Editorial June 19, 1926 Issue

Right Contention

Albert F. Gilmore

Contention for what they hold to be worthy and desirable is a common experience of mortals. In its effort to establish itself as real and to maintain its seeming identity, the so-called mortal mind is constantly striving for place and power, constantly seeking for recognition and approval. Since this effort is based wholly upon an erroneous foundation, selfishness, that is, the belief in material selfhood as real, it is accompanied by much contention, by constant struggle and strife. In consequence of this tendency, mortals spend much time and energy in activities which are of no aid in gaining the truth about God and man, the truth which destroys the bonds of materiality.

Instead of progressing Spiritward, through placing their efforts on the side of materiality mortals hold to the seeming reality of evil beliefs, beliefs which finally must be overcome and destroyed. In view of this, our Leader, writing of "Misdirected contention" in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 380), says, "Contending for the evidence or indulging the demands of sin, disease, or death, we virtually contend against the control of Mind over body, and deny the power of Mind to heal." And she likens this situation to a case where a defendant argues in favor of a verdict for the plaintiff, that is, for a decision in favor of his opponent. Manifestly, such contention can be productive of no good results, yet how frequently do mortals indulge this illogical course!

Whenever we affirm, argue for, or agree with that which is unreal, that is, which is not from God, and hold as true that which is false, we are acting the part of a defendant who argues for the plaintiff. We are establishing in consciousness as fact that of which we would be rid, because of its unreality, because it is no part of God's bestowal upon man. Under misapprehension mortals contend for honor and fame in the mistaken belief that thereby good may be gained, some advantage be obtained over their fellows, some advantage out of which they may profit. Under the stress of self-seeking, strife becomes rampant and tumult and turmoil prevail in place of that serenity and peace which invariably characterize the atmosphere of the infinite and perfect Mind, which is God. How contrary is this condition of contention to that heavenly state of which our Leader writes on page 506 of Science and Health, "The calm and exalted thought or spiritual apprehension is at peace"! Where God is, peace and serenity invariably reign.

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