Editorial June 24, 1905 Issue

Scientific Accuracy

Annie M. Knott

THERE are few who question that physical science, so-called, has rendered its best service to the world in encouraging a scientific habit of thought,—in teaching the necessity for the careful examination of all evidence submitted, and in requiring accuracy of statement. Those who accept Christian Science soon learn that no less accuracy is demanded in the study and demonstration of this vast subject which introduces the learner to the realm of infinite Mind. its phenomena and laws. St. Paul says, "When I was a child I spoke as a child, . . . I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things," The student of Christian Science may look back to the time when, in child-like ignorance, he thought and spake of materiality as if it were real and intelligible; later, when he had become acquainted with the Truth of being, he put away his false and unsatisfying concepts. He found that it was necessary to acquire scientific, and therefore accurate habits of thought and expression, and learned to measure another's degree of understanding by the clearness of his statements as well as by his demonstrations in living the truth.

In many instances, however, old beliefs seek expression, showing that they have not been wholly "put away," replaced by the truth about God and man. One of the most tenacious of these errors is the universal belief of mortal mind in the fall of man. Students of Christian Science would be startled were they charged with holding any such theory, but it is surprising how often incorrect statements are made by them, especially when they attempt to employ illustrations which are drawn from the physical world, or any of its phenomena. They try to explain that things which do not express divine Principle were once all right, but are now all wrong, and that the all-rightness may be restored by claiming rightness for it. Such a belief will not bear analysis, and it is not in line with the teachings of our text-book, which sets forth Christian Science scientifically,—with such discrimination of statement that inaccuracy on the part of the learner is without excuse. In divine Science it is never less than perfect Principle expressed in perfect idea,—perfect God and a perfect creation, including man. Christian Science teaches that the divine Mind is eternally conscious of perfection and nothing less. God's man is His reflection, and since God has never lost an iota of his perfection, man, as God's reflection, can never have fallen. Purity is eternally pure, goodness eternally good, Love is never other than loving and lovable.

It would be well for all who attempt to speak or write on this subject to study carefully the statements found on page 476, of Science and Health, especially lines 14 to 18, and 32 to 4 next page. This will aid in correcting the too common error of thought, that it is possible to see the perfect man in the imperfect, or God's likeness in mortality. Science reveals none other than the true man who is the likeness of Spirit.

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