Article August 18, 1923 Issue

A Parallel

ERNEST E. OERTEL

A Parallel may be drawn in some ways between a student working out a problem in Christian Science and a student demonstrating a theorem in geometry. In both cases the workers have before them propositions involving definite hypotheses and conclusions. The student of geometry considers carefully the given conditions of his theorem; then by means of geometric construction and the application of certain axioms, postulates, and theorems already proved, a demonstration is completed. The Christian Science worker first considers earnestly the statements of truth bearing upon his problem. Then he takes these truths as given in his textbooks, the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings, and applies them to the particular problem under consideration. He realizes that after doing so certain logical conclusions are bound to follow. His demonstration is complete if he has really been convinced of the truth of the original proposition.

The student of geometry, studying his subject superficially, may, by memorizing an outline or formula, complete his demonstration theoretically without understanding in the least the reasoning. His learning is thus by rote; his work, merely mechanical; and so far as he is concerned, the mathematical law which he has demonstrated will not have much, if any, practical or applicative value to him. The Christian Science worker is, however, likely to be sincere in his demonstration; but even though he be earnest and conscientious in his work, he sometimes finds it difficult to establish the truth of the hypotheses before him. He believes that all the propositions of Truth written in the Christian Science textbooks are true; even as themathematical student knows that the formal theorems in his geometry text are true. In both cases the experience of multitudes of people proved the truth of those propositions before they were stated in formal writing. Taking something for granted is not difficult; but to furnish logical, convincing proof requires most consecrated effort.

The fundamental law of a proof must be understood before a proof can be demonstrated honestly and thoroughly. The student of geometry grasps the law on which his theorem is based and applies it by reason and strict application. If these fail to bring understanding, he seeks aid from his instructor. The Christian Science worker has before him, we shall say, some such proposition as this: Since God is infinite, including all power, all truth, all intelligence, it must follow that the phase of evil which is trying to disturb thought has no power, no truth, no intelligence in it. Reduced to a formula, and iterated and reiterated without serious contemplation, this proposition would mean next to nothing. It must be understood in order to be applied properly. The hypothetical part must be analyzed. If God is all-powerful, then there can be no other power. Is that statement really understood? Is its truthfulness apparent and admitted? If not, then reason, which Mrs. Eddy describes on page 327 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" as "the most active human faculty," will have to be directed along other avenues leading to conviction. It is the understanding of Truth, rather than mere affirmation, which brings healing and redemption. The understanding of God's laws and of Him as unchanging Principle destroys error of every description, even as light destroys darkness. The understanding of divine Principle means power to overcome all that is unlike God.

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A Parallel

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