Article August 4, 1934 Issue

True Objective in Christian Science Healing

JOHN W. E. GILHESPY

Christian science heals the sick, but the prime object of such healing is not to make one contented and happy in the flesh. The true objective is to replace materialistic beliefs with spiritual ideas. Should an expected healing be delayed, it may be well to ask one's self what one's object is in desiring healing, and what one intends to do after one has been healed through Christian Science. Does one merely desire the replacement of fear, pain, and disease by so-called ease in the flesh? Having obtained physical healing, does one intend thereafter to follow one's own plans and the same objective as before the healing experience?

Such a desire and intention might prevent healing, and so they must be corrected. "Ye ask, and receive not," wrote James, "because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts;" and after quoting these words Mrs. Eddy says on page 10 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures": "That which we desire and for which we ask, it is not always best for us to receive. In this case infinite Love will not grant the request." Even human wisdom bids us not to grant a child's request for something that we know would be to its disadvantage. It must, then, be clearly realized that in connection with the healing work in Christian Science both one's objective and one's intention should be correct. There is a scientific answer to the question, "What is my object in wanting to be healed?" And desire must conform to it in order that healing may be experienced.

With every Christian Scientist there comes a time when he is called upon to recognize and assent to the true significance of Christian Science healing. That significance is explained in the following extract form page 150 of Science and Health: "The mission of Christian Science now, as in the time of its earlier demonstration, is not primarily one of physical healing. Now, as then, signs and wonders are wrought in the metaphysical healing of physical disease; but these sings are only to demonstrate its divine origin,—to attest the reality of the higher mission of the Christ-power to take away the sins of the world." From this it will be seen that the true objective in Christian Science healing is not the mere giving of physical comfort, but the elimination of all erroneous thinking and doing.

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