Editorial June 17, 1922 Issue

"The affirmations of divine Science"

Duncan Sinclair

It is characteristic of the Christian Scientist that he is sure of his position with regard to spiritual things. Before he became acquainted with the teachings of Christian Science this could not, however, be said of him: then, he was like the great majority of mankind,—God was to him what He was to the men of Athens of Paul's day,—very much the "unknown God." One of the deeply interesting features of the Christian Science movement is this assurance possessed by its members,—evidence of the fact that religion has become of tremendous importance to them, something to be lived in the daily life, that which it gives them the greatest happiness to bring before others, and whose truths they desire all men to share with them.

Now, this affirmative position is of great value. First of all, it presupposes an understanding of the fundamental truths of being. Indeed, without a correct understanding of God, as given by Christian Science, there could be no basis for an affirmative position. There might be the dogmatic repetition of beliefs; but that could never fulfill the function of demonstrable knowledge. Mrs. Eddy, in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 149), writes, "We need to understand the affirmations of divine Science, dismiss superstition, and demonstrate truth according to Christ." It is as one understands the positive truths of divine Science that he is in a position to affirm them in order to demonstrate them in the problems of life. And this demonstration means the destruction of superstition, or the erroneous beliefs of mortal mind.

Nothing can promote honesty of purpose better than spiritual understanding. He who knows, without being in doubt as to his knowledge, is bound to be mentally honest. He is in an equally strong position to declare his convictions: and his convictions being clear with regard to Truth,—and if supported by fidelity,—he cannot fail to heal the sick and sinning. The honest conviction behind one's affirmations or declarations of the truth of being is in no wise different from the faith spoken of by Jesus as that which can remove mountains of difficulty. Without it, our efforts are bound to be half-hearted, and the results obtained correspondingly meager; with it, wonders are being wrought throughout the world to-day in Christian Science in the healing of all manner of disease.

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