Foundation-Stones by Mary Baker Eddy
The work presents a comprehensive exploration of the principles of Christian Science, emphasizing the unity and supremacy of the divine Mind, or God. It asserts that any division of Mind into multiple entities or the existence of separate spirits is a misrepresentation of divine Principle. The text argues that the ongoing conflict between spiritual truths and material perceptions must ultimately resolve in favor of spiritual harmony, which is characterized by the absence of sin, sickness, and death. The author posits that all consciousness is derived from the one divine Mind, which is infinite good. This perspective rejects the notion of multiple minds or consciousnesses, asserting that true understanding comes from recognizing the singularity of God. The analogy of the sun and its light illustrates that while God reflects Himself, He does not create separate minds or beings. The work critiques both ancient and modern philosophies for failing to provide a scientific foundation for healing through the mind. It highlights the distinction between the soul, which is synonymous with Spirit, and the flesh, which is deemed erroneous. The author contends that physical ailments stem from a misunderstanding of the relationship between physical sense and Soul. Evil is characterized as a non-Mind entity, and the text emphasizes that all manifestations of intelligence must originate from the divine Mind. The idea of multiple minds or lives is dismissed as unscientific and unsatisfactory. The author critiques human philosophies and religions for misinterpreting divine Principle and for conflating good and evil, health and sickness, life and death. The work argues that attempts to reconcile finite matter with the infinite nature of Spirit are futile. It emphasizes that true life, as exemplified by Jesus, transcends mere existence and embodies a power that overcomes material limitations, revealing immortality. The author concludes that life, as defined by Jesus, is not contingent upon physical organization but is rooted in Spirit.
By Mary Baker Eddy · First published 1913 · Genre: Spirituality, Philosophy, Religion · 692 words
First lines
The following ideas of Deity, antagonized by finite theories, doctrines, and hypotheses, I found to be demonstrable rules in Christian Science, and that we must abide by them.
Whatever diverges from the one divine Mind, or God, -- or divides Mind into minds, Spirit into spirits, Soul into souls, and Being into beings, -- is a misstatement of the unerring divine Principle of Science, which interrupts the meaning of the omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence of Spirit, and is of human instead of divine origin.
What this Textopian page supports
Foundation-Stones is listed on Textopian as an essay by Mary Baker Eddy, dated 1913 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Mary Baker Eddy
- Date: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Spirituality, Philosophy, Religion, Metaphysics, Self-Help
- Length: 692 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Foundation-Stones?
- How does this essay by Mary Baker Eddy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Spirituality first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Precious Volume by Mary Baker Eddy
- Exemplification by Mary Baker Eddy
- Foundation Work by Mary Baker Eddy
- Faith Cure by Mary Baker Eddy
- First Publication by Mary Baker Eddy
- Early Studies by Mary Baker Eddy
Genres
- Spirituality — The book discusses concepts of divine Mind, Spirit, and the principles of Christian Science, focusing on spiritual understanding and healing.
- Philosophy — It engages with philosophical ideas about the nature of reality, consciousness, and the relationship between mind and matter.
- Religion — The text is rooted in Christian Science, addressing theological concepts and the nature of God.
- Metaphysics — It explores metaphysical principles, particularly the nature of existence and the interplay between the physical and spiritual realms.
Tags
Spiritualism · Philosophy · Theology · Christianity · Metaphysics · Esotericism · Mysticism · Self-Help · Personal Development · Religion · Faith · Spirituality