Editorial December 9, 1933 Issue

Our Mental Atmosphere

W. Stuart Booth

One theory of the physiologists claims that pure air is one of the essentials to the health of mankind. And from the standpoint of belief that life is dependent upon matter and is sustained by breathing, this theory appears reasonable. In passing it may be said that it is anomalous, indeed, that anyone who has accepted this theory should deliberately befoul the air he breathes with tobacco smoke. Now Christian Scientists rightly value pure air. Christian Science teaches cleanliness because it harmonizes with and should be indicative of right, pure thinking. As Mrs. Eddy says in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 383), "We need a clean body and a clean mind,—a body rendered pure by Mind as well as washed by water."

Christian Science makes clear the fact that our mental atmosphere is of paramount, yes, vital importance, not only to our health, but also to our happiness, peace, and prosperity. This has been proved in the experience of many men and women who, after looking in vain to medicine and climatic conditions to relieve them of troubles which had been diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis or other diseases, turned to God and His law, Christian Science, and were healed. They lost their fear of and for their human bodies as they learned that God is Life, and that "in him we live, and move, and have our being," as Paul states. Some of these beneficiaries have coincidently won release from the false belief that they either desired or required tobacco and alcohol. In gaining their healing they learned the necessity of watching their thinking, that they might reject as false, unattractive, and impotent any thoughts which do not speak of God and His goodness, divine Love and its harmony, purity, and freedom.

Throughout her writings, including the Church Manual, our Leader gives specific counsel and direction regarding literal obedience to this injunction in the epistle to the Philippians: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Christian Science emphasizes the fact that each individual must learn to think as our Master would think under similar circumstances. He thought correctly about every problem which confronted him, and thus the influence of his mental activity and atmosphere was corrective and healing. Because Jesus consistently thought from the premise that God, divine Love, is the only Father or creator, he defined the devil or evil as a liar. This scientific definition was verified by Christ Jesus' works, for he proved all manifestations of evil to be falsities; he annulled sin, healed sickness, and overcame death.

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