Article September 13, 1947 Issue

EXPRESSING MANHOOD

RALPH CASTLE

Manhood , humanly speaking, is a state to be attained by the passing of time. We speak of one who has arrived at years of discretion, or who has shown evidence of possessing dependable qualities of character, as manly. To reach this maturity, according to mortal belief, the human being must go through the process of growing. Commencing this experience as a helpless infant, he must gradually, often painfully, grow up.

Spiritually perceived, however, manhood relates to the expression of Godlike, or spiritual, qualities and the exercise of dominion over material conditions through spiritual understanding. Growth in God-likeness does not relate either to years or to gender.

One unfamiliar with the Christian Scientist's use of the word man may think reference is made to a human being. A definition of terms is desirable, therefore, and for this we turn to the Holy Bible. Man, the Scriptures record, is made in the image and likeness of God (see Gen. 1:26, 27). Since the Scriptures inform us that God is Spirit, man must be spiritual. We also read that God made all, and that He pronounced everything to be good—including man. Consequently, man knows only good, expresses or reflects only good, for the image or reflection resembles in every respect that which it reflects.

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