Editorial April 28, 1928 Issue

On the Handling of Error

Albert F. Gilmore

On page 334 of "Miscellaneous Writings" Mrs. Eddy answers the question, "Why do Christian Scientists treat disease as disease, since there is no disease?" in these words: "This is done only as one gives the lie to a lie; because it is a lie, without one word of Truth in it. You must find error to be nothing: then, and only then, do you handle it in Science." This passage contains a message of great importance to all workers in Christian Science—the necessity, the paramount necessity, of knowing error to be nothing; for only as it is thus recognized is it scientifically handled.

The temptation, and likewise the tendency, commonly confronting Christian metaphysicians undoubtedly is to accept in some degree, at least, as real the false testimony presented by the so-called physical senses; and, accepting it thus, to believe that their work consists in transforming something which is imperfect into a state of perfection. This attitude leads directly away from true scientific practice, controverts our Leader's explicit teachings, and obstructs demonstration.

What is the remedy? To be positive in our understanding that there is no sick or discordant person to be healed; that is, no imperfect mortal to be made into a perfect mortal. Man, God's handiwork, is perfect now and perfect forever. When this fact is grasped in its fullness, healing is accomplished. When the spiritual truth is revealed, the error, whatever its claim as to form and nature, is destroyed. The temptation it seems, is very great to accept false sense testimony as true, to accept its presentments as reliable. Paul recognized this when he characterized the false claim about man, that he is mortal and material, as the old man, which is to be put off, discarded for the new; that is, for the newly revealed man, spiritual and perfect.

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