Editorial June 21, 1947 Issue

Some Thoughts on "Obtrusive Mental Healing"

John Randall Dunn

Treatment in Christian Science is a very sacred thing. It differs from every known medical or humanly conceived modus of dealing with disease. The Christian Scientist comes with prayer to those needing his ministrations; and because the results of this healing prayer are so far-reaching, mentally as well as physically, it is essential in the vast majority of cases that the patients be aware they are being treated and be in full accord with this treatment.

In her book "Retrospection and Introspection," the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, writes (p. 71): "Promiscuous mental treatment, without the consent or knowledge of the individual treated, is an error of much magnitude. People unaware of the indications of mental treatment, know not what is affecting them, and thus may be robbed of their individual rights,—freedom of choice and self-government."

Suppose a well-meaning Christian Scientist hears that a friend is in a hospital undergoing a medical or surgical treatment of his choice, and then suppose that this Scientist decides that he should give some help in Christian Science to this friend—such help, of course, being unannounced and unasked for. Is he not willfully trespassing on his friend's mental precincts? In another of her works, "Miscellaneous Writings," in a striking article entitled "Obtrusive Mental Healing," Mrs. Eddy makes these definite statements (p. 282): "When you enter mentally the personal precincts of human thought, you should know that the person with whom you hold communion desires it."

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Editorial
Hear and Obey
June 21, 1947
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit