Article August 2, 1930 Issue

Laying Down False Burdens

[Original article in German]

MARGARETE HILDEBRAND

DESPITE the wonderful simplicity of the teachings of Christian Science, the truth of which is to-day being proved by great numbers of people, one sometimes hears the question asked, with an undertone of despair, "Why do I not get my healing?" Yet it is evident that what has proved itself to be practical in some cases can certainly be proved so in every case through an understanding of divine Principle and obedience to its rules. But since here it is a question of the Science of God, and of man's relationship to God, we may have to reckon with a difficulty which is not always clearly recognized.

Through his education or his own outlook, almost everyone has built up for himself a concept of Deity which does not correspond with reality. This concept has rooted itself deep in his consciousness and is closely associated with all his thoughts and feelings; and until, through true perception, his knowledge rests on the right foundation, there will exist much confusion and contradiction, which hinder practical progress.

Jesus once placed a child in the midst of his questioning disciples with the specific admonition, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." It may be that, for many, the door is thus opened for the answer to the question, "Why do I not get my healing?" True, it is a very simple rule, to "become as little children;" but the way which leads to this goal is straight and narrow, and this may be the reason why some do not readily reach the solution of their problems. The adult may not find the thought of having to become as a little child an agreeable one, because mortal selfhood does not willingly surrender its assumed greatness. It is disinclined to give up its knowledge in favor of the simple truth taught in Christian Science and to confess, with regard to material false beliefs, that "this wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish." Since, however, the process of healing in Christian Science rests upon the transformation of thought, this confession must necessarily precede all progress. On pages 323 and 324 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," our dear Leader, Mrs. Eddy, encourages us as follows: "Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea." We need this willingness of a little child in order to understand and to prove Christian Science in its simplicity.

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