What We Believe - Principle 1 - Part 1
We Believe in God, the Living Spirit Almighty; one indestructible, absolute and self-existent Cause. This One manifests Itself in and through all creation but is not absorbed by Its creation. The manifest universe is the body of God; it is the logical and necessary outcome of the infinite self-knowingness of God.
Ernest S. Holmes - What We Believe - Principle 1
So...LET'S TALK!!
As we begin, you might ask yourself, how many times have you read this particular Belief, and sailed on through? Have you asked yourself: Just what is the correct meaning of the words God, Spirit, Almighty, Absolute, and Self-Existent Cause? You would be amazed at how many people do not go to the Science of Mind Textbook Glossary for the correct interpretation of meaning in Dr. Holmes's intentions in choosing these particular words. Well today, you're in Luck. We have them neatly organized below which you may access by clicking on the > to the left of each word.
GOD
The First Cause, the Great I Am, the Unborn One, the Uncreated, the Absolute or Unconditioned, the One and Only. Spirit, or the Creative Energy which is the cause of all visible things. Love, Wisdom, Intelligence, Power, Substance, Mind. The Truth which is real, the Principle which is dependable.
SPIRIT
God, within Whom all spirits exist. The Self-Knowing One. The Conscious Universe. The Absolute. Spirit in man is that part of him which enables him to know himself. That which he really is. We do not see the spirit of man any more than we see the Spirit of God. We see what man does; but we do not see the doer.
We treat of Spirit as the Active and the only Self-Conscious Principle. We define Spirit as the First Cause or God; the Universal I AM. The Spirit is Self-Propelling, It is All; It is Self-Existent and has all life within Itself. It is the Word and the Word is volition. It is Will because It chooses. It is Free Spirit because It knows nothing outside Itself, and nothing different from Itself. Spirit is the Father-Mother-God because It is the Principle of Unity back of all things. Spirit is all Life, Truth, Love, Being, Cause and Effect, and is the only Power in the Universe that knows Itself.
ALMIGHTY
Having absolute power over all.
ABSOLUTE
The Unconditioned—that which nothing can limit; that which forever transcends any conceivable limitation or determination. Unconditioned perfection. Self-Existent, Self-Sufficient. Often used as a synonym for God. Truth is absolute and remains unaffected by the opinions, desires or beliefs of men.
SELF-EXISTENT (CAUSE)
Living by virtue of its own being. Spirit is Self-Existent.
Please take the time to thoroughly integrate the meanings as given in the SOM glossary. These definitions are foundational for our understanding both consciously and subconsciously - and are key factors in eliciting from both conscious memory and subconscious knowing.
They are the keys to every successful demonstration of Spiritual Mind Treatment.
This first Belief Principle is such a beautiful "Mouthful" that it merits our time to break it into parts! Studying and Embodying these definitions will set the foundation for what is to come.
Stay tuned next week for Principle I - Part 2!
Isn't this exciting?
Rev. Lloyd
Disclaimer: The teachings and interpretations contained in this series are personal for me in my life and are not intended to represent or rewrite any of Dr. Holmes's teachings or the teachings of Centers for Spiritual Living. Any repurpose or rebroadcast of these reflections to those who would use them intelligently is highly recommended.