The contrasting structure to which this singular duality applies is found in the lower three rows of the matrix.  The lower three rows of the matrix can be understood to correspond to the three stages that Mary Baker Eddy has defined in her translation of the concept of "mortal mind."  The uppermost part of this three level structure is defined in the textbook as "understanding," while the lowest is defined as "depravity."  The in between level is defined as "transitional."

In the confrontational model that defines the mortal world corresponds to this three part transition oriented model.  The middle element of the translation of mortal mind, of course, defines the transitional qualities by which one can regress downwards, or progress upwards.  For this reason, the functionally equivalent three rows of the matrix can be divided into two equal, functionally contrasting parts.  A mirrored duality comes to light in the form of a lower and a higher domain.  The central elements of the in between row, therefore, are all being shared by the two contrasting, mirrored, domains.  This sharing gives us a single entry point into the translation process from which one progress or regress.  It is here where the duality of those extremely unique dual definitions comes into play.  Although these dually defined terms stand as a single definition, they become reflected in both the upper and lower domain according to their duality.  In the upwards oriented context, the concept of "Temple," for instance, can be perceived as the shrine of Love, the superstructure of Truth.  In the downward oriented context the same concept of 'temple' takes on a totally different meaning where it is perceived as a material superstructure where mortals congregate for worship.

In the matrix relationship one sees a perfect reason why the duality of these terms cannot be divided because they must serve the function of a dual gateway to both the upper and the lower domains, depending on one's point of reference.  All, this, of course has already been described in Volume 5 of the book series.  It needs to be restated, however, because of its immediate importance to daily experiences.

A friend had alerted this author that the cover of Mary Baker Eddy's book, "Christ and Christmas," (the book that presents the outline of the matrix in metaphor) contains a large, seven sided, star that is surrounded by 56 rays of light.  The significance of this number is, that it is divisible by seven to represent the seven days of creation.  It is further significant that the division of the three lower rows of the matrix, into the earlier described two contrasting domains, creates a mirrored structure that is made up of 56 definition each (the central elements of the middle row are shared in this counting as they serve as gateways to both domains).  The discovery provided a profound verification in metaphor, of the dual domain confrontational structure that had been previously recognized to exist.

Still, there remains one more unique type of dual definition to be focused on.  It is a dual definition of absolutes that cannot be expanded.  The only example of this type to be found in the Glossary is that for the term "SON." At first glance one would recognize a triple definition to exist for the term, because Mary Baker Eddy did provide three definitions for it, presented in three separate sentences.  Two of these stand in contrast to each other, but they also have a unique relationship to the third.  The three definitions are as follows:
80
.1.  The Son of God, the Messiah or Christ.
.2.  The son of man, the offspring of the flesh."
.3.  "Son of a year."
81
The third concept is given in quotation marks.  One can find a reference to it in an article called "Bible Lessons," in which Mary Baker Eddy points out that in Hebrew language a calendar month is sometimes referred to as "son of a year."*(Miscellaneous Writings p.180)  She also points out that this concept can be applied to man in both, the higher, and the lower meaning.  In this context, she presents the phrase "son of a year" not as a third definition of the term, but as a modifier that applies to both the higher and lower meaning of the term "son."

Next Page

|| - page index - || - chapter index - || - Exit - ||

Stories about War from novels by Rolf A. F. Witzsche