Editorial June 6, 1936 Issue

The Problem of Being

Violet Ker Seymer

In general human experience, a problem is regarded as an unsolved difficulty; but this word has different meanings. A problem in Euclid, for instance, calls for correct calculations and the avoidance of mistakes through the application of given rules. These rules are exact and impartial in their action, and they are to be exactly applied. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy writes (p. 329), "To be discouraged, is to resemble a pupil in addition, who attempts to solve a problem of Euclid, and denies the rule of the problem because he fails in his first effort."

The inspiring problem which Christian Scientists face with confidence and gratitude is the working out of harmony and perfection through obedience to God's beneficent laws. This working out of the problem of perfection clears human thought of self-condemnation and despair because "it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." In this "good pleasure" there is no displeasure, no discouragement, no failure.

The problem of health is worked out in Christian Science from the standpoint of Spirit, not matter. The need for radical reliance in this respect is thus emphasized by our Leader in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 333): "Where art thou, O mortal! who turnest away from the divine source of being,—calling on matter to work out the problem of Mind, to aid in understanding and securing the sweet harmonies of Spirit that relate to the universe, including man?" The "problem of Mind" has nothing to do with matter or material sense. Again and again we should remind ourselves that, primarily, it is not some physical condition we are facing, but an opportunity to prove that man is not material but spiritual, not impure but pure, not diseased but whole, not weak but strong, not bound but free. This true sense of our problems means that we are working it out from the basis of spiritual perfection through full reliance on God and with joyous perseverance. In the working out of this exalted problem we find the way of deliverance from sin, suffering, and death, the way of substance, health, and immortality.

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