquare. So, let us take a closer look at the rows, therefore. In a matrix, the first row or top level, represents the highest concept presented on the matrix. In our case, the top row is associated with the clearest spiritual concept of reality. Its cardinal point is "The Word of Life, Truth, and Love." This cardinal point identifies the highest domain on the matrix as the domain of the absolute, the domain of the divine, the real. The highest concept of the spiritual absolute has been defined as "The Word of Life, Truth, and Love." The concept of "the Word" also applies to the columns. What does the concept of "The Word" refer to? Is it a command? Or is it a promise like in the case when an honorable person is giving his word for assurance of compliance? Or is it a statement of fact? Perhaps all three aspects are intended to be brought into focus when considering the cardinal point "The Word of Life, Truth, and Love." We may see it as a command, a promise, or a scientific fact, depending on the standpoint from which it is seen. The terms Life, Truth, and Love, pertain directly to God since they are capitalized to represent the absolute. They must therefore be seen to define absolute concepts - immortality, spiritual light, power, substance, good - which altogether give us some idea of the nature of God. The highest domain of the matrix, that they pertain to, thus becomes our spiritual resource for metaphysical healing. It represents Truth. No metaphysical healing can take place without this resource. In divine Science God is All-in-all. There is no other self-existence that is causative in real terms, which could be used as a resource for healing. || - page index - || - chapter index - || - Exit - ||
|
