Article January 27, 1951 Issue

THE INDIVIDUAL AND WORLD AFFAIRS

BETTY PARROTT

The importance and power of enlightened public opinion and the responsibility of the individual voter constitute themes much emphasized in the more advanced democracies of today. Nonetheless, who has not sometimes felt helpless and ineffective in the face of the stupendous international developments of the present era? Young people may feel particularly frustrated when they view the limited range of their own activities against the rapidly moving tide of world events and may long to make some really worth-while contribution to the general welfare. The understanding of Christian Science, which rests upon the Bible, especially the words and works of Christ Jesus, qualifies one to do this.

In the first place, Christian Science reveals that the state of world affairs is not merely affected by public opinion; it is the externalized thinking of mankind, and is good or bad, harmonious or discordant, proportionately as that thinking becomes individually and collectively Christlike and God-governed or debased by the animal tendencies of blind materialism. In the second place, Christian Science reveals that in the world around us, that is, in our consciousness of existence, only that which expresses or reflects God—Spirit, Principle, Love—is real, true, or living. Anything that appears evil or material must therefore be illusion, the sometimes very plausible but always lying denial of God and His spiritual universe, including man.

From this it clearly follows that we do not have to embark upon the heart-rending, exhausting, and wholly impossible task of making a naughty world good. Our part is always that of quietly, faithfully, and persistently so claiming and accepting that Mind which was in Christ Jesus that we come to realize ever more clearly the illusive nature of materiality and to demonstrate the substantiality and reality of that which expresses Life, Truth—God. Whether our place seems to be at the kitchen sink, on the land, at the office desk, or in the conference hall, we can do our part to reflect the spiritual discernment which alone can dispel the illusions of material sense and reveal the ever-present harmony and perfection of the kingdom of heaven.

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"WHY WILL YE DIE?"
January 27, 1951
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