Editorial July 14, 1928 Issue

Right Normality

Ella W. Hoag

Mankind is talking much in these times of normalcy or normality. To-day there is a general trend in human thought towards the desire for that which men call normal and right in all things. As a rule they have considered normal conditions to be those which result in a pleasant sense of harmony, with consequent peaceful effects; and they are striving to bring about such conditions in human affairs. They are, however, attempting to do this largely through the contemplation of what consentaneous human opinion has denominated as natural and humanly satisfactory; and because they have not always recognized the varied meanings of the term "natural," there has been more or less confusion in their efforts.

In order to think lucidly on this subject it must be realized that there is a definite distinction between the divine and the so-called human nature; between that which is spiritually natural and that which claims to be materially so. It must also be recognized that normality refers to that which is worked out according to rule; hence, a clear line must be drawn between what Spirit decrees as naturally normal and what human belief claims to be so, if a positive rule is to be followed. In other words, divine Mind counts as normal all that results from and is in accordance with its own perfect, harmonious laws, while mortal mind may claim that to be natural and normal which is worked out in line with its material and shifting beliefs.

Christian Scientists are often heard voicing the desirability of leading what they are pleased to call a normal life. Unless they are carefully on guard they may easily be betrayed thereby into accepting and following many and devious paths. They may even be led into such pursuit of human means and methods as shall ere long turn them sadly astray from the straight and narrow path of Spirit. To allow human nature to dictate as to what is true normality is often to drop one into the very "gall of bitterness" and into "the bond of iniquity." Since that is truly normal which is natural to divine Mind, the one and only real cause, the only way one may understand the right must be to understand divine Mind. And when one understands that Mind and loves it and lives in obedience to it, he will of necessity do those things which are natural and normal to Mind. As one comprehends and reflects man's true nature, the nature of Spirit, he will naturally do that which is truly normal.

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