Article February 9, 1924 Issue

The Real and the Unreal

GEORGE A. MAGNEY

The student of Christian Science is early impressed with the clear and positive distinction that is shown to exist between the real and the unreal. In no other line of investigation has this distinction been so logically set forth. We seldom give the subject serious consideration until we begin the study of Christian Science, but we soon learn that a correct understanding of reality is of vital importance to the whole human family. We may have found it difficult to harmonize our preconceived ideas relative to the importance of matter and the material world with the teachings of Christian Science on this subject, but if we continue the study we shall find there is no escape from Mrs. Eddy's reasoning.

At a time when materialism was fast finding favor with Christians and scholars, Mrs. Eddy declared that God is Spirit and the only cause or creator. She also declared that God is Life and Love, and that He creates nothing unlike Himself. Having learned these truths, we have no difficulty in distinguishing the real from the unreal. We then understand that everything spiritual and good must be real; while everything material and evil must be unreal, thus differing from our educational systems which teach the reality of matter, that man is mortal and material, and that life and intelligence are dependent upon matter.

Because of this false teaching, the question of evil has always been a disturbing factor in human experience. Mortals have usually regarded evil as a reality, and have tried to account for it in some rational way. It has sometimes been attributed to God, and sometimes to a power opposed to God. The problem of evil has thus always hung like a pall over the human race. What it is, where it comes from, and how to get rid of it have been subjects of study and discussion throughout the ages. If we believe God to be responsible for evil, then we must concede that it is rightfully here, and must be endured. If we believe that evil is created by a power opposed to God, then again we have no hope of escape; for if there be such a power, God is not supreme and the only creator, and can afford us no relief.

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