Article October 26, 1946 Issue

The Meaning of Demonstration

RUTH THURMAN MYRA

Demonstration is a key word in the study and application of Christian Science because demonstration, according to the Master's summary, evidences true Christianity. He said (Mark 16:17, 18): "These signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

This statement by the master Christian indicated that the Christian faith demands more than passive acquiescence in its teachings; it calls for the demonstration of living, dynamic power. But for many centuries the human family has largely contented itself with the substitution of ritual for the signs which should follow the worshipers of God.

Not until the discovery of Christian Science by Mary Baker Eddy, with its premise of perfect God and perfect man, and her pronouncement of its purpose—to reestablish primitive Christianity—were the works of the early Christians generally attempted, much less approximated. A dictionary defines "demonstration" as "a process of ... reasoning such as leads to an absolutely certain conclusion." How famished was and is poor humanity for the "absolutely certain conclusion" that results from the understanding of Spirit, God.

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