Generic Man

Photo courtesy of Blake Lasater

A friend on the west coast wrote a note in return, shortly after reading last night’s daily message on connectivity. She is glad to have been introduced to the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, but wondered why her sentence structure couldn’t be more inclusive. The quote which caused her to comment was this: “Mankind will become perfect in proportion as this fact becomes apparent, war will cease and the true brotherhood of man will be established.” I fully understand her chagrin, as certain words and terms have “set my teeth on edge” from numerous spiritual writings. After pondering alternative wording the past few hours, I honestly cannot think of anything that sounds as beautifully inclusive. If we are truly all One, (as we are trying to understand)any different wording would cause even more division among humankind. Perhaps it’s the years of studying to give up belief, but I truly think of “mankind” as a generic term, along with the word “man”. In order to include all so-called races and genders, some changes in thinking are needed. And let it begin with me …

“Here are we one, looking with perfect gentleness upon each other and on ourselves. Here all thoughts of any separation between us become impossible. You who were a prisoner in separation are now made free in Paradise. And here would I unite with you, my friend, my brother and my Self.”
—A Course in Miracles T-20.III.10:4-7

“Masculine, feminine, and neuter genders are human concepts. In one of the ancient languages the word for man is used also as the synonym of mind. This definition has been weakened by anthropomorphism, or a humanization of Deity. The word anthropomorphic, in such a phrase as ‘an anthropomorphic God,’ is derived from two Greek words, signifying man and form, and may be defined as a mortally mental attempt to reduce Deity to corporeality. The life-giving quality of Mind is Spirit, not matter. The ideal man corresponds to creation, to intelligence, and to Truth. The ideal woman corresponds to Life and to Love. In divine Science, we have not as much authority for considering God masculine, as we have for considering Him feminine, for Love imparts the clearest idea of Deity.”
—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 516:29-14