Article November 22, 1941 Issue

Denial and Affirmation

HAL B. WASHBURN

How much consideration should be given to the denial of error in the metaphysical work of a student of Christian Science, and the relation of such denial to the affirmation of Truth, are sometimes questions which come to the beginner in the study and application of Christian Science.

That denial of error has an important place in the practice of Christian Science is evidenced by these words of our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 391): "Mentally contradict every complaint from the body, and rise to the true consciousness of Life as Love,—as all that is pure, and bearing the fruits of Spirit." To this she adds on the next page: "The physical affirmation of disease should always be met with the mental negation. Whatever benefit is produced on the body, must be expressed mentally, and thought should be held fast to this ideal." Mrs. Eddy has taught us clearly, however, that we do not heal merely by denial of error, but by the realization of the truth that God is perfect, and that man is His image and likeness, which fact of real being is the basis for the denial of error in every form.

Adverse circumstances may sometimes seem to present deep and difficult problems. Students soon learn, however, that by prompt and steadfast exercise of the spiritual understanding which they have gained through their study of Christian Science, they can overcome the temptation to accept these aggressive mental suggestions, and rise to that altitude of spirituality where the experiences are seen, not as problems that are unsolvable, but as opportunities to demonstrate the omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence of God. What to mistaken human sense seems a trial, Truth reveals to be a blessing, a steppingstone to higher realms of thinking.

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