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Lift the veil to see spiritual reality, here, now.
CedarS MET, Metaphysical Application Ideas, for:  Reality
The Christian Science Bible Lesson for September 19 – 25, 2011
by Rick Stewart, C.S., Dresden, Germany
RickStewartCS@aol.com  +49-351-312-4736
 [bracketed italics by Warren Huff, CedarS Director and Newsletter Editor]

[Editor's Note: The following application ideas for this week, and the Possible Sunday School Topics that will follow, are offered primarily to help CEDARS campers and staff (as well as friends) see and demonstrate the great value of daily study and application of the Christian Science Bible lessons year-round, not just at camp! You can sign up to have them emailed to you free — in English by Monday each week, or by each Wednesday you can get a FREE TRANSLATION in French thanks to Pascal, in German thanks to Helga and Manfred or in Spanish thanks to a team of Ana, Erick, Claudia and Patricio. YOU CAN SIGN UP at www.cedarscamps.org/newsletters]
 
Golden Text and Responsive Reading: Psalm 48:1, 2, 3, 8, 9-14
In this week's Bible Lesson on Reality we are introduced to the lesson by Psalm 48 in both the Golden Text and the Responsive Reading.  I found myself asking continually, “Why Psalm 48?”  What is the subject of that Psalm and what does it have to do with our lesson on Reality?
 
Psalms 46 – 48 are often associated together. It is not known exactly who wrote these Psalms or when they were written.  But the subject of these Psalms is clear; it has to do with the saving of the city of Jerusalem.  Some Bible scholars think these Psalms may refer to the time the Assyrians under King Sennacherib attacked Jerusalem (2 Kings 19).  This was 701 BC and was the same time the Prophet Isaiah was writing.  And since some of the same language is used, there are some who say Isaiah was the Psalms' author.  Here you can access an interesting article on this topic.
www.easyenglish.info/psalms/psalm046-048-taw.rtf
 
Most commentaries I looked at agreed that the subject of Psalm 48 was Jerusalem (“the city of God), and that the Mount Zion referred to was not a separate location, but also referred to the whole of Jerusalem.  This Psalmist (possibly even the prophet Isaiah) refers to the actual physical locations and also the symbolic nature of these locations.  Ancient Jerusalem was evidently beautiful and especially when approached from the north side.  And this is the direction that attacking armies or kings would come from, mainly because deep valleys were found on the other sides of Jerusalem.  Strategically armies seldom attack from a lower position.  So they would plan their attacks from the north.  And what these attackers saw made some of them just turn around and go home.  The north side of Mount Zion was awe-inspiring, a mighty citadel, fortifications, bulwarks.  For more information see the following link:
 
There was also another defense residing in Mount Zion, the presence of a saving God.  Here resided what the ancient Jews saw as the heart of their relationship to God, the Ark of the Covenant.  Here was where the Jews remembered the God that had sustained and defended them in Egypt and that brought them out of slavery there, in the desert, and in their trek to the Promised Land.  These defenses were to be found in acknowledging and remembering [giving loving attention to] the saving power of the presence of God.
 
But this week's lesson rather than just a history lesson about ancient Jerusalem, actually introduces us to an even more impressive view.  A view of the eternal, universal City of God, the divine reality of God's creating.  Woven through the lesson this week is the view or vision that John had while on the Island of Patmos.   A view that is a “revelation,” a “lifting of the veil” regarding reality.  Rather than the end-time doom and gloom view of the “Apocalypse” often portrayed in Hollywood movies, we find in this week's lesson a clearer view of eternal reality.  We are introduced to a view of the “City of God” that transcends mortal vision.  Like John of Patmos we can learn from the “lifting of the veil” of matter to see the spiritual reality, here and now.
 
And how grateful we can be for Mrs. Eddy's wonderful chapter on
The “Apocalypse (Greek: ἀποκάλυψις apokálypsis; “lifting of the veil” or “revelation”). It is a disclosure of something hidden from the majority of mankind in an era dominated by falsehood and misconception, i.e. the veil to be lifted.
 
Section 1:   John on Patmos, the revelation of reality.
Revelation 1:9 says: “I, John, who also am your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the Word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” 

This series of visions of the Revelation of Jesus Christ was given to John while he was banished to the Isle of Patmos.  This small island is thirty miles off the coast of Asia Minor in the Aegean Sea.  It is only about six miles by ten miles.  It is rocky, infested with snakes, lizards, and scorpions.  Since it had little commercial value; it was used by the Roman Empire for a penal colony where were housed the more desperate criminals, political prisoners, etc. And in this case, John.

 
Here in this hostile, unfriendly, barren environment John got a glimpse of reality.  As Science and Health tells us, in citation S-1, this reality “is in God and His creation, harmonious and eternal.” [Click here for a glimpse of CedarS new Mediterranean (Ski) Sea. The spiritual-insight Isle of Patmos is the closest island in the upper body of water (Mediterranean) that wraps around the camp and features Cable Skiing, kayaking, island hopping, and other watersports.]
 
Just like John, there are many individuals who have discovered a deep, spiritual reality while imprisoned [or being alone (or all-one) with God in a solo experience.]  A Brazilian friend of mine found Christian Science while he was in Federal Prison in the United States.  He had begun as a young man bringing different products back and forth between the US and Brazil.  He was quite successful.  And then someone suggested that he bring in some illegal drugs.  His clients were successful business people and professionals.  But he was the one caught and arrested.  During this time he happened upon a Christian Science Sentinel.  An article by a twelve year old girl talked about our “real” identity.  He loved the new vision he was gaining of himself.  He was seeing a spiritual reality right there in prison. 
 
As he continued to read and study this new “revelation,” other inmates began to ask him to pray for them.  Many, many healings took place.  He began to hold church services.  Sometimes there would be 200 in attendance.  When he was released he was told to return to Brazil and never come back to the United States.  This was heart-breaking for him; he loved visiting in America.  A little while later he received a job offer as a tour guide.  He needed a Visa to visit the States.  At first he refused to apply and then at the insistence of his employer he applied for a Visa and it was granted.  While in the States, he visited the Federal Building to check on his record.  What he discovered was that his record had been completely expunged.  [“The  human history needs to be revised, and the material record expunged.” Retrospection and Introspection 22:1]  There was no paper or computer record of any criminal offense.  His new “view of reality” had established his true spiritual identity, his complete innocence in the eyes of God.
 
When I lectured in Brazil I lectured for the Christian Science branch church that he had helped establish.  A spiritual vision of reality was manifest in a present reality that has blessed many.
 
Section 2: Seeing our way from the tribulation in matter to reality.
I have never forgotten a testimony I heard in my hometown church years ago. The testifier, Mary Beth, told of an auto accident.  Her car was totaled, a complete wreck. She was unhurt, but heartbroken.  She called a Christian Science practitioner to pray for her.  The practitioner agreed and simply said, “Look for the blessing.”  Mary Beth in her “great tribulation” (B-4), did not find that assignment promising.  But obediently she began to pray to see the blessing.  She first was grateful that she and the other driver were unharmed.  She found other things to be grateful for and soon what looked like tribulation changed.  Eventually she ended up with a much better car, and a certainty that even “in tribulation” we can “see” the blessing [and so with never-waning joy, “stand in robes of white” (innocence) B-4 and Hymn 19.]
 
In citation B-6 we see how Jesus was able to lift a man out of blindness as he washed away all sense of guilt, condemnation, and blame.  [When tested by his disciples' Multiple Choice Nonsense question, (“Who did sin (A.) this man (or B.) his parents that he was born blind? –John 9:2) Jesus refused to buy into the false premise of the reality of imperfection and instead created and chose “C. None of the above, or Does Not Apply.” Make this mental DNA translation (that it Does Not Apply) everytime you hear the deification of genetics as supposedly determined by DNA! By his healing method Christ Jesus, “the most scientific man that ever trod the globe” shows us how to “take the plunge” into spiritual healing instead of just alleviation of symptoms. “He plunged beneath the material surface of things, and found the spiritual cause.” (S&H 313:23) Jesus was showing us the spiritual cause for disease when he spat on the dust according to Bible scholar, B. Cobbey Crisler. Cobbey said that by spitting on the dust he was showing contempt (as one still shows it today in the Middle East) for a supposed dust (or material) origin of man as described in Genesis 2.  By anointing it on the eyes of the blind man, far from advocating the medicinal properties of spit, Jesus was showing us a physical connection to the real cause of the blindness that needed to be washed away with a bit of man's D.I.A.L (Divine Image And Likeness) origin from the 1st chapter of Genesis. (Gen. 1:26)
In citation S-6 Mrs. Eddy explains how Christ Jesus lifted people to a higher self-image, where they could catch a glimpse of their true identity as the image of God.
 
Section 3: “Joshua fit (or at) the battle of Jericho!”
The great walls of matter can sometime loom very large.  How many of us have faced what seemed as an insurmountable obstacle to our spiritual progress?  It might be an illness, a diagnosis, a financial burden, a family problem, or a national emergency.  Obedience to the simplest command or guidance from God can bring us right out of that problem and the walls of matter can just tumble down.
 
In citation B-8 John writes of the seven angels sounding seven trumpets.  In citation B-9 Jeremiah cautions us to listen to the sound of the trumpets.  And in citation B-11 the inspiring story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho tells us it was in Joshua's obedience to God that caused the walls of the city to come tumbling down.
The fact is no matter how real the material resistance appears before us, obedience to God brings us right through.  In heeding the call of Science, the sound of the trumpet, we rise above matter to spiritual reality.  In Rudimental Divine Science, Mrs. Eddy writes:”Is healing the sick the whole of Science?  Healing physical sickness is the smallest part of Christian Science.  It is only the bugle-call to thought and action, in the higher range of infinite goodness.” [Rud. 2:22]
 
Even though Mrs. Eddy does state that healing the sick is not the whole of Science, but just the bugle-call, we need to make sure that we see the value of bugle calls.
 
Here is an interesting historical example:   During the Spanish-American war, the 10th US Calvary had been training in Lakeland, Florida.  They were dispatched on ships from Tampa arriving off the coast of Cuba on June 22, 1898.  The ship voyage had been difficult on the horses and mules.  The only way to off-load the horses was to shove them over board.  Confused, many of the horses began to swim out to open sea.  A quick thinking bugler sounded the Bugle command, “Right Wheel.”  The horses then turned right and began to swim toward shore.  http://www.spanamwar.com/10thcavhist.htm
 
Healing might only be the “bugle-call to thought and action,” but it often is what gets us going in the right direction.  And when the call is made in obedience to God, walls of material resistance just come tumbling down.   You might enjoy this link to a historic rendition of “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho”, from Mahalia Jackson:
 
 
Section 4:  John sees and hears the “still, small voice.”
The Revelation of Jesus Christ continues to unfold to John.  His isolation on the Isle of Patmos in no way limited his ability to hear.  Just so we begin to learn in Science that no physical condition, no condition of matter, no geographic location, can limit us from hearing God's voice, the voice of Truth.
 
When my son Noah was between the ages of two and four, he and I were together all day long.  I would receive telephone calls for prayerful help and often Noah was right by my side.  Many times I would be talking with patients and sharing spiritual ideas with them and Noah would tell me directly, “Papa, tell them to listen to the still, small voice.”  And he was quite insistent.  If I continued to talk to the patient and had not passed along Noah's message he would once again insist.  I learned to listen to him on this because when I did finally listen, usually the patient would say, “oh, that's just right, thanks.”  And often healings were very quick also.  I did learn to accept the message even from a small, unexpected source.
 
Over the years I have heard many stories of those who have “heard” the message of Truth contained in Science and Health.  Sometimes even when first rejecting this “little book,” the individuals have been called back to its message.  One friend had been given a copy of Science and Health as a gift.  She immediately put it on a shelf in her library.  It stayed on the shelf unopened for some time.  She passed through many trials and the book stayed there.  And then, in one particularly challenging situation, with no seeming hope for solution, she walked past the bookcase and the book literally flew from the shelf into her hands.  This time she read the book and found the help she needed.  And she has never stopped reading the book to this day.
 
A particularly moving account is found in the family of long-time Christian Science practitioner, Doris Henty.  The family was in great need of healing: her mother could do no work and spent most of her time on a couch, her brother was not expected to live because of tuberculosis, and Doris herself had a facial affliction and growth that threatened her death at any time.  Her father was loaned a copy of Science and Health and returned the gift unopened.  Later feeling somewhat guilty he purchased his own copy at a Reading Room in Manchester, England.  Some time later his wife picked up the book, began to read and put the truths into practice.  The result, healing for all.  And years of public healing practice in the life of Doris Henty.   You can read the wonderful account of this family on my blog: http://rickstewartcs.blogspot.com/2011/09/doris-dufour-henty-cs.html
 
Section 5: The temple veil opened.
The Book of Revelation is often seen as a letter written by John to the Christian church of his day, especially the seven churches of Asia. It was probably written in the latter part of the first century although there is some discussion about dates. And the style of writing in symbols is recognized as a way of making the message understandable by those in the Church and hidden from the authorities. A form of protection in a time of persecution. After all, John was in exile on the Isle of Patmos, a Roman penal colony.
 
It is interesting to think of this Book as an unveiling, a revealing when it is actually written in a way to hide its intended message. And the specific message in this section actually deals with doing away with the veil in a time of persecution.
 
Is there a paradox here? A revelation or unveiling while at the same time protecting and hiding? Perhaps not such a mystery after all. Remember I live in what was formerly a part of the German Democratic Republic, known here as the DDR, and in the west as East Germany. Christian Science was outlawed and churches and church meetings were outlawed during this forty year period, 1949 – 1989. But can a persecuting government actually stop the practice of a faith? Public meetings perhaps can be stopped, but aren't there ways to continue a faith?
 
Just two weeks ago we heard lots of examples of how it is possible to hold on to the Gospel, or to the practice of Christian Science even in the midst of persecution. Christian Scientists from the former DDR were invited to meet with the [new] President of the Mother Church, Marta Greenwood, C.S.B.
Two meetings were held, one in Magdeburg and one in Dresden.  Many of those gathered had lived Christian Science in the midst of persecution and they shared their stories with Marta. It was thrilling to hear how Church had actually “lived” in the forbidden times. And also to see how it continues to live in the lives of Christian Scientists today. But now with openness and free sharing!!  You can read some of Marta's thoughts regarding these meetings at her blog spot: https://community.christianscience.com/community/church-alive/presidentsblog
 
[In reinforcement of this, citation] S-19 states: “The very circumstance which your suffering sense deems wrathful and afflictive, Love can make an angel entertained unawares.” S&H page 574.
 
Section 6: [Honor the Ultimate Authority of God and His Christ]
This section shows how the Gospel, the message of the Christ, Church lives in the midst of persecution. Not all “in authority” are blind to the power and presence of the Christ.
 
Citation B-18 in Matthew 8 tells of a Roman authority, a Centurion and his search for healing for a beloved servant. A man in authority recognized the ultimate authority of the Christ. And the result, healing. In this way healing can actually serve as a unifier, avoiding debate and red tape, it simply brings comfort and harmony in the midst of conflict.
 
We heard of an example of the power of healing and contact with the authorities in our meeting with Marta. It was an example that stood out to me of how one can live and share Christian Science even in a time of persecution. Elisabet told us the experience of she and her husband regarding Stasi visits. (Stasi were the secret police, the state security police.) A Stasi agent had paid them several visits. These visits were only because they were listed as Christian Scientists. At one point the Stasi agent complained of a very painful stomach situation. He asked Elisabet and her husband how they would deal with this in “their” way. What could he read? Elisabet and her husband wisely replied, “You already have all of our books. If you want to find out, read them.” They were certain this man had kept the books he had confiscated. The same agent paid them another visit and complained further about his painful stomach. Elisabet's husband simply said, “Perhaps you do not have the stomach for the job you are doing?” Several weeks later Elisabet and her husband were stopped by a normal traffic policeman and they recognized him as their Stasi visitor. It turned out that he had changed his police service and that he had been healed in Christian Science. Healing? Our secret weapon against the persecution of materiality? And accomplished through the recognition of the real authority, Christ.
 
Section 7: [See the spiritual here and now!]
This section clearly illustrates how we can see this lifting of the veil, this revelation of the “New Jerusalem,” here and now. A vision of a city governed by God, in a Light that never fails. This vision, this revelation is not and cannot be limited by geography, by social situations, by society, by fear, false belief, or evil of any kind. Love is the light thereof. Isn't this a powerful message in praying for and rebuilding our cities, our societies? In one of her earlier blogs, Marta Greenwood shared her thoughts as regards the rioting in some of Britain's cities: https://community.christianscience.com/community/church-alive/presidentsblog/blog/2011/08
 
Citation S-26 reminds us: “The Revelator was on our plane of existence, while yet beholding what the eye cannot see, — that which is invisible to the uninspired thought. This testimony of Holy Writ sustains the fact in Science, that the heavens and earth to one human consciousness, that human consciousness which God bestows, are spiritual, while to another, the unillumined human mind, the vision is material. This shows unmistakably that what the human mind terms matter and spirit indicates states and stages of consciousness. Accompanying this scientific consciousness was another revelation, even the declaration from heaven, supreme harmony, that God, the divine Principle of harmony is ever with men, and they are His people. Thus man was no longer regarded as a miserable sinner, but as the blessed child of God. Why? Because St. John's corporeal sense of the heavens and earth had vanished, and in place of this false sense was the spiritual sense, the subjective state by which he could see the new heaven and new earth, which involve the spiritual idea and consciousness of reality.” Science and Health, page 573
 
We sometimes play a game in our family, “I see what you don't see, and it is…..” Couldn't we say to the beloved author of Revelation, “I see what you see and it is spiritual?  The spiritual reality of heaven and earth as God reveals it, openly, for all to see, here and now and always!!”


[Please also help “un-camped” singles and couples to be aware of CedarS as a wise and happy place for them to glimpse and demonstrate spiritual realities!  We'd love to put the name of someone you suggest (or your name!) on the door of one of the handful of comfortable, lakeside bedrooms that are still available for our Celebrate Marriage weekend for Couples and Singles, October 14-16. We'll also gladly send anyone a DVD and info to help get them or anyone in their extended church family to camp — including more on: CedarS financial aid forms; programs for all ages; session dates & rates; online enrollment; transportation….]
 
[Thanks to several of you for helping fund a recent, expensive component replacement for our dishwashing system to serve CedarS for our next 50 years.  We still need $1,600 to fund this Maintenance Must–which will be matched! (We are ALSO really hoping to expand our Time Travelers Trail and Cable Ski system and are accepting contributions for these “Home Improvements” to happen during our “shoulder seasons” of conferences, retreats and (COP-encouraged,) outreach tours of our new Bible Lands Park for Bible-loving churches or youth groups of any denomination.  We are rewarding 220 students from our rural community who have recognized for their nation-leading increase on statewide test score and for their 98% Laclede COunty R-1 attendance record.)  SO, if you have been grateful for any of CedarS weekly inspirational emails, you can see that this would be a wonderful time to share your appreciation in the form of a 50th Anniversary gift–as generous as divine Love directs-in support of our missionary work for Christ's Movement. 
Remember that CedarS weekly “Mets” or Metaphysical Newsletters, Possible Sunday School Topics (PSSTs) and Possible Younger Class Lessons (PYCLs) are all provided at no charge to the 1,200 campers and staff blessed each summer at CedarS –as well as to thousands of CedarS alumni, families, Sunday School teachers and friends who weekly find these “Mets”, PSSTs and PYCLs on our website or through CS Directory.  

Hopefully COMING SOON! Ranging from $1 to a few thousand dollars a “Giving Tree” list of needed items will be updated soon and often at this link. CedarS most significant recurring needs are spelled out at http://www.cedarscamps.org/giving/unrestricted-gifts.htm .   Just click here to use a credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card) or a virtual check to make monthly or one-time donations to CedarS in support of spiritual growth.  International supporters can give to CedarS via PayPal using built-in currency exchange rates by filling in an amount under International Donors and clicking on the “Donate Online” button.  


 [Camp Director's Note: This sharing is the latest in an ongoing, 11-year series of CedarS Bible Lesson “Mets” (Metaphysical application ideas) contributed weekly by a rotation of CedarS Resident Practitioners and occasionally by other metaphysicians.  (Ask and look for “Possible Sunday School Topics “and “Possible Younger Class Lessons” in subsequent emails.) These weekly offerings are intended to encourage further study and application of ideas in the lesson and to invigorate Sunday School participation by students and by the budding teachers on our staff. Originally sent JUST to my Sunday School students and to campers, staff and CedarS families who wanted to continue at home and in their home Sunday Schools the same type of focused Lesson study, application and inspiration they had felt at camp, CedarS lesson “mets “and Sunday School ideas are in no way meant to be definitive or conclusive or in any way a substitute for daily study of the lesson. The thoughts presented are the inspiration of the moment and are offered to give a bit more dimension and background as well as new angles (and angels) on the daily applicability of some of the ideas and passages being studied. The weekly Bible Lessons are copyrighted by the Christian Science Publishing Society and are printed in the Christian Science Quarterly as available at Christian Science Reading Rooms or online at eBibleLesson.com or myBibleLesson.com. The citations referenced (i.e.B-1 and S-28) from this week's Bible Lesson in the “Met” (Metaphysical application ideas) are taken from the Bible (B-1 thru B-24) and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy (S-1 thru S-30). The Bible and Science and Health are the ordained pastor of the Churches of Christ, Scientist. The Bible Lesson is the sermon read in Christian Science church services throughout the world. The Lesson-Sermon speaks individually through the Christ to everyone, providing unique insights and tailor-made applications for each one. We are glad you requested this metaphysical sharing and hope that you find some of the ideas helpful in your daily spiritual journey, in your deeper digging in the books and in closer bonding with your Comforter and Pastor.]
 
 Enjoy!    And, please contact us for more info about any and all things CedarS! 

[PSST-Reality is a present state of being, the kingdom of God within us, here and now!] Possible Sunday School Topics for the Christian Science Bible Lesson on
Reality” for September 25, 2011
By Steve Henn, C.S. St. Louis, Missouri steven.henn@gmail.com 
[Steve is a CedarS Program Director who teaches English at Principia Upper School]
[Bracketed italics by Warren Huff, CedarS Director]
 
[One main point your students should get from this lesson:]
Throughout this lesson, remind yourself and your students that this lesson is about reality as a present state of being, not a theoretical idea of reality that may come about if we're good enough, or if we wait long enough.  Remember, the kingdom of God is within us, not will be or may be or was some time ago, but here and now is[Every tour of CedarS Bible Lands Park (for Christian Scientists in our summer and fall programs and for church groups of various denominations the rest of the year) fulfills the Responsive Reading (RR) directive here and now: “Walk about Zion (“Spiritual foundation and superstructure; inspiration; spiritual strength” S&H 599:6), and go round about her: tell the towers (highlights) thereof.  Mark ye well her bulwarks (walls, fortifications, protection), consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.” Ps. 48:12-13, RR]
 
[PSST Section 1:]
In reality, where do glory, power and honor belong? (Section 1 – Bible [#3, Rev. 4:11])
 
Where does reality exist, and what qualities are present in it? (Section 1 – Science & Health [#1])
 
How many creations are there?  Where do the 'sons and daughters of God' appear in this creation? (Section 1 – Science and Health [#2])
 
[PSST Section 2:]
What does the 'blood of the lamb' do? (Section 2 – the Bible [#4])
 
What does Jesus say about the origin of sin — the reason for the blind man's blindness? (Section 2 – the Bible [#6]) [and P.S. for my comments on DNA and Cobbey's insights into spit's role.]   

What is 'the basis of thought and demonstration'? (Section 2 – Science and Health [#6])
 
Why can man not 'lose aught that is real'?  What does this mean about our senses? (Section 2 – S&H [#7])
 
Where does thought come from? (Section 2 – Science and Health [#9])
 
Why is it important that our garments are always white?  What does this represent? (Section 2 – S&H [#9])
 
[PSST Section 3:]
How can we bring the 'works of old' into our day and age?  Too often we talk about the 'good old days' or the 'real Christian Science' that was happening years ago.  How can we bring those demonstrations into today? (Section 3 – the Bible [#10])
 
What about Joshua makes successful his siege on Jericho? (Section 3 – the Bible [#11] & reenactment ideas in PCYL ideas by Kerry Jenkins, CS at the end of CedarS posting of lesson application ideas for the week.]
 
How do we begin to grasp what reality is? (Section 3 – Science and Health [#11])
 
Why can there not be two powers? (Section 3 – Science and Health [#12])
 
What is the specific term for error?  What is error? (Section 3 – Science and Health [#13])
 
What gives us 'the only power obtainable'? (Section 3 – Science and Health [#14])
 
[PSST Section 4:]
What are we supposed to do with 'the little book'?  [“Take it and eat it up”-like a Halloween treat!-See Warren's P.P.S.] (Section 4 – Bible [#13]) How can we do that today? [See P.P.S.]
 
What did Jesus prove about Christ?  How did he do this? (Section 4 – Science and Health [#15])
 
Why is it important that the angel's feet were on the waters and the land?  What does it signify about divine Science? (Section 4 – Science and Health [#16])
 
How is perfection related to reality? (Section 4 – Science and Health [#18])
 
[PSST Section 5:]
How does Science handle the last seven plagues? (Section 5 – the Bible [#15])
 
How does the law of love respond to the seven plagues? (Section 5 – Science and Health [#19])
 
How can our challenges bless us? (Section 5 – Science and Health [#19])
 
Where do we live, move and have our being? (Section 5 – Science and Health [#20])
 
What is the ideal of truth? (Section 5 – Science and Health [#21])
 
Why are so many things in this lesson white? [Like being “clothed in pure and white linen” Bible #15 and the white horse in Bible #16]
 
[PSST Section 6:]
What does God's word do? (Section 6 – the Bible [#17])
 
Who does the centurion want to be healed?  How does the centurion respond when Jesus offers to come and perform the healing?  What does Jesus say about this centurion?  How can we emulate him more fully? (Section 6 – the Bible [#18])
 
Define suppositional – how does this definition impact the meaning of this citation (Section 6 – Science and Health [#23])
 
What are we to do in the face of error, sickness, sin, disease?  How can we get better at this? (Section 6 – Science and Health [#24])
 
[PSST Section 7:]
Why did the city of New Jerusalem not need any material light?  Have you seen this light in your life?  (Section 7 – the Bible [#19])
 
How long will these qualities reign? (Section 7 – the Bible [#20])
 
What does the human mind's interpretation of matter indicate? (Section 7 – Science and Health [#26])
 
How is man regarded?  How are your students then regarded?  Why can we rest assured in this? (Section 7 – Science and Health [#26])
 
What are the allegorical meanings of the vision of Jerusalem in Revelation? (Section 7 – Science and Health [#27])
 
Must we be really smart to understand reality?  What does it take? (Section 7 – Science and Health [#28])
 
What is real consciousness cognizant of?  What do we do with our supposed consciousness when it becomes cognizant of other seeming realities? (Answers found throughout the lesson [+S#29])
 
[P.S. Section 2 healing of the blind man: Sunday School students may be helped by my remarks on DNA and Cobbey Crisler's insights on Jesus' use of spit in healing as recorded in CedarS Met this week: “When tested by his disciples' Multiple Choice Nonsense question, (“Who did sin (A.) this man (or B.) his parents that he was born blind?” –John 9:2) Jesus refused to buy into the false premise of the reality of imperfection and instead created and chose “C. None of the above, or Does Not Apply.” Make this mental DNA translation (that it Does Not Apply) every time you hear the deification of genetics as supposedly determined by DNA! By his healing method Christ Jesus, “the most scientific man that ever trod the globe”, shows us how to “take the plunge” into spiritual healing instead of just the alleviation of symptoms. “He plunged beneath the material surface of things, and found the spiritual cause.” (S&H 313:23) Jesus was showing us the spiritual cause for disease when he spat on the dust according to Bible scholar, B. Cobbey Crisler. Cobbey said that by spitting on the dust he was showing contempt (as one still shows it today in the Middle East) for a supposed dust (or material) origin of man as described in Genesis 2.  By anointing it on the eyes of the blind man, far from advocating the medicinal properties of spit, Jesus was showing us a physical connection to the real cause of the blindness that needed to be washed away with a bit of man's D.I.A.L (Divine Image And Likeness) origin from the 1st chapter of Genesis. (Gen. 1:26) Giving visual, hands-on-learners each a bar of Dial soap can be a fun and fragrant reminder of the importance of daily baptism in their spiritual nature as ‘the basis of thought and demonstration' S#6, S&H 259:6.] 
 
[P.P.S. Warren's “Trick? Or Treat-ment!” — To prepare for Halloween at the end of October in the U.S., we can see through every hour's unreal illusions that come in all kinds of convincing-looking disguises knocking on the door of thought to TRICK us into believing in the presence and power of evil, as well as of good.  On Halloween, you know the game being played, and so are not fooled, no matter how outlandishly ugly (or beautiful) the costumes are.  Throughout this month and year, be just as aware that evil is ALWAYS an unreal illusion. However it comes masked to TRICK you, give it a solid Christian Science TREAT-ment! Remember that every good C.S. treatment includes BOTH of “the two cardinal points of . . . Christian Science . . . the nothingness of material life and intelligence and the mighty actuality of all-inclusive God, good.” (S&H 52:19)
So, when these & other disguised trick-or-treaters come to you, be totally un-fooled:
1. Deny that “TRICK knee” and the false belief that a favorite sport can bring you pain & injury. Affirm “the mighty actuality” and guarded, guided grace of your oneness with Spirit;
2. Deny that tickets and accidents can possibly occur when God is your co-pilot behind the wheel.  Affirm “the mighty actuality” and protecting power of oneness with Principle;
3. Deny that personal pride can hamper your creativity or mar your artwork.  Affirm “the mighty actuality” and reflected artistry of oneness with Soul;
4. Deny that genetic code can determine your IQ, college options, strengths & weaknesses. Affirm “the mighty actuality,” infinite abilities and perfect placement that go along with your oneness with divine Mind;
5. Deny that you are a physical being in a body that worships and lusts after other physical bodies. Affirm that as a spiritual being, you have everything you need in divine Love and that you know it!
6. Deny that bad things can happen to good people, and when they seem to, see that it's only good unredeemed and as yet “invisible to the uninspired thought.” (S#26, S&H 573:4) Affirm that in the presence of divine Life, “ALL things work together for GOOD to them that love God,”
even when they don't seem like it at the time. (Romans 8:28)]

[PYCLs -See perfection as real! A city entered & lit by God’s laws!]
Possible Younger Class Lesson ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson on
“Reality” for September 25, 2011
by Kerry Jenkins, CS, House Springs, MO (314) 406-0041
[bracketed italics by Warren Huff, Director of
CedarS  Camps]
 
[PYCL: Discuss the new city in Revelation as a symbol for seeing only perfection, here & now]
This lesson really gives us some thoughts on God's communication to man, its clarity, volume, transparency, and the message of our perfection and His power.  All those citations from Revelation may seem a bit much to approach with the younger classes, but I think if we do a bit of the digesting for them and select a few citations and have a good chat about the purpose of this chapter we can really cover some important and engaging ground.  What is a revelation? Check out Science and Health, does Mrs. Eddy talk about that chapter?  (You may have to talk about the other name for this chapter in the Bible!)  What is the Apocalypse?  (In this case she is not referring to the common association that this word has with the end of the world, etc.)  
Talk about the way that things were communicated to John and why these symbols meant something to him.  I love that by the end of the chapter he is seeing the holy city as “new Jerusalem”, not the material view that we see today as a city that has been fought over for so many centuries, but a “new” city, that is lit by God!  What an image!  And that image is the reality.  The lesson also makes clear that perfection is reality, not imperfection.  Are we ready to accept that harmony and perfection are the only reality?  I think sometimes that seems hard to believe.  Is that a subject worth pursuing?
 
[PYCL: Trumpet your examples to go beyond a mere discussion of Revelation and reality.]  
I think it might be interesting to come in with the citations that refer to some form of communication from God to man.  This includes, of course, trumpets!  This communication comes in the form of voice, trumpet, visions of angels speaking or answering questions.  While this chapter may seem obscure, we are reminded in this lesson in citation S-11 that “Divine metaphysics, as revealed to spiritual understanding, shows clearly that all is Mind, and that Mind is God…”  Note that she says “shows clearly”.  Of course it is clear to spiritual understanding, not to material sense, but that is still exciting!  Also in citation S-15 she speaks of the Christ “voicing good,…speaking to the human consciousness.”  That means that it is not too far out there for us to comprehend or see.  It is speaking to our human consciousness, right where we are.  Can you think of any personal examples that illustrate the way that God has spoken to you?  After sharing an example from your experience, ask them if they have had even small experiences that felt like they were listening and hearing God's voice, even if it was in the form of thoughts rather than sound.  It seems to me that if we are perfect reflections of divine Mind then Mind is always speaking to us!  What do we hear?  What are we listening for?
 
[PYCL, Section 2, the healing of the blind man]
Jesus spits on the clay (showing his disdain for the idea of a material creation from dirt) and tells the man to “wash”– maybe suggesting that we purify our thoughts about ourselves, see ourselves as a creation of Spirit, not matter. [B-6]  This is born out in the next citation from the Beatitudes, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” [B-7]  So it is through purity that we gain true sight.  This is an interesting way to approach challenges to our eyesight or our understanding, discernment, etc.  Also Mrs. Eddy points out in this section that our eyesight is “in” understanding, in Spirit (S-8). What does purity mean to the kids?  We may have our own thoughts on this, but what do they have in mind?  If you get no response, talk about how water is clear when clean, that if you mix in dirt it will look brown, and that if you let the dirt settle it will get clear again.  Purity is consciousness that isn't mixed up with matter and material thoughts of existence.  It is thought that is aware and conscious only of perfection, of Spirit.  Maybe there is something to the idea of stillness, letting the “matter” thoughts “settle” to the bottom, sort of like the separation of tares and wheat in last week's lesson.  Is this obtainable by us?  How can we work to keep our thought pure?  Again, do you have examples of this in your experience?  Do they?
 
[PYCL, Section 3, Dramatize Joshua circling Jericho! (after a meaningful discussion)]
This story about Joshua is wonderful for all ages.  I would recommend a dramatization of it for the littlest classes.  Promise them this opportunity after you've shared a bit about the story.  Can you come up with pictures of a walled city?  If the kids are just a little older, do you have a world map [or an Israel map] to show them the location of the city of Jericho [the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world]; how it is part of the land promised to the children of Israel?  Don't overlook the obvious; make sure they understand why a city might have walls.  There are walled cities today, but not in this country.  What do the walls do?  You may want to include in the story that Joshua had an encounter (just a few verses before the ones in the lesson) with an angel that told him how to win this battle.  This is just one more example of God communicating to man in useful and clear ways.  Explain what the plan was…walk once around the city each day with the army, for six days, and on the seventh…etc.  Why did they carry the ark with them?  What was the “ark”?  [See P.S.] What did it contain?  [See Exodus 25:16] Look at Mrs. Eddy's definition of ark and see how it was designed to keep those important laws of God safe.  What does the wall represent?  Is there any “matter” that can oppose God?  What kinds of walls do we run into in our lives that keep us out of the “Promised Land” of harmony and perfection?  How do we circle those walls and take them down?  
 
[PCYL: Link the Jericho story & its reenactment with the value of using the 10 Commandments!]
If the ark represents the power of obedience to the Ten Commandments [so central to our Sunday School curriculum per the Church Manual, 62], think of the power this obedience gives us!  It breaks through indestructible walls, any obstacle of fear, disease, hatred, etc.   I was reminded in this section too of something Mrs. Eddy wrote about the spoken treatment vs. the silent one.  In No and Yes, p. 2 she says: “I have healed more disease by the spoken than the unspoken word.”  She says plenty of good things about silent prayer too, but this sentence has given me much to think about in recent months; and I have had some really good results from treating aloud when I am led to.  There certainly are times when it seems we have to “shout” down error.  At any rate, I would definitely encourage the littlest ones to reenact this story.  They can use toilet paper or paper towel tubes for trumpets and march around their table, or take it outside if the weather is good.  Don't hand out the tubes until the story is discussed and the acting to begin, or there will be mayhem and tooting and spyglass making while you are explaining the story… at least if my four-year-old is in the class.  Ask them why the trumpets and shouting “made” the walls fall down?  Was it this?  Or was it the power of God that their strong voices were shouting about.  Can you come up with a powerful statement of God's goodness to “shout” as you walk around the wall?  It could just be “God is Omnipotent good!”  Do they know what omnipotent means?  I like to think that maybe it took them seven days of prayer and purifying of thought to “see” the reality of God and the nothingness of material barriers to the harmony and good that belonged to them.  Maybe this [sinking-in period] is what is happening when we don't feel better immediately after a treatment sometimes.
[A simple alternative treatment to shout could be: “I am all!” (the 3 words that Mrs. Eddy says contain “God’s law”: God's law is in three word, “I am all;” and this perfect law is ever present to rebuke any claim of another law.”  (No and Yes 30:11) You make also wish to give an audible, one-liner treatment–as in the P.P.S.–for each of the 10 Commandments, which Jesus used to heal. (He claimed to cast out devils “with the finger of God” (Luke 11:20) which was only otherwise Biblically used to say how the 10 Commandments were written.]  
 
[PCYL: Acting out stories is memorable–like your genuine love and joy!]
By the way, why would acting out this story be of any benefit to little guys?  Well, trust me, if you ask them after Sunday School they may not be able to tell you why they were marching and blowing in toilet paper tubes.  But, I know that the seeds are planted and they do understand whatever is speaking to them today about God and His presence.  They understand that Sunday School is a vibrant and living thing and that their Sunday School teacher loves them and is sharing from the heart.  These are things that are never forgotten and lie deep in their consciousnesses over the years.  Never fear if you think you are not making a dent.  It is your genuine love and joy that is voiced and heard, just as in this lesson!
 
[PCYL: Section 6, healing of the Centurion’s servant]
I was pondering why the healing of the Centurion's servant was included.  You may have more thoughts than I, but one thought that came to me was that the Centurion said to Jesus “…speak the work only, and my servant shall be healed” showing the confidence this man had that the Christ was voiced through Jesus. You may suggest citation S-24 [“Mentally insist that harmony is the fact …”] as a good verse to memorize as it gives such a nice method of treatment.
 
Enjoy!

[Warren’s PCYL P.S. If someone in your Sunday School or church family has access to a shop and is able to operate it safely, you may want to ask them to build an ark of the covenant according to God’s specific specifications (specs) for it in Exodus 25: 10-15. For Bible reenactments like this one at CedarS and in our Sunday School, Dan Sheets used these specs to help a group of Outdoor Cooking and Building campers use donated materials to make a handsome, gold- (spray-painted) box (3 foot 9 inches long; 2 foot 3 inches wide; and 2 foot 3 inches high). It has carrying rings and poles per the specs as well. ]
 
[PCYL P.P.S. Warren’s 10 Commandment Treatments & Applications to carry in our arks around every Jericho:
“With the finger of God” that wrote these laws, Jesus decisively cast out devils, and we should follow his sure-fire method of healing. (Luke 11:20)
 
1st Commandment – Mrs. Eddy's favorite text has been paraphrased by Barry Huff as “Don’t put something in God’s place that’s not up to the job.”  Not our Department of Homeland Security, our FBI, our CIA, our mighty Military or our intelligent Technology is up to the job of taking the place of our God and of angel messages from Her.  In the Old Testament, way before listening devices, God and Her angels let Elisha know the words and plans spoken in the enemy's bedchamber. (I Kings 6:12) In the New Testament, before stealth technology, God's protecting power enabled Jesus to just walk right through an angry mob intent on throwing him over the brow of a hill. (Luke 4:29)
 
2nd Commandment – Let’s not be obsessed with any graven images whether they are desensitizing images of violent video games or supposed-alluring images that glorify body-worship. We can affirm that in God we are so blessed that we can’t be obsessed or stressed.
 
3rd Commandment – Strongly affirm that our prayers are never in vain, or “for unreality,” (another meaning of the Hebrew “in vain”). Instead, let's prove that prayer invariably produces the reality of tangible results, “as in heaven, so on earth.”  Mrs. Eddy asked her church members to specifically pray for peace between Russia and Japan (My. 279) and the results were impressively quick. Let's expect more of our prayers and know they are never in vain.
 
4th Commandment – In a past Family Camp Workshop on the Ten Commandments, Barry Huff reminded us that the SABBATH day was declared a day to celebrate deliverance from bondage as well as to rest. (Deut 5:15) Seek and cement your freedom by working out from perfection and from freedom, instead of up to them. Allow your Declaration of Independence to include not only Science & Health pages 106:6-11 & 224:4 to 228:32 from our textbook, but also the Scientific Statement of Being p. 468 (as opposed to an “Unscientific Statement of Becoming.”) The closure and freedom we celebrate daily can and should include freedom from fear and grief.
 
5th Commandment – Don't stop at just honoring your human Father and Mother, but give proper cooperation, respect and a feeling of precious partnership to every figure of authority that God has placed in your experience. Jesus knew that Pilate would have no authority over him unless it be given to him from God. Along these lines, let's affirm and defend not only our current President's office, but also God's links to our Congressmen and Cabinet members, and to the Palestinian Authority, to the Israeli Parliament, and to the heads of all states and even “cells.” All combatants, even those classified heretofore as “moral idiots,” have a professed belief in God or Allah and wish to receive divine blessing and guidance. May every ear clearly hear angels at work, as did the assassin of President Garfield when Mrs. Eddy visited his cell. (See Misc 112:12 -113:27 in for how to treat moral idiocy and another CedarS met page called “Guidance: God U and I dance” for more on divine direction.)
 
6th Commandment – This commandment, to literally not commit murder, is one that Jesus preempts in his Sermon on the Mount by “killing” this sin when it is little, by eliminating it when it is just anger and put-downs. (See Matthew 5:21-22) Since world peace starts with me and you, let's start by healing irritability and rage of all types and the tendency to put others down, even in jest.  Often remind yourself and those around you that “There nothing in this world worth getting angry about.” Show by your actions and reactions that you are a living witness to this creed of resolving conflict peacefully whenever possible.
 
7th Commandment – In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus also goes after the root of adultery when it is little, when it is just lust. (See Matthew 5:27-29) Paul tells the Romans “to be carnally (bodily) minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Rom. 8:6) Knowing therefore that sensuality is really just a clever terrorist that comes disguised as good and as pleasurable and as our own thought, makes it harder for this warring killer “to elude detection” (S&H 252:19).  By being alert to this anarchist and murderer in our midst, we will not commit ADULT-ery by giving in to a belief that we need anything adult-rated or material to make us happy and peacefully satisfied. Repeat to yourself often that “In God I have everything I need and I know it.” If the mission of Terror or error (or Pharaoh or Herod) is to get rid of the childlikeness praised and practiced by Christ Jesus, let us give all our alertness and strength to protect and defend childlikeness in ourselves and others.
8th Commandment – This commandment relates to more than just NOT STEALING, or shoplifting or “stealing another's thunder,” or her ideas, or his joy. Most conflicts today and historically find a root in the supposed ownership of scarce resources, in “the haves” versus “the have nots.” Mentally inoculate yourself hourly against “affluenza,” the worldwide epidemic that is spread by a bazillion dollar ad campaign and is based on the false premise that acquiring or possessing things brings happiness. Temptation to steal should be healed by the revelation that happiness can only be found in giving, not in getting. (See “Happiness is . . . . . unselfish.” Science and Health 57:18 and “I am able to impart truth, health and happiness and that is my rock of salvation and my reason for existing.” My 165:20) Rebuilding our enemies countries after WWII with the Marshall Plan is proof that giving works wonders in healing and bringing about lasting peace.
 
9th Commandment – This commandment relates to more than just NOT BEARING FALSE WITNESS in a courtroom setting, although courtroom terms and roles can offer useful insights in healing wrongs. The Comforter promised in the New Testament is “parakletos” in Greek, which also means “Defense Attorney.” (Satan is termed the Prosecuting Attorney.) Bearing only true witness means to see only as God sees, which is the way that Christ Jesus saw and healed. (See S&H 476:32) This high standard not only frees us from gossip, destructive criticism and “white lies” designed to impress others, but also alerts us to stop pre-judging others based on their race, religion and ethnic background.
 
10th Commandment – The Palestinians, al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations have launched a jihad against the West and Developed Countries in direct disobedience to several commandments, this one included. It appears that they are COVETING their neighbor's (Israel's) lands, prosperity and US-backing.  Little do they realize that their jealousy and violent acts are campaigning against their demonstration of all the good they wish to have. To counteract this mortal tendency of jealousy, let's demonstrate by example a civilized and most effective solution. When we see others possessing and demonstrating some good that we desire and have yet to fully express, let's not follow the terrorists and be attorneys effectively arguing against ourselves in the false belief that good is limited and we don't have it. Instead, let's sincerely say “Thank You God, That's Mine Too!” (or “TYG -TMT”) This type of “TMT” is much more explosive than the TNT of a car bomb or other such devise. “That's Mine Too” is a grateful declaration that as a divine idea, good has an unlimited source and is universally and unconditionally available.
 
 
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