Article August 22, 1942 ISSUE

Joy

ANNE ELIZABETH JENKINS

It is no easy matter to be joyous when human affairs go all wrong, but joy is at the very heart of Christian Science. The orthodox churches commemorate at their communion service the last sorrowful supper Jesus ate with his disciples. Christian Scientists celebrate the joyful morning meal on the shore of the Galilean Sea. The orthodox Christian stresses martyrdom and the blessedness of suffering, looking for complete joy only as a far-off attainment in a far-off heaven. Christian Science glories in the present joy of overcoming suffering. Mrs. Eddy's writings are aglow with such words as joy, bliss, gladness. She cites the words of the Rev. Dr. Talmage (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 117), "'There are wit, humor, and enduring vivacity among God's people.'"

Mrs. Eddy bases her insistence on joy on Jesus' teachings and life. Jesus, who has been called the "man of sorrows," said of himself, "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." Happiness is wholly a mental condition, not dependent upon persons or things. And since God is the only Mind, happiness comes from our spiritual oneness with divine Mind. Christian Scientists accept this and endeavor to reduce it to practice.

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