Article March 23, 1940 Issue

Impersonalizing Evil

ROY N. SPRINGER

Students of Christian Science who are making its teachings practical in their daily experience, are grateful for "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. They realize that this textbook contains rules for the correct solution of every conceivable problem which besets mankind, and that through its study they become more spiritual and better able to overcome the difficulties that arise. They also learn their true status as sons of God, reflecting the abundance of God's bounteous kingdom.

Two students of Christian Science were away from their homes on a business trip. One of the students developed a severe pain in his legs and feet. From past experience he knew he was suffering from what is called rheumatism. He appealed to his friend for help in Christian Science. His friend began reading to him from Science and Health, and on page 71 found the following enlightening statements: "Evil has no reality. It is neither person, place, nor thing, but is simply a belief, an illusion of material sense." After discussing these statements, the friend asked the sufferer if he was thinking correctly about everyone. After some consideration the latter said: "I received a letter from home yesterday which caused me to feel resentful toward another, and this surely is the cause of my trouble. I have been giving an abiding place to evil. But thank God for the uncovering! for I shall at once replace this erroneous belief with true and loving thoughts." Within a short time the sufferer was relieved of pain, and rejoiced in the lesson he had learned in the practical application of our beloved Leader's teachings.

When Mrs. Eddy said that evil "is neither person, place, nor thing," she took from evil the only abiding place it could ever seem to have. When we understandingly know this fundamental fact, we strip evil of its ability to deceive us into believing that it has power to be or to do anything.

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