Pleasure versus Popularity

VIVIAN COOTER

THROUGHOUT the world to-day, it seems, the question is uppermost, What are the young people coming to? Christian Science answers with confidence backed by the Bible promises, They are coming unto "the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ," for "they shall be all taught of God."

But some may continue to say, What of this false indulgence, these material pleasures which seem to fill the thoughts of the youth of to-day to the exclusion of things worth while? As we grasp and accept the above statement, we see that not one is going to be barred from the heavenly kingdom.

At the root of the seeming triumph of material pleasure is the old lying belief that man is separated from God; that he is growing and developing materially, and therefore must be amused, entertained, and instructed in and by matter's concomitants, sin and sensuality. This contradicts the account of the spiritual creation as "very good" in the first chapter of Genesis.

The world needs to change its concept of pleasure; for, like the material misconception of man, it is untrue. The true concept of pleasure cannot be changed; and Christian Science agrees with the Psalmist when he says, "In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." This completely destroys the fear that a child will miss a "good time" if he adheres to the things of Spirit.

The argument is sometimes advanced: Well, it may be all right for a young person to give a little attention to the serious things, but unless he follows the tendencies of mortal mind and does what others are doing his popularity is at stake and he may be avoided and left out by his friends. Sometimes parents abet their children in such mistaken views. Perhaps the restlessness and the unwise actions of youth may, in some cases, be traced to parents who have allowed themselves to believe that their children will be unpopular, or considered queer, if required to refrain from popular practices.

Let us examine this much overrated and overworked word "popular." Webster defines it in part thus: "Of or pertaining to the common people, or the whole body of the people as distinguished from a select portion. . . . Plebeian, vulgar." Our revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, says on page 330 of "Miscellaneous Writings": "Popularity, — what is it? A mere mendicant that boasts and begs, and God denies charity." In the light of these two definitions, is the state called "popular," as especially applied to society, so greatly to be desired?

The realization that man in God's likeness reflects dominion and already has his place in the mansion of spiritual consciousness destroys the thought that he is a beggar or mendicant, and needs to beg for joy and pleasure from so-called mortal mind. As he companions with right ideas of God and man and loves his neighbor as himself, he will always be furnished with everything necessary to his well-being, including friends, supply, health, and happiness.

Let our young people be taught the graces of Spirit. Let their intellects be chastened and their talents be cultivated with the best in the arts, inventions, and other studies. Then their lives will be so filled with enduring and lasting pleasures that the slightest temptation to lower their standard will be recognized as unworthy and incapable of producing real joy.

Thousands are grateful to Mrs. Eddy for establishing the Christian Science Sunday School, where children are taught the truth about God and man in a way that enables them to be obedient to the Biblical commands, and at the same time to rejoice in spontaneity at the happiness of achieving.

Perhaps some of us, too, of another generation are depending upon the gods of worldly pleasure for our enjoyment, and are not the examples we should be to the younger ones. If so, then we must awaken from such delusions. The lives of parents who are consecrated to the Cause of Truth will surely be noticed by the Children, whose ideals will be molded and improved accordingly.

Christian Science does not advocate a colorless and drab existence bereft of normal activities; nor does it limit the legitimate pleasures of childhood and youth. On the contrary, its teachings, when wisely obeyed, equip them with the capacity to excel and to delight in studies, sports, and recreation. We are told to "praise his name"; and the effort for a corrected and more spiritual sense of grace, rhythm, and melody will aid in perfecting our play, as well as our work.

Mrs. Eddy says on page 362 of "Miscellaneous Writings" that "pleasure is no crime except when it strengthens the influence of bad inclinations or lessens the activities of virtue." With this as a guide, no young person need fear that, because he is learning to conform his social life to the high standard which Christian Science teaches, he will be separated from normal, rightful enjoyment. Instead, he will be fitted to claim all that God has promised for all His offspring. This consciousness or kingdom of joy, pleasure, peace, contentment, satisfaction — yea, all that is good — is attainable here and now. Did not the Master say, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom"?

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