Editorial July 7, 1945 Issue

Mental Work for the World

John Randall Dunn

In The Christian Science Monitor of March 20, 1945. there appeared an article on the editorial page which was at once timely and thought provoking. It was called "The Period of Rebuilding." The writer drew a graphic picture of the desolation and chaos facing postwar Europe, of the staggering problem of physical and mental rebuilding which confronts humanity, and then added: "How shall we restore the spirit of man? How can we replace fear with trust, hatred with respect or affection? There is only one way. It is to know the truth about man and to apply it. The truth about man is that he is the son of God.... We have to live brotherhood, to live good will."

At this hour when all progressive, right-minded persons, in uniform or out are backing up the great undertaking of halting and destroying the war-mongering of the carnal mind, let those of us who are holding the line on the home front heed this challenging call. Let us awake to the realization that this is our war, and that every righteous thinker should be, and in fact is, in it. The Christian Scientist especially knows that his duty is only half done when he has contributed from his store of money and human service. His all-important task and privilege lies in the spiritually mental realm. Ringing in his ears must ever be the injunction of his Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, contained in her Message to The Mother Church for 1900 (p. 2), "The song of Christian Science is, 'Work—work— work—watch and pray.'"

Sometimes an inquirer says: "I hear you Christian Scientists talking about your 'mental work.' What does that mean? "Mental, or metaphysical, work in Christian Science is the student's activity in watching his thinking and striving to keep it allied with the divine Principle, Love. Like a sentry in an army, the student does mental work when he is on the alert to detect the approach of an enemy and through the power of divine Truth and Love, to challenge and halt the intruder. He demands of every thought, every concept drawing near his mental front, a password. Is the thought which is seeking admission one of hope, selfless love, justice? Is it constructive, upbuilding, productive of strength and courage? If so, it wears the livery of Mind's ideas, and is welcome; but if it comes accoutered in the trappings of fear, of hate, of sensualism, no admittance! The father of such beliefs is the carnal mind, which Paul denominates "enmity against God" (Rom. 8:7).

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