Editorial May 11, 1912 Issue

DENIAL AND AFFIRMATION

Annie M. Knott

Students of Christian Science are sometimes asked by others who are interested in the subject, whether they place greater emphasis upon denial or upon affirmation in their Science work. This question is hardly a proper one, as it seems to indicate a belief that a certain method may be followed in all cases, irrespective of the conditions to be dealt with. Some even argue that the denial might be dispensed with altogether, on the ground that affirmation or declaration of the all-inclusiveness of divine Truth covers every question which may present itself. This is of course true in the final sense, but its full import is not reached without many earnest strivings to rise above the human belief in the reality and inevitableness of material conditions. It is therefore unwise to expect that the same method can be followed in every case in the working out of our human problems, as this would lead to dependence upon a formula, and give the letter of Science precedence over the spirit. This should not, however, be taken to mean that the letter is unimportant; indeed a better acquaintance with the letter of Science and Health would in most cases prevent the mistake of substituting one's partial and immature views for the comprehensive statements of our text-book, which are carefully drawn from the teachings of Christ Jesus.

It is true that at certain stages of the student's own un-foldment, the denial of error may seem more effective than the affirmation of the truth, and it is equally true that in the treatment of some cases, even by an advanced worker, the denial will to a large extent be the best weapon, but one individual's practice should not be made the basis of another's work. Each worker should go direct to Principle, and then study carefully the broad and impersonal teachings of Science and Health in conjunction with the Scriptures. It should never be forgotten that a denial of error, if rightly understood by the one making it, is in substance a declaration of God's allness, of the supremacy of good, while an affirmation of the allness of God, made with spiritual understanding, is a two-edged sword to every phase of error.

The mental and moral state of the one addressed must, however, be taken into account, as well as that of the demonstrator of the truths of Christian Science. We should "examine" ourselves, as St. Paul counsels, and see whether there is not in our mortal consciousness a large element of belief in materiality. If this is so, it must be denied and cast out. We read that Peter once took offense at the uncovering of error by the Master, and that he received a merited rebuke, which was followed by the general statement, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

DENIAL AND AFFIRMATION

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access