Description
Topics explored are:
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)