From the Chaplaincy

An understanding heart is open to new ideas

In the previous Bulletin, we explored the concept of an understanding heart, the inspirational theme this year at Huntingtower, and how starting from the basis that everyone is innately good, kind and intelligent helps us to better understand each other. 

The Hebrew phrase "an understanding heart" literally means a listening heart, one that's open to inspired direction. An understanding heart is one that is open to new ideas and ways of seeing things.

Jesus Christ inspired his followers to take an approach to life that is compassionate not judgmental, which made a change from older ways of thinking. Similarly, Mary Baker Eddy – the discover and founder of Christian Science – also presented alternatives to traditional notions. For example, she shared a view of God as Father-Mother rather than the traditional patriarchal concept of Deity. This forms the basis of the idea that God is the source of both male and female qualities, and that we as children of God can express any of these qualities.

In this context Mary Baker Eddy considered gender as a human concept, distinguishing between the human person defined by biology, and the spiritual person defined by qualities and ideas. These concepts challenge conventional views and can help us take a different perspective to those around us. 

We tend to distinguish between the head and the heart as guiding forces in our approach to life, but to have an understanding heart means to listen to both at the same time. An understanding heart unites love with intelligence – the two must always go together. 

The Chaplaincy Team