Editorial March 3, 1923 Issue

Overcoming Fear

Albert F. Gilmore

An important sign of the times is the general recognition of the evil effects of fear upon health and happiness, and of the consequent need to overcome it. From the pulpit and the press, from the platform and the school, there are going forth messages urging elimination of this baneful enemy of mankind, in order to insure harmony, prosperity, and well-being. Literature is being searched to find the pronouncements of great men of the past relative thereto, and a statement from a Roman emperor or an early Christian Father, from a Franciscan monk or an American philosopher, corroborative of the soundness of the anti-fear crusade, is hailed with enthusiasm.

Students of Christian Science are agreed that this is a movement in the right direction, a most encouraging sign that the trend of events is upward and onward. But it is observed with something of wonderment that, while no emphasis is spared in making clear the grave necessity of banishing fear, yet no one offers a practical means whereby this desirable end may be attained. To tell one he must not be afraid, without making clear how he may gain his release, is of little value. Is not the case somewhat analogous to that of declaring the urgent need to banish ill health, while giving no sign as to the means of healing disease?

Christian Scientists have no doubt as to the source of this general movement to overcome fear. The half century since Mrs. Eddy gave to the world her discovery, with its definite teaching as to the serious effects of fear and the need of its destruction, has witnessed the acceptance of her point of view in a measure that has stimulated this determined and ever widening campaign against one of mankind's greatest foes—corrosive and restricting fear. Christian Science serves a threefold purpose in promoting this desirable activity. It not only makes clear the seeming cause of fear and explains its effects, but also furnished a complete remedy for its healing.

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