Editorial November 6, 1937 Issue

Disposition or Temperament

George Shaw Cook

That which is ordinarily referred to as disposition or temperament is supposed to be influenced by heredity, training, education, environment, circumstances, and so forth. For example, one is said to have inherited a good disposition, another a bad temper, and still another a moody or variable temperament. Some are supposed to be temperamentally stolid, others emotional; some serene; others excitable. Frequently, an unpleasant thing that some person says or does is excused on the ground that it is because of his disposition. Much strange and erratic conduct is charged to "artistic temperament." Sometimes disposition or temperament is used as a cover for selfishness; sometimes, as an excuse for moral turpitude or sin.

That the mortal characteristics which are supposed to constitute the disposition of a person may be played upon and influenced by aggressive mental suggestion is indicated by Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, in her article "Ways that are Vain" (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 211). She says, "Animal magnetism fosters suspicious distrust where honor is due, fear where courage should be strongest, reliance where there should be avoidance, a belief in safety where there is most danger; and these miserable lies, poured constantly into his mind, fret and confuse it, spoiling that individual's disposition, undermining his health, and sealing his doom, unless the cause of the mischief is found out and destroyed." But she also points out (ibid., p. 213) that the "natural fruits of Christian Science Mind-healing are harmony, brotherly love, spiritual growth and activity."

Christian Scientists are learning that they cannot be victimized by what is humanly called disposition. On the contrary, they can demonstrate their freedom from this belief by holding firmly to the fact that man's real character is determined by God, divine Principle. Only that which characterizes the divine nature is reflected by spiritual man, who is the image and likeness of God. This divine nature is always and altogether good. It does not fluctuate or vary, and is never in the least degree eccentric. The Apostle Peter wrote, "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, ... whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature."

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