1961 Address:
Spirit vs. Matter
Communism
The Five Phases of Prayer

1962 Address:
The Beatitudes
Infinitesimals
Our Youth Program

1963 Address:
The Depths of Being
The Lord’s Prayer

In his 1961  address under “The Five Phases of Prayer”, Mr. Rieke says:

“When we pray the prayer of petition we need to rejoice that God, the all-hearing Mind, hears our prayer, and He answers our prayer from His storehouse of spiritual abundance. Our Master said: “Believe that ye receive what ye ask for in prayer.” When petitioning God, we must make sure we do not do too much talking. That’s not polite. We must silently listen for God’s answer, with absolute confidence that the right answer is always there. It is often well to begin our prayer with a sincere expression of the desires of our hearts.”

In his 1962 address under “Infinitesimals”, Mr. Rieke says:

“Because we are thinking rightly about the infinitesimals, the atoms, the molecules, the thought of the world is beginning to change and to see the truth about the basic reality of all phenomena. This year I had the opportunity to read three papers written by Donald Hatch Andrews, professor of chemistry at John Hopkins University. I would like to share a few of his observations. He says, ‘Today there is a new element of hope with us, because this same science which has given us atomic power, has also given us atomic vision. Through the microscope, the spectroscope, and the telescope, we are getting an entirely new view of the basic realities of which both the universe and we ourselves are made. And we are making the startling discovery that, in a word, the basic reality of our universe is not matter but music.'”

In his 1963 address under “The Depths of Being”, Mr. Rieke says:

Do you go over your lesson every day? Someone once said, “Yes, she goes right over her lesson like an airplane flying high over the earth.”

Do you go through your lesson every day? The comment was made, “Yes, he goes through it — like a lead bullet.” I would rather have you read just one section a day and dig deep — be a thorough researcher — than to have you scratch the surface six times a week.

The poet Pope once wrote, “Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring.” Don’t be a shallow Christian Scientist; be thorough in your study and application. In our whole movement there is a great need for thoroughness, research in depth.

By giving us the seven synonymous terms for God, Life, Truth, Love, Spirit, Soul, Principle and Mind, our Leader has truly defined the depths of the Supreme Being, the profundity of existence. Let us consider each of these synonymous terms this morning, and dig a little deeper to find the true God.

1961 Address:
Spirit vs. Matter
Communism
The Five Phases of Prayer

1962 Address:
The Beatitudes
Infinitesimals
Our Youth Program

1963 Address:
The Depths of Being
The Lord’s Prayer

In his 1961  address under “The Five Phases of Prayer”, Mr. Rieke says:

“When we pray the prayer of petition we need to rejoice that God, the all-hearing Mind, hears our prayer, and He answers our prayer from His storehouse of spiritual abundance. Our Master said: “Believe that ye receive what ye ask for in prayer.” When petitioning God, we must make sure we do not do too much talking. That’s not polite. We must silently listen for God’s answer, with absolute confidence that the right answer is always there. It is often well to begin our prayer with a sincere expression of the desires of our hearts.”

In his 1962 address under “Infinitesimals”, Mr. Rieke says:

“Because we are thinking rightly about the infinitesimals, the atoms, the molecules, the thought of the world is beginning to change and to see the truth about the basic reality of all phenomena. This year I had the opportunity to read three papers written by Donald Hatch Andrews, professor of chemistry at John Hopkins University. I would like to share a few of his observations. He says, ‘Today there is a new element of hope with us, because this same science which has given us atomic power, has also given us atomic vision. Through the microscope, the spectroscope, and the telescope, we are getting an entirely new view of the basic realities of which both the universe and we ourselves are made. And we are making the startling discovery that, in a word, the basic reality of our universe is not matter but music.'”

In his 1963 address under “The Depths of Being”, Mr. Rieke says:

Do you go over your lesson every day? Someone once said, “Yes, she goes right over her lesson like an airplane flying high over the earth.”

Do you go through your lesson every day? The comment was made, “Yes, he goes through it — like a lead bullet.” I would rather have you read just one section a day and dig deep — be a thorough researcher — than to have you scratch the surface six times a week.

The poet Pope once wrote, “Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring.” Don’t be a shallow Christian Scientist; be thorough in your study and application. In our whole movement there is a great need for thoroughness, research in depth.

By giving us the seven synonymous terms for God, Life, Truth, Love, Spirit, Soul, Principle and Mind, our Leader has truly defined the depths of the Supreme Being, the profundity of existence. Let us consider each of these synonymous terms this morning, and dig a little deeper to find the true God.

Includes: Course in Divinity,
Instruction in Metaphysics,
Watches, Prayers, and Arguments, and
Gilbert Carpenter’s Collectanea
Concordance to The Blue Book

Compiled by Richard Oakes

1958 Address:
Omniscience of God
Omnipresence of God

1959 Address:
The Word Was Made Flesh
The Allness of Spirit
Our Supply Part 1
Our Supply Part 2

1960 Address:
Heredity
Environment
Prayer
Spiritual Lessons Learned from Bible Stories
Government

In his 1958  address under “Omiscience of God”, Mr. Rieke says:

“There are four simple approaches in the practice of Christian Science. They are the omnipotence, omnipresence, omniscience, and omni-action of God. As we realize the omnipotence of good we see that evil has no power. As we recognize the omnipresence of good we see that evil has no presence. By understanding the omni-activity of good we see that evil cannot act, function, or operate. Through the clear discernment of the omniscience of good we recognize that there is no knowledge of evil. Today I would like to discuss with you the omniscience of God or good, and the application of this great truth to the solution of human problems.”

“In your practice of Christian Science be careful as to what you are thinking when you say that God heals sickness. If you mean that the divine Mind is constantly revealing the perfection of being, and thus demonstrating that there is no sickness, you are scientifically correct. But if there is a lingering thought that God is somehow doing something to sickness, even to the extent of destroying it, you are on the wrong track. As far as God is concerned disease is not even something to be destroyed, for the Mind of God is all good.”

In his 1959 address under “The Word Was Made Flesh”, Mr. Rieke says:

“Now this is a very important subject about which we must be clear. For if we think of the identity or individuality of our Master and Wayshower as being born into matter, then we find that we are thinking that we too are born into matter or material flesh. And then of course we find ourselves subject to material laws, rules, and regulations. But if we accept the eternal truth that our Wayshower was never born into material flesh, but rather that the Word, the perfect idea of infinite good, was made outwardly manifest in the life of our beloved Master, then you will find it easier for you to think of yourself not as a material creature, but as the substantial outward manifestation of infinite good.”

In his 1960 address under “Heredity and Environment”, Mr. Rieke says:

“For centuries there has been a lively discussion as to the part that heredity and environment play in determining the nature and condition of an individual. Children often resemble their parents — not only in appearance, but in their emotions — even in the way they talk. There is a persistent argument that our natures are determined by human heredity. Most people accept these suggestions, consciously or unconsciously, without much protest. They think, like father like son. It is believed that human characteristics are perpetuated through the kind of material cells that have been incorporated in the body by a human father and mother.

Most people also believe that environment plays an important part in determining the nature and experience of an individual. If you are reared in a congenial, cultured atmosphere, you are supposed to grow up with a good disposition — polite and cultured. If you have been reared in a broken home, or one in which there was much conflict and misunderstanding, then you are liable to be emotionally disturbed. If there is much bigotry and prejudice in your community, you might be inclined to be prejudiced. The self-will and discord manifested in your office is liable to have an effect on you.

Heredity and environment — what does Christian Science teach about these? Do they have an effect upon us? How do we handle the belief of the effects of a false sense of heredity and environment? These are important questions. Christ Jesus in the Lord’s Prayer gave us the answer. In the first line we read, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.” This statement corrects all false beliefs in regard to heredity. If we all have one and the same heavenly Father-Mother God, then in the words of Paul, we have an “inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away . . .” (I Pet. 1:4)

1958 Address:
Omniscience of God
Omnipresence of God

1959 Address:
The Word Was Made Flesh
The Allness of Spirit
Our Supply Part 1
Our Supply Part 2

1960 Address:
Heredity
Environment
Prayer
Spiritual Lessons Learned from Bible Stories
Government

In his 1958  address under “Omiscience of God”, Mr. Rieke says:

“There are four simple approaches in the practice of Christian Science. They are the omnipotence, omnipresence, omniscience, and omni-action of God. As we realize the omnipotence of good we see that evil has no power. As we recognize the omnipresence of good we see that evil has no presence. By understanding the omni-activity of good we see that evil cannot act, function, or operate. Through the clear discernment of the omniscience of good we recognize that there is no knowledge of evil. Today I would like to discuss with you the omniscience of God or good, and the application of this great truth to the solution of human problems.”

“In your practice of Christian Science be careful as to what you are thinking when you say that God heals sickness. If you mean that the divine Mind is constantly revealing the perfection of being, and thus demonstrating that there is no sickness, you are scientifically correct. But if there is a lingering thought that God is somehow doing something to sickness, even to the extent of destroying it, you are on the wrong track. As far as God is concerned disease is not even something to be destroyed, for the Mind of God is all good.”

In his 1959 address under “The Word Was Made Flesh”, Mr. Rieke says:

“Now this is a very important subject about which we must be clear. For if we think of the identity or individuality of our Master and Wayshower as being born into matter, then we find that we are thinking that we too are born into matter or material flesh. And then of course we find ourselves subject to material laws, rules, and regulations. But if we accept the eternal truth that our Wayshower was never born into material flesh, but rather that the Word, the perfect idea of infinite good, was made outwardly manifest in the life of our beloved Master, then you will find it easier for you to think of yourself not as a material creature, but as the substantial outward manifestation of infinite good.”

In his 1960 address under “Heredity and Environment”, Mr. Rieke says:

“For centuries there has been a lively discussion as to the part that heredity and environment play in determining the nature and condition of an individual. Children often resemble their parents — not only in appearance, but in their emotions — even in the way they talk. There is a persistent argument that our natures are determined by human heredity. Most people accept these suggestions, consciously or unconsciously, without much protest. They think, like father like son. It is believed that human characteristics are perpetuated through the kind of material cells that have been incorporated in the body by a human father and mother.

Most people also believe that environment plays an important part in determining the nature and experience of an individual. If you are reared in a congenial, cultured atmosphere, you are supposed to grow up with a good disposition — polite and cultured. If you have been reared in a broken home, or one in which there was much conflict and misunderstanding, then you are liable to be emotionally disturbed. If there is much bigotry and prejudice in your community, you might be inclined to be prejudiced. The self-will and discord manifested in your office is liable to have an effect on you.

Heredity and environment — what does Christian Science teach about these? Do they have an effect upon us? How do we handle the belief of the effects of a false sense of heredity and environment? These are important questions. Christ Jesus in the Lord’s Prayer gave us the answer. In the first line we read, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.” This statement corrects all false beliefs in regard to heredity. If we all have one and the same heavenly Father-Mother God, then in the words of Paul, we have an “inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away . . .” (I Pet. 1:4)

The second book of Vicki Jones Cole’s trilogy on the “first lessons” taught to Christian Science Sunday School students focuses on the Beatitudes found in the Sermon on the Mount in the book of Matthew. There are over 100 daily lessons suitable for a wide range of ages, with two very simple lessons on each Beatitude aimed at preschoolers.

This volume on the Beatitudes contains additional background material to aid parents and teachers in understanding the Beatitudes overall, before getting to the lessons on the individual lines. The titles of the sections are:

From the Ten Commandments to the Gospel of Christ
The Book of Matthew
The Sermon on the Mount
The Beatitudes
Structure of the Beatitudes
Introduction to the Beatitudes
Explaining Concepts of the Beatitudes to Children
What Mary Baker Eddy has written about the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount

Here is an excerpt from the section on “Explaining Concepts of the Beatitudes to Children:”

Another way to explain both the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes is to liken them to traffic signs. The Ten Commandments are like the traffic signs that tell us when to stop and go, or yield. They are there to protect us, and provide a way for people to be treated fairly. If you are a parent, you might take your children to an intersection of roads that has either stop signs or a traffic signal. Have them observe how useful the signals are. Ask them what might happen if someone did not obey the signs. In a way, the traffic signs are expressions of Love, as well as Principle, since they protect everyone and provide fair access to the intersection. Tell them that the Ten Commandments are like that. However, the Beatitudes might be said to serve as our direction signs, or guide posts, along the way of our spiritual journey. Just as local street name or highway signs do, the Beatitudes let us know where we are, and if we are heading in the right direction. If we find that we are successfully demonstrating those qualities and attitudes that Jesus recommended, then we know that we are taking the right spiritual path.
Below is an example of a two-part lesson on the first Beatitude for very young children (although this does not reflect the format and font used in the actual book):

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”

means that we will be filled with great joy whenever we find that we need God’s help. When we see that we are poor in spiritual things — such as pure thoughts, good ideas, a feeling of being loved and wanted, or a sense of purpose in life — we have no place to turn except to God. God is the divine Mind, and is rich in wisdom. Through our sincere prayers, we reach out of the darkness of our fears, for the light of divine Mind. We will then be able to see that God has already provided us with what we need. We just forgot He was there! Some people do not look to God for help until all else has failed them. They suffer because they feel separated from God’s goodness. But we can all expect much joy when we pick ourselves up and return to the open arms of our Father-Mother God. In this home — the kingdom of heaven — we are greatly loved and showered with blessings. We no longer feel poor in spirit.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

The kingdom of heaven is a special place filled with the light of wisdom and Love, where all of God’s spiritual children get along with each other in perfect harmony. There is no evil there, no sadness, or sickness, or loneliness, or things to frighten us. God rewards us with this kingdom, when we prayerfully look to Him for all our needs. We find that heaven is within our own thinking! It is right here with us on earth, not a place far away in the sky. We can never be separated from the kingdom of heaven, as long as we accept the ideas that God gives to us. This is the wonderful reward promised to those who see they are “poor in spirit.”

Here’s an example of one of the Question-and-Answers for older children on the same Beatitude:

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Question: What does “poor in spirit” mean?

Answer: If we do not have enough of something we need, we might think of ourselves as poor. It means “to lack.” We might feel poor, or in poverty, if we do not have enough money, a job, a home, nice toys, gadgets, or friends.

However, this first Beatitude does not speak of material poverty. It speaks of the poverty of the things of spirit. If we lack spiritual substance — those qualities and ideas that come from God — we are truly poor. Often, we do not realize that we are “poor in spirit” until something happens in our lives that we cannot handle alone, or in our usual way. We are forced to turn to God for help. That is good. It brings a reward!

People often spend their lives putting their faith in things besides God: money, family ties, personal intelligence or abilities, popularity, bodily health, pride of race, or personal possessions.

But, is this what Jesus taught? No. He taught us to look to God first for our happiness, and not to depend solely on our personal resources: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Mary Baker Eddy gives us an idea about what some of those riches are: “What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love and good deeds.” (S&H 4)

Practice: Think about what you have been wishing for lately. Is there a spiritual gift that would be better for you?
Each Beatitude has similar introductory material, and follows with a variety of other questions suitable for various ages. For example, here are the rest of the Questions relating to the first Beatitude:

What is the “kingdom of heaven”?
Why do people become “poor in spirit”?
What is “pride,” and why does it make us “poor in spirit”?
How do we get rid of pride?
Why did Jesus teach that people should become as little children to enter the kingdom of heaven?
How can grown-ups become “as little children,” as Jesus taught?
Why is being “teachable” so important to being “poor in spirit”?
What about people who just do not care about God, or may be ignorant of the true facts about Him?
How will people who do not know they are “poor in spirit” find God?
Was Jesus “poor in spirit”?
Why is “the kingdom of heaven” the immediate reward for those who are “poor in spirit”?

1955 Address:
Moses
Peace
Proving Our Dominion Over Fear
Demand and Supply

1956 Address:
Conception Unconfined
Consciousness
Effective Metaphysical Work

1957 Address:
Soul Searching of What We Know
Christian Science Treatment
God’s Business

In his 1955  address under “Peace”, Mr. Rieke says:

“In our business and professional life, we have a rich opportunity in knowing the everywhere presence of that peace which passeth understanding. There is sometimes the claim of clashing personalities to handle. In this matter, of course, we go back to the basic fact that there is but one person and that is God. He expresses himself in infinite personality, and reflects these divine qualities of God. Since there is no clash in the one divine person, there cannot be any such thing as clash of personalities, or conflicts among people.

In your business and professional life, do not fight with people, mentally or otherwise. Let them express themselves, you express yourself, and then let divine Mind unfold the right paths to take.”

In his 1956 address under “Conception Unconfined”, Mr. Rieke says:

“Right where you are, Divine Life is giving birth to its beautiful and inspiring manifestation. Life is conceiving of a living creature. Where do you come in? That’s right — you are the living creature, the very manifestation of spiritual, eternal Life.

Right where you are and everywhere, Mind is present, pregnant with ideas, conceiving of the most beautiful thoughts, bringing forth the most inspiring conceptions in regard to all things. You are this divine, compound conception.”

In his 1957 address under “Christian Science Treatment”, Mr. Rieke says:

I know that we are all vitally interested in improving our Christian Science treatments that they may be more effective and instantaneous in results. I would like to consider some important points in regard to giving a Christian Science treatment. On page 454 of Science and Health our Leader tells us, “Remember that the letter and mental argument are only human auxiliaries to aid in bringing thought into accord with the spirit of Truth and Love, which heals the sick and the sinner.” Observe that the mental arguments and the letter of Christian Science do not heal the sick — it is only the spirit of Truth and Love that does the work. But we do not wait for Truth and Love to operate while we sit idly by; we find that through correct mental arguments we can quickly and effectively open the windows of heaven that Truth and Love might shine through and accomplish the perfect work.

1955 Address:
Moses
Peace
Proving Our Dominion Over Fear
Demand and Supply

1956 Address:
Conception Unconfined
Consciousness
Effective Metaphysical Work

1957 Address:
Soul Searching of What We Know
Christian Science Treatment
God’s Business

In his 1955  address under “Peace”, Mr. Rieke says:

“In our business and professional life, we have a rich opportunity in knowing the everywhere presence of that peace which passeth understanding. There is sometimes the claim of clashing personalities to handle. In this matter, of course, we go back to the basic fact that there is but one person and that is God. He expresses himself in infinite personality, and reflects these divine qualities of God. Since there is no clash in the one divine person, there cannot be any such thing as clash of personalities, or conflicts among people.

In your business and professional life, do not fight with people, mentally or otherwise. Let them express themselves, you express yourself, and then let divine Mind unfold the right paths to take.”

In his 1956 address under “Conception Unconfined”, Mr. Rieke says:

“Right where you are, Divine Life is giving birth to its beautiful and inspiring manifestation. Life is conceiving of a living creature. Where do you come in? That’s right — you are the living creature, the very manifestation of spiritual, eternal Life.

Right where you are and everywhere, Mind is present, pregnant with ideas, conceiving of the most beautiful thoughts, bringing forth the most inspiring conceptions in regard to all things. You are this divine, compound conception.”

In his 1957 address under “Christian Science Treatment”, Mr. Rieke says:

I know that we are all vitally interested in improving our Christian Science treatments that they may be more effective and instantaneous in results. I would like to consider some important points in regard to giving a Christian Science treatment. On page 454 of Science and Health our Leader tells us, “Remember that the letter and mental argument are only human auxiliaries to aid in bringing thought into accord with the spirit of Truth and Love, which heals the sick and the sinner.” Observe that the mental arguments and the letter of Christian Science do not heal the sick — it is only the spirit of Truth and Love that does the work. But we do not wait for Truth and Love to operate while we sit idly by; we find that through correct mental arguments we can quickly and effectively open the windows of heaven that Truth and Love might shine through and accomplish the perfect work.

This book is written for those who are searching for God in a scientific age. For over a century, Christian Science has been known as a religion. But few have realized that it is also a scientific discovery so profound that we are only now coming to understand it in this light. As physicists have pressed ever deeper into the microcosm, matter has disappeared into a non-material realm, bringing about the acknowledgment of an ultimate cause that lies beyond the five senses. But what is the true nature of this cause? Christian Science answers this question by accurately defining this new dimension in spiritual terms. The Spiritual Dimension explores Christian Science as a discovery that will have as great an impact on the natural sciences as did the discoveries of Galileo, Darwin, and Einstein. It shows that the trend of scientific discovery towards a thought dimension in creation will lead to a new age, a Spiritual Age.

Through this illuminating book, Christian Science becomes the most advanced scientific discovery known to man — one that reveals God as the creator who relates intelligently to the universe and man. This book also opens up the little-known fact that latent in this dimension is a healing power that will resolve the problems of humanity that lie beyond the physical sciences. This insight into Christian Science will give you an entirely new perspective of the universe and your place in it.

In these troubled times, many of us are turning to God for help. But the question is, do we find the help we need when we pray? If not, then perhaps we do not know how to pray scientifically. In this age of science and technology, very little is said about the scientific Principle of prayer — prayer based on an understanding of God, rather than blind faith.

If spiritual healing is to be reliable, we must learn to pray intelligently. This booklet outlines how to do this. Included are the three laws basic to spiritual healing. “First, your thinking determines your experience. Second, your thinking can be spiritualized through an understanding of divine metaphysics. Third, this improved thinking must then manifest itself in an improved experience.” Mrs. Beals writes: “Christian Science is so infinite a subject and each person’s needs are so varied that the approach to this work must be individual. Each has his own path to follow and his own spiritual lessons to learn.

Yet certain requirements in this work seem to be basically the same for most of us. To pray effectively, the following points need to be considered.” She lists six main points to successful healing prayer, and explains each point in depth Written in a simple style, this analysis of a scientific approach to prayer is practical, and can make the difference between answered and unanswered prayer.