Editorial April 2, 1910 Issue

MAN A SPIRITUAL BEING

Annie M. Knott

There are many who criticize what they mistakenly suppose to be the teachings of Christian Science, because they have never thought of man as a spiritual being. They are accustomed to think of themselves and others as material (so far as all practical considerations go) and governed by material law, but with some chance of becoming spiritual after death. If such were really the case, these critics would undoubtedly have some grounds for their opposition to Christian Science. If it could be shown that man is material rather than spiritual, it would be logical to insist upon the use of material remedies for the cure of sickness; but before settling this question, it becomes necessary to ask what God is and what is man's relation to Him—assuming, of course, that the existence of God is admitted. This is surely a vital consideration, since Jesus said that to know God is "life eternal,"—life now and forever.

Christian Science begins its beneficent healing and redemptive work from the understanding that if man is the image and likeness of God, who is Spirit, his needs must be met spiritually,—a fact which is wholly ignored in all the medical systems. Christ Jesus surely had this in view when he counseled people to "take no thought" for the body, and when he, consistently therewith, healed "all manner of sickness and all manner of disease" without recourse to material means. That he did this by his recognition of man's spiritual, deathless nature, is implied by his entire teaching, from which a few words may be quoted. He said, "Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life.... As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me."

Christian Science shows that the spiritual man is neither sick nor sinful, and the bringing of this eternal fact to human consciousness has resulted in the most remarkable healing of disease that humanity has experienced since the days of Christ Jesus. Mrs. Eddy's teachings have enabled unnumbered thousands to lay hold upon the Master's words, and to prove that "they are spirit, and they are life,"—even as he said. If they are, will they not give life to any one who so accepts them, even though he were doomed to die, according to medical opinion?

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