Article October 3, 1903 Issue

The Significance of the True Denial

KATE SWOPE

There is much general misunderstanding regarding the use of the term "deny" in Christian Science. This word is often misconstrued as meaning a general non-recognition of evil, a sort of nonchalant waving aside of all that is not pleasant and pleasing, a complete overlooking of things that should be remedied and eradicated; but it is a mistaken idea that Christian Scientists deal with evil as imaginary. They know that evil is real to mortal mind, very real indeed. They recognize that evil thought precedes evil action, therefore they strike at the root of evil rather than at its branches, and this process must of necessity give their efforts a superior power of destruction. They recognize that wicked thoughts are "the tares, . . . the children of the wicked one; the enemy that sowed them is the devil." Their destructive process is mental and spiritual, and it is aimed at sin, evil, or devil.

Christian Science offers a most practical, scientific, process for the destruction of evil because it works at the cause of evil, rather than the effect. Christian Science stands for the highest civilization of our times, for the greatest mental and spiritual culture of the day. It is attractive to, and draws within its ranks, a body of people largely characterized by progressiveness, intelligence, and such rugged mental courage as is necessary to the pioneer in every form of advancement. Christian Scientists, more than others, desire to root out all evil, to advance civilization and progress, and to lift men above a low physical, mental, and moral plane of living. Christian Science does not mean apathetic non-recognition of suffering, — a refusal to consider a remedy for evil, — far from it; its denials are fraught with sympathetic power. It is because of our great love for humanity, because of our sympathy for those who suffer as we once suffered, that we wish to employ the most enlightened means in their behalf.

We know divine Mind to be all power, and we try to reflect that power in behalf of others. Our means are remedial, because Mind is operative. The world is full of human helpfulness, but the age of spiritual helpfulness has come with Christian Science. We silently give the cup of cold water in Christ's name, in the name of, or the authority of, the spiritual declarations of the Christ-truth.

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