Constructive Argument

WINSTON G. MITCHELL

Because of the preparation it requires, debating is considered a valuable training in logical thinking. This preparation involves two distinct processes: the debater must build a clear argument and be equipped to refute the arguments advanced by his opponent. If he would be successful in his efforts, he must diligently search through writings on the subject, that he may be prepared to speak with authority. Students of Christian Science may draw an interesting parallel between debate and the practical application of Christian Science.

Thus, the Christian Scientist, through careful study of the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, fills his thought with convincing truths about God and man's relationship to Him. In addition to firmly upholding the true side of the question, he must refute the arguments of the opponent—evil—and show wherein they are false, for the student learns to detect and correct every erroneous assertion of mortal mind.

Let us consider a practical illustration of constructive argument and refutation of error as applied through Christian Science. The student is acquiring the ability to discern and choose wisely between true and false attraction. In his constructive argument he must declare and maintain the facts about true attraction. On page 102 of Science and Health he may read: "There is but one real attraction, that of Spirit. The pointing of the needle to the pole symbolizes this all-embracing power or the attraction of God, divine Mind." True attraction, then, is the drawing power of God, of Spirit, Love, Mind. The prophet Jeremiah referred to this true attraction when he wrote, "The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." The attraction of immortal Mind, being all-inclusive, operates to exclude the counterattractions of so-called mortal mind.

What are some of these counterattractions? The temptation to indulge in drinking and smoking, and the alluring distraction of questionable amusements would try, like the sirens of ancient legend, to turn the student from the right course. Yet, however dazzling these distractions may seem, they cannot influence the one trained to spiritual thinking. Looking beneath the surface glitter by which mortal mind attempts to blind him, he sees that its whole case is based on falsity. Are the proffered attractions of Spirit, of Mind, of divine Love? Certainly they are not. Then they are not real, and therefore they have no power either to appeal or to disturb.

Let the student maintain that God has endowed him with pure thoughts. How does he know this? Because, as the Psalmist has said, "he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways;" and he knows that "angels" are "God's thoughts passing to man" (Science and Health, p. 581). Since no suggestions of false attraction can penetrate an armor of pure spiritual thought, the student may always find security in this God-given host of true thoughts.

Through persistent adherence to constructive arguments of the truth and faithful spiritual refutation of the disturbing assertions of mortal mind, the student of Christian Science is always assured of success. Moreover, the decision rests with God, Truth, and it is always just: "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?"

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